K-1 application

[jase7678 0]

Thank you all very much for the information.

7 years ago I spent all 90 days of a Visa Waiver working in the offices of a US client. I didn't have a work permit for that and just said to the immigration officer that I was working for a US company for as long as I legally could. That seemed to be OK, but I was only 21 at the time so maybe he gave me the benefit of the doubt??? Maybe too things have become tighter since then???

I have enough money to live comfortably for 3 months, could I use that tack, that i am living with my fiance and have no requirement to work. Could I show them a bank statement? I couldn't face getting to America only to be sent back home because I'm asking for too much.

None of these replies seem terribly promising I know I have to wait, but probably like most people on here, I can't bear to do that.

I can't really see a work visa being issued as I have no real need to be in the US. Yes, 70% of our client base is in North America so it would be easier, but it isn't exactly a requirement for us as we have managed thus far being UK based.

The idea of having to spend as much time here as there frightens me too, again I don't want to jeopardise anything.

Boiler, I do have a return ticket, but it's only 2 weeks after my arrival ticket so I'm worried if I say I want to stay for 3 months and they ask for proof of my return, I only have a ticket valid for 2 weeks. As it's a bottom of the range one, it is non-ammendable.

I'm going to take another read of all your replies and come back with more questions later. Thanks very much again.

Jason.

[happyimmigrant 0]

I wasn't thinking of applying for a working visa, essentially be there as a visitor living with my fiance but continue working for my UK employer remote office. Is that legal?

No. You will be working illegally. If you are working for ANY employer while in the US, you need appropriate visa/authority to work. You can not do work in the US that you will benefit from in any way.

If you try to enter at the POE and tell them that you will be working for your foreign employer, without having an appropriate work visa, they will deny you entry.

Actually this is a little bit of a hazy area... if they are on WVP, it works like a B2, you can do activities that are related to your foreign employer while in the US. It is not illegal to take business calls when one is in the US on holiday... This would work roughly the same way....

However, to actively look in the US for employment, with a US employer, that is definitely no permitted.

It is not a hazy area. If you are on a B2, there is a clearly defined list of things you are allowed to do - things such as attend training, seminars, trade shows, sales meetings and so on. You cannot do actual work for a client on behalf of your company. Not saying that lots of people don't, but it is not allowed officially.

[Boiler 43,645]

1. When you enter the US on the VWP you need a return ticket to leave it. I thought you would be buying a return ticket in the US and coming back to the US on it. You can buy a UK-USA-UK ticket from anywhere.

2. A basic requirement of any entry is that you have funds for your stay.

3. I mentioned my Brother, he works for the UK Subsidiary a US Parent so he is not working in the US for US Clients on his visit, he has in the past, I think he had a L Visa, not sure, long time ago.

4. Your work situation sounds much more likely to raise suspicion.

5. Having said that I have seen examples where I would have said no way will you get in, and they have. When it comes down to it is partly luck. You just need to be prepared in case you are not lucky.

[jase7678 0]

1. When you enter the US on the VWP you need a return ticket to leave it. I thought you would be buying a return ticket in the US and coming back to the US on it. You can buy a UK-USA-UK ticket from anywhere.

2. A basic requirement of any entry is that you have funds for your stay.

3. I mentioned my Brother, he works for the UK Subsidiary a US Parent so he is not working in the US for US Clients on his visit, he has in the past, I think he had a L Visa, not sure, long time ago.

4. Your work situation sounds much more likely to raise suspicion.

5. Having said that I have seen examples where I would have said no way will you get in, and they have. When it comes down to it is partly luck. You just need to be prepared in case you are not lucky.

Hi Boiler.

1. Buying a return ticket in the US was my original intention, that's why my UK return date is so rediculous. I wasn't sure if the immigration officer would like me entering without some proof of a return date.

2. Agreed.

5. That's what I figured, I wonder how much room you have for negotiation. I have nightmares of them saying go home and not listening to a word in defence.

[Boiler 43,645]

1. When you enter the US on the VWP you need a return ticket to leave it. I thought you would be buying a return ticket in the US and coming back to the US on it. You can buy a UK-USA-UK ticket from anywhere.

2. A basic requirement of any entry is that you have funds for your stay.

3. I mentioned my Brother, he works for the UK Subsidiary a US Parent so he is not working in the US for US Clients on his visit, he has in the past, I think he had a L Visa, not sure, long time ago.

4. Your work situation sounds much more likely to raise suspicion.

5. Having said that I have seen examples where I would have said no way will you get in, and they have. When it comes down to it is partly luck. You just need to be prepared in case you are not lucky.

Hi Boiler.

1. Buying a return ticket in the US was my original intention, that's why my UK return date is so rediculous. I wasn't sure if the immigration officer would like me entering without some proof of a return date.

2. Agreed.

5. That's what I figured, I wonder how much room you have for negotiation. I have nightmares of them saying go home and not listening to a word in defence.

You need a return ticket, if it is not transferrable it needs to match your travel plans.

Negotiation, no room at all. More an issue of being questioned and providing answers.

David

[KAA 0]

Thank you all very much for the information.

Boiler, I do have a return ticket, but it's only 2 weeks after my arrival ticket so I'm worried if I say I want to stay for 3 months and they ask for proof of my return, I only have a ticket valid for 2 weeks. As it's a bottom of the range one, it is non-ammendable.

Jason.

The last time my fiancee came which was 12/05 we planned on her staying the whole 90 day limit on the VWP, but due to many visits we decided to get a changeable ticket (only about 50pounds more) and changed the return date from Jan 06 to March 06 after entry. We had no problem at all. We didnt want them thinking that we were abusing the VWP by staying the whole 90 days multiple times, so thats what we did and had no problems.

[JenT 0]

The last time my fiancee came which was 12/05 we planned on her staying the whole 90 day limit on the VWP, but due to many visits we decided to get a changeable ticket (only about 50pounds more) and changed the return date from Jan 06 to March 06 after entry. We had no problem at all. We didnt want them thinking that we were abusing the VWP by staying the whole 90 days multiple times, so thats what we did and had no problems.

I'd be careful the next time she visits, though. They now have record of her having stayed the full 90 day last time... and before that. (???)

[jase7678 0]

Thank you all very much for the information.

Boiler, I do have a return ticket, but it's only 2 weeks after my arrival ticket so I'm worried if I say I want to stay for 3 months and they ask for proof of my return, I only have a ticket valid for 2 weeks. As it's a bottom of the range one, it is non-ammendable.

Jason.

The last time my fiancee came which was 12/05 we planned on her staying the whole 90 day limit on the VWP, but due to many visits we decided to get a changeable ticket (only about 50pounds more) and changed the return date from Jan 06 to March 06 after entry. We had no problem at all. We didnt want them thinking that we were abusing the VWP by staying the whole 90 days multiple times, so thats what we did and had no problems.

Thanks

Edited June 5, 2006 by jase7678

[KAA 0]

I'd be careful the next time she visits, though. They now have record of her having stayed the full 90 day last time... and before that. (???)

JenT

Yes I figured that they would probably question her the next time, but we have made that visit the last trip anyway. Next trip here for her would be when she gets her visa

[JenT 0]

I'd be careful the next time she visits, though. They now have record of her having stayed the full 90 day last time... and before that. (???)

JenT

Yes I figured that they would probably question her the next time, but we have made that visit the last trip anyway. Next trip here for her would be when she gets her visa

KAA -

I'm going to be 'max'ing' out our 90-day 'allowance' next time as well. He's only here for 4 weeks now....

[Linababe 0]

I went to california some years back and I had a ticket flying from london to LA but I ended up staying in san diago the ticket was for 2 weeks. When I got there I was having so much fun that I decided to change my ticket to add another 2 weeks to my stay - unfortunately when I rang the airline they said my ticket wasnt changeable - I ended up buying a one way ticket to the UK from San diago airport but had to pay around £100 200 (cant remember actually how much). So to your answer yes it is possible to bvuy another one way ticket from the US but best to go via the airline you are flying with originally to see if they can fit you in on another day

Lina

[Euro 3]

I once tried to change a ticket too, for the same reason, wanted to stay a bit longer.......................but it worked out cheaper to buy a new one, so i bought a return, to the UK then chose my return date back to the US, at the end of the year december, which worked out great as thats the ticket i used when i came to live here

[KAA 0]

I see a lot of people with UK partners posting. So why is it that we get 180 days on the VWP to the UK, and they only get 90 days here? Just want your opinions because my fiancee is always angry at that fact being that the UK is our biggest allies. If only they got 6 months like we do, we wouldnt have to be apart for as long as we do now.

[TracyTN 237]

Probably because the VWP is the only thing that exists that allows citizens from allied countries to visit here (visa free). I'm not sure how it would fly for the govt to make a 'special' visa for the UK.

Aside from the fact that LOTS of people here can't even get tourist visas for their sweeties to visit.

Consider yourself VERY lucky to have a SO from the UK.

[KAA 0]

TracyTN

Did you read what I wrote? I wanted to know what people thought of US only giving them 90days and them giving us 180days.

Its a two way street and seems like we're screwing them on our end.

I do consider my self lucky, but not because she grew up in the UK.