Fiancee holiday visit, need PoE advice

[MzMo1102 0]

ok ..now reading all this is starting to get me nervous ... we havent received our NOA1 yet and will be going to hawaii to meet up with fiance in less than two weeks for only 10 days so Im just going to say Im meeting up with family and friends for Thanksgiving...hope that works!

I really think you will be fine. The reason I have fears is due to the longer stay time and the job ties to home country.

My girl visited me for 3 months, was gone for 3 months, and is now returning for another 2.5 month stay. Since you are only staying for 10 days, I think it will be easy for you. I'm hoping that the fact that my fiancee was out of country for 3 months, and that its the holiday season she is returning for, will make it easier for her as well.

I was also worried about her not having any occupational ties to her home country, but I think we have resolved this, as she acts as live-in nanny for her brothers children. Her brother's gf will write her an employer/landlord letter to carry to the PoE.

She arrives late Wednesday, so I will let you all know how it goes.

I know, i dont see an issue..just got a little nervous after reading about denials at POE. Well goodluck and I hope she gets through!! Keep us posted ....

[villaspurs 65]

Spurs and I flew into Newark today--we wound up going through our separate lines, but he had no trouble at all. The border patrol guy said something to one of his colleagues about the new system (referring to how bright it is, so not useful at all from a content perspective!), so we have no idea what is going on. It didn't seem like he had any idea we have applied for this visa or that our petition is at the embassy--he just said have a nice visit.

Just to help clarify, Spurs was here for 10 days in May, a week in early October, and is here for two weeks now. He had a hard time at the POE (Cleveland) in May, but since then (through Newark) he's been totally fine. He does recommend that everyone follow the "less is more" approach to the border--answer their questions confidently and directly, and do not share any additional information. Just answer what they ask.

Good luck to all!!!

[KimandRuss 0]

Less is more is right... people are easy to read..especially when they're so nervous.

Kim and Russ, how many times did he make it successfully into the country for 90 days before he was denied entry?

Sorry i'm just getting to this now hon. Ummm lets see.. first visit was 2003... then...

2006 - april - stayed 2 weeks

2006 - kids and I moved to Aus/NZ for a bit

8/2006 - russ home with us for 90 days

12/2006 - left for a few weeks and back to the US again for 90 days

3/2007 - Russ and I to London for the weekend then back to US for 90 days

6/2007 - Russ and I to Iceland for the weekend and back to US for 90 days (close one... had to talk the officer into letting him in )

9/2007 - Russ to Dublin for the weekend... Dublin has their own US immigration.. denied entry.

So, as you can see, we really took advantage of the VWP as I was waiting a long drawn out divorce and we really just wanted to be together as much as possible. I certainly wouldn't recommend this to any one else especiallly now that they seem even more strict with the VWP guidelines and I imagine much of this will stop now that ESTA is starting.

Of course, there are those who have been denied entry for simply not having enough ties. It's really a ####### shoot but i'd say that on average most people are allowed to visit as long as they are not taking advantage of the VWP. It might be presumtuous of me to say but I think you'll be fine... as long as you dont do what we did.

[Zoe and Hal 0]

Hi

I'm so excited as I just found out I can take xmas off from work so I get to go visit Hal

I just have one question... Do I say I'm there to visit my fiance or just family/friends? I was following the thread and saw the "less is more" suggestion but to what extent? I don't want to lie but then again, I want to be sure I get in!

Thanks!!

[Stinky Monkey 1]

Hi

I'm so excited as I just found out I can take xmas off from work so I get to go visit Hal

I just have one question... Do I say I'm there to visit my fiance or just family/friends? I was following the thread and saw the "less is more" suggestion but to what extent? I don't want to lie but then again, I want to be sure I get in!

Thanks!!

I fly out christmas eve and I am going to say I am visiting my boyfriend for the holdays, I wont be nervous Jack Daniels has an amazing calming effect on me ha ha

[Zoe and Hal 0]

Hi

I'm so excited as I just found out I can take xmas off from work so I get to go visit Hal

I just have one question... Do I say I'm there to visit my fiance or just family/friends? I was following the thread and saw the "less is more" suggestion but to what extent? I don't want to lie but then again, I want to be sure I get in!

Thanks!!

I fly out christmas eve and I am going to say I am visiting my boyfriend for the holdays, I wont be nervous Jack Daniels has an amazing calming effect on me ha ha

I'm going xmas eve too! Ok, will try boyfriend. I always get so nervous going through, they're always so mean to me...

[Stinky Monkey 1]

Hi

I'm so excited as I just found out I can take xmas off from work so I get to go visit Hal

I just have one question... Do I say I'm there to visit my fiance or just family/friends? I was following the thread and saw the "less is more" suggestion but to what extent? I don't want to lie but then again, I want to be sure I get in!

Thanks!!

I fly out christmas eve and I am going to say I am visiting my boyfriend for the holdays, I wont be nervous Jack Daniels has an amazing calming effect on me ha ha

I'm going xmas eve too! Ok, will try boyfriend. I always get so nervous going through, they're always so mean to me...

hey what time and what airport, we might be there at the same time and can meet up and stress together dont start drinking till just before I land ha ha

[Zoe and Hal 0]

Hi

I'm so excited as I just found out I can take xmas off from work so I get to go visit Hal

I just have one question... Do I say I'm there to visit my fiance or just family/friends? I was following the thread and saw the "less is more" suggestion but to what extent? I don't want to lie but then again, I want to be sure I get in!

Thanks!!

I fly out christmas eve and I am going to say I am visiting my boyfriend for the holdays, I wont be nervous Jack Daniels has an amazing calming effect on me ha ha

I'm going xmas eve too! Ok, will try boyfriend. I always get so nervous going through, they're always so mean to me...

hey what time and what airport, we might be there at the same time and can meet up and stress together dont start drinking till just before I land ha ha

I usually start drinking as soon as I get on the plane, that way I sleep (pass out) the whole flight.. Maybe that's why I get all the questions as I'm so zoned out when I arrive!!

Not booked flight yet, but will definitely fly from Heathrow probably around 4ish as I have to work in the morning...You?

[Stinky Monkey 1]

Hi

I'm so excited as I just found out I can take xmas off from work so I get to go visit Hal

I just have one question... Do I say I'm there to visit my fiance or just family/friends? I was following the thread and saw the "less is more" suggestion but to what extent? I don't want to lie but then again, I want to be sure I get in!

Thanks!!

I fly out christmas eve and I am going to say I am visiting my boyfriend for the holdays, I wont be nervous Jack Daniels has an amazing calming effect on me ha ha

I'm going xmas eve too! Ok, will try boyfriend. I always get so nervous going through, they're always so mean to me...

hey what time and what airport, we might be there at the same time and can meet up and stress together dont start drinking till just before I land ha ha

I usually start drinking as soon as I get on the plane, that way I sleep (pass out) the whole flight.. Maybe that's why I get all the questions as I'm so zoned out when I arrive!!

Not booked flight yet, but will definitely fly from Heathrow probably around 4ish as I have to work in the morning...You?

Heathrow think I have to be there around 10 in the morning, shame would have been nice to meet up, if your plans change let me know

[Zoe and Hal 0]

Hi

I'm so excited as I just found out I can take xmas off from work so I get to go visit Hal

I just have one question... Do I say I'm there to visit my fiance or just family/friends? I was following the thread and saw the "less is more" suggestion but to what extent? I don't want to lie but then again, I want to be sure I get in!

Thanks!!

I fly out christmas eve and I am going to say I am visiting my boyfriend for the holdays, I wont be nervous Jack Daniels has an amazing calming effect on me ha ha

I'm going xmas eve too! Ok, will try boyfriend. I always get so nervous going through, they're always so mean to me...

hey what time and what airport, we might be there at the same time and can meet up and stress together dont start drinking till just before I land ha ha

I usually start drinking as soon as I get on the plane, that way I sleep (pass out) the whole flight.. Maybe that's why I get all the questions as I'm so zoned out when I arrive!!

Not booked flight yet, but will definitely fly from Heathrow probably around 4ish as I have to work in the morning...You?

Heathrow think I have to be there around 10 in the morning, shame would have been nice to meet up, if your plans change let me know

shame, that would've been good! will keep you posted, not booked yet so it might all change!!

[Stinky Monkey 1]

Hi

I'm so excited as I just found out I can take xmas off from work so I get to go visit Hal

I just have one question... Do I say I'm there to visit my fiance or just family/friends? I was following the thread and saw the "less is more" suggestion but to what extent? I don't want to lie but then again, I want to be sure I get in!

Thanks!!

I fly out christmas eve and I am going to say I am visiting my boyfriend for the holdays, I wont be nervous Jack Daniels has an amazing calming effect on me ha ha

I'm going xmas eve too! Ok, will try boyfriend. I always get so nervous going through, they're always so mean to me...

hey what time and what airport, we might be there at the same time and can meet up and stress together dont start drinking till just before I land ha ha

I usually start drinking as soon as I get on the plane, that way I sleep (pass out) the whole flight.. Maybe that's why I get all the questions as I'm so zoned out when I arrive!!

Not booked flight yet, but will definitely fly from Heathrow probably around 4ish as I have to work in the morning...You?

Heathrow think I have to be there around 10 in the morning, shame would have been nice to meet up, if your plans change let me know

shame, that would've been good! will keep you posted, not booked yet so it might all change!!

defo keep me posted and if you are not doing anything on Saturday night come to the x factor thread lol

[Dave_n_Genna 0]

Speaking of the ESTA...

Is this only for arriving in USA? Genna will be returning after the 1st of Jan, when it becomes mandatory.

Also, has anyone used it on the voluntary basis yet? How long does it take? We will have to use it once she gets her visa, and I dont want to buy tickets too early if the ESTA ####### takes a long time. (I really hope it doesnt take a long time... enough waiting already in this process.)

Oh, and Kim and Russ, I was also going through a divorce when Genna and I met, or this whole process would be over now and we would be together.

Its good to know that your divorce didnt affect your getting the K1 though... I was a bit worried over this as well.

I think I need to calm down... which will be much easier after Wed. if Genna gets into the USA.

Edited November 11, 2008 by Dave_n_Genna

[Ed+Cindy 1]

My fiancee does not currently have a job, as I am supporting her till the visa. However, she will have bank statement and return ticket (or at least E-ticket/Itenerary) in her hand.

I'm just going to tell her to be completely honest, and see how it goes. We have nothing to hide, and I cant imagine NZ is really high on the threat meter.

The lack of a job was one reason my fiance was denied on her B1/B2 entry attempt.

She is from NZ as well and left Auckland to travel to Europe over the (northern) summer. At the end of her trip she tried to come to the US to spend time with me. She left her job prior to traveling.

She was denied entry from Vancouver. She flew to Canada as part of her travels and I drove up to meet her in Victoria. We drove down to the US together, which was a mistake.

If your fiance is flying into San Fran or LA, I think they will have a better shot. However, they will still likely be asked about her employement and who she plans to visit here.

I'd like to think what happened to us was worst case scenario, but you never know.

Best of Luck.

[Bern. 3]

So let me get this straight, they keep track of the reasons that you claim is the reason why you entered the United States? In my situation, my fiance lives in Las Vegas. US customs has never asked me who I was going to visit or what I planned to do in the US. Its only when I came back that they asked me.

The first time I came back, I said that I was visiting a boyfriend and then the second time I stumbled a bit on my answer (I was really tired). They asked me where I went, and I said Las Vegas and they asked why, and then I was like, ''Oh, I'm sorry. I went to Las Vegas and Oklahoma for a military graduation ><.''

So my question is, do they keep records of that ):? They never pulled me aside or anything, they just let me through. I hate Canadian customs. I find them to be more strict than US customs.

I plan to visit again in December because my fiance will have time off from the military. What should I say to customs if they ask? And what documentations should I bring? I don't have rent or a mortgage. I still live with my parents and although I do assist my mother with mortgage funds...my name is not on the mortgage. So that's not an option.

Could I bring a credit card bill and banking information? Anybody with information on that. And I'm going to ask my employer for a letter of when I'm expected back tomorrow.

I've also found that if I give the customs officer my passport and itinerary, they don't give me a problem |:

Any suggestions on what papers I should bring, just in case?

(Hearing all these custom horror stories has made me paranoid.)

EDIT.

Would it be safe to say that I'm going over so we can put together the final pieces of the K-1? I unno...lol

Edited November 12, 2008 by Ber + Ter

[Ed+Cindy 1]

So let me get this straight, they keep track of the reasons that you claim is the reason why you entered the United States? In my situation, my fiance lives in Las Vegas. US customs has never asked me who I was going to visit or what I planned to do in the US. Its only when I came back that they asked me.

You are probably lucky because Vegas is such a tourist city.

The first time I came back, I said that I was visiting a boyfriend and then the second time I stumbled a bit on my answer (I was really tired). They asked me where I went, and I said Las Vegas and they asked why, and then I was like, ''Oh, I'm sorry. I went to Las Vegas and Oklahoma for a military graduation ><.''

So my question is, do they keep records of that ):? They never pulled me aside or anything, they just let me through. I hate Canadian customs. I find them to be more strict than US customs.

I have had good and bad Canadian agents. I am actually treated worse by US immigration. Since my fiance and I tried to cross together, they flagged me and are extremely hostile to me when I enter the US now.

I plan to visit again in December because my fiance will have time off from the military. What should I say to customs if they ask? And what documentations should I bring? I don't have rent or a mortgage. I still live with my parents and although I do assist my mother with mortgage funds...my name is not on the mortgage. So that's not an option.

Technically you can live with your parent's as your residence. Although that's another thing CBP gave my fiance ####### about. When I moved away from NZ, she moved back with her parents. CBP didn't like that, even though legally that's ok.

Could I bring a credit card bill and banking information? Anybody with information on that. And I'm going to ask my employer for a letter of when I'm expected back tomorrow.

I think the employer letter is the best bet.

I've also found that if I give the customs officer my passport and itinerary, they don't give me a problem |:

Any suggestions on what papers I should bring, just in case?

(Hearing all these custom horror stories has made me paranoid.)

I just think I was worse case because 1) my fiance and I had lived together for years in NZ, we were so obviously a long term couple to CBP (we have each others credit cards, personal items, etc) and 2) we crossed over land from Vancouver, which I have learned is one of the strictest and rudest Canadian/US crossings. It was a mistake for us to try to have a short visit in Victoria before coming to the US.

EDIT.

Would it be safe to say that I'm going over so we can put together the final pieces of the K-1? I unno...lol

I qoute from my lawyer on the Inspectors Field Manual the reasons you can enter as a visitor and info about residence:

(keep in mind my lawyer prepared a great case for my fiance's visit and it was still denied)

The factors that entitle an individual to entry as a visitor, as outlined in the Inspector’s Field Manual (used by CBP to evaluate whether someone should be allowed to enter), are as follows:

(1) Applicant has a residence in a foreign country, which they do not intend to abandon;

(2) Applicant intends to enter the United States for a temporary visit; and

(3) Applicant has made financial arrangements to carry out the purpose of the visit to, and departure from, the United States.

The IFM states the following purposes as acceptable for admission as a visitor:

(1) Alien coming for purposes of tourism or to make social visits to relatives or friends;

(2) Alien coming to marry a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident with the intent to return to a residence abroad soon after the marriage;

(3) Alien coming to meet the alien fiancé(e)’s family (to become engaged; to make arrangements for a wedding; or to renew a relationship with the prospective spouse).

The Foreign Affairs Manual, also referred to by CBP when determining admissibility, provides the following definitions of key terms:

“Residence” is defined as the place of general abode or the principal, actual dwelling place in fact. The applicant does not need to maintain an independent household to qualify, if they customarily reside in the household of another, and that household is the residence in fact. An applicant for admission can also show a clear intention to establish a residence in their home country after a temporary visit to the United States.

None of it did us any good, though