UK K1 applicant wants to visit fiance in USA

[jojo_gee 8]

Hi there.

Quick query...last time I went to the USA was in April but this was prior to K1 application. I know that the tourist visa has changed since (or I think it has) and that we now have to fill out a visa online like 3 days before travel. Am I making this up...did I dream this?

If not, how do I go about doing this or will I get an automatic email or something after purchasing a flight ticket?

Also, I hear a lot about peole getting refused entry while in K1 process depending on factors like what country you are visiting from etc. Coming from the UK, what are the chances of being refused entry to the USA for a holiday? That would suck and really makes me feel sick that they could do that to people. I keep telling my fiance that I can't come and visit in case this happens. We just spoke to a friend who is an attorney that deals with immigration and she thinks I shouldn't have any problems.

Any fellow Brits who have been in this situation with any advice would be a great help.

Thank you folks. xxx

[MzMo1102 0]

Hi there.

Quick query...last time I went to the USA was in April but this was prior to K1 application. I know that the tourist visa has changed since (or I think it has) and that we now have to fill out a visa online like 3 days before travel. Am I making this up...did I dream this?

If not, how do I go about doing this or will I get an automatic email or something after purchasing a flight ticket?

Also, I hear a lot about peole getting refused entry while in K1 process depending on factors like what country you are visiting from etc. Coming from the UK, what are the chances of being refused entry to the USA for a holiday? That would suck and really makes me feel sick that they could do that to people. I keep telling my fiance that I can't come and visit in case this happens. We just spoke to a friend who is an attorney that deals with immigration and she thinks I shouldn't have any problems.

Any fellow Brits who have been in this situation with any advice would be a great help.

Thank you folks. xxx

Any foreigners travelling to the US under the Visa Waiver Program are now subject to enhanced security requirements. The trial process was in effect August this year however, by January 12, 2009, it will mandatory. This system is called an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).

Coming from the UK, you shouldnt have any problems as long as you bring along any proof to ties to your home country. I will be doing the same thing as we will be filing for the K1 soon and I am going to visit my fiance in November for Thanksgiving.

Good luck!

[Big Papa Zone 93]

It's funny you know, we go weeks without a particular question being asked, and then a whole glut of them come along at once! But my first ever post on VJ pertained to the exact same thing, so allow me to answer.

With regard to your first point, no you didn't dream anything: you are refering to an Electronic System For Travel Authorization, or "ESTA" for short. This will become mandatory for all VWP travel as from January 2009. You can read a little about it here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_Sy...l_Authorization and sign up for it here http://www.dhs.gov/index.shtm (look under the "popular searches" tab on the left of the screen, and hit "ESTA."

As far as entering the U.S. using the VWP whilst waiting for your K1, just follow these simple ground rules, and it's extremely unlikely that you will encounter any problems at all:

1) Don't overstay the 90 days - this is the most important part (obviously). If you intend to visit on multuiple occasions, I personally would limit the stay to a month each time, max.

2) Don't abuse the VWP. That is to say, don't go over there, spend the full 90 days, leave the U.S. for a week, then try and get back in again!! This is asking for trouble. Once you have returned home, try to leave at least 3 months before you visit again, and in any case, try not to use the VWP any more than twice in a year. I'm not saying you will definitely be denied entry if you visit more than twice in that period, but the risk certainly increases.

3) Always make sure you are able to demonstrate strong ties to the U.K. (i.e. return plane ticket, letter from employer, rental/mortgage agreement, any HP agreements etc). This will show the immigration officer at the POE that you intend to return home after your holiday, and not try and remain. To be perfectly honest, if you follow the first two steps, you probably won't even be asked for anything more than a return ticket (I never have been) but best to be safe just in case.

I've followed the above procedures, and have come and gone without any issues at all whilst awaiting my K1. Remember, the immigration officer's computer terminal at the airport has NO RECORD of the fact that you are applying for a K1 visa. They won't know unless you tell them, and you've no need to do that. If asked why you're there (and you will be) simply be honest, and tell the immigration officer that you are there to visit your other half. The only other question I've ever been asked is "do you intend to work here" to which I of course replied, "no."

Follow that advice and you'll be just fine - have a great trip.