Vacation before marriage, but she has a Tourist Visa

[baccusboy 0]

Hi,

My girlfriend and I are living in Korea. She is Korean, and I am American. We are talking of marriage later this year, or next year, but are not officially engaged. We have dated about 1 1/2 years, and are both in our early/mid 30s. I have lived in Korea for several years.

This summer, we will travel to the USA together to meet my parents. She already has a tourist visa, and visited the USA before for work a few years back. We both have jobs in Korea (she has been with her company for 3 years) and have no financial difficulties.

We have no intention of marrying in the USA, and actually, we plan to make our lives here. Eventually, some day, we might move to the US, but it's not in the immediate plans.

My worry is that we will be stopped at the airport even though she has a legal Tourist Visa. Will they assume that we are just planning to illegally marry on the Tourist Visa and not let her in? Should we avoid each other when going through immigration upon US entry? If stopped, should she say something different other than that she is visiting my family? What is best?

Edited May 26, 2006 by baccusboy

[pax 1]

If she has a tourist visa, a significant other in Korea with strong ties to the country, and strong ties to Korea herself, I would imagine that gives her a very strong case for being admitted as a tourist. Nothing is ever 100%, but from the facts you've presented, I would not think she would have a problem.

Half the battle is getting the dang tourist visa, so if she already has it, DoS must already believe that she's not much of a threat as far as immigrant intent. Plan your vacation, equip yourselves with proof of residence and occupation in Korea, and have a wonderful time.

[Boiler 47,590]

You could use a B to go to US, marry and return.

Does no harm to make sure that you have all the evidence you need to support non immigrant intent.

If asked.