Visiting US after submitting packet-3 !!!

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Is it more difficult to enter US after submitting packet-3 to the consulate from Canada ? I read some posts on vj which said that after you submit packet-3, the consulate enters your passport # in the system which pops up at the POE. Would visiting on holidays like Christmas make it easy to enter?

Please help !!!

[Sam and Ben 2]

Like any other visit, come bearing documents to prove your intent to return back to Canada. I don't see why it'd be any harder - if anything, you have even more documentation now in regards to your doing things legitimately according to their policies.

If they want to take five months waiting to process MY packet 3 without me throwing a visit in there, haha... They'd have another thing coming!

Also, please be sure to fill in your timeline.

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Hey thanks a lot for your answer... I read one of your post in the Canadian forum that you were trying to do the same thing. I wanna know how would you deal with the CBP officer's questions:

Like if he asked you the purpose of visit.

Would you mention the words "visiting fiance" or you would rather say visiting friends and family for Christmas. Also, do they have a way of finding out that we have a K-1 in progress ?

I want to be completely honest with them but at the same time, I don't intend to divulge any "extra" information...If you know what I mean.

And is it true that if they make up their mind to deny you an entry, you are banned for a period of 6 months/1 year ?

Thanks for the previous answer ben and sam, I just wanna be completely prepared for anything.

[Sam and Ben 2]

Hey thanks a lot for your answer... I read one of your post in the Canadian forum that you were trying to do the same thing. I wanna know how would you deal with the CBP officer's questions:

Like if he asked you the purpose of visit.

Would you mention the words "visiting fiance" or you would rather say visiting friends and family for Christmas. Also, do they have a way of finding out that we have a K-1 in progress ?

I want to be completely honest with them but at the same time, I don't intend to divulge any "extra" information...If you know what I mean.

And is it true that if they make up their mind to deny you an entry, you are banned for a period of 6 months/1 year ?

Thanks for the previous answer ben and sam, I just wanna be completely prepared for anything.

Oh I don't blame you for wanting to be prepared... I'm always overly prepared, just in case.

No, you should always, always be 100% honest when visiting. When I head to the border (where, because of my mode of transportation, I have always been pulled into secondary), and I'm asked where I'm headed/the purpose of the visit, I always say "headed down to Florida to visit my fiance and his family". When their ears perk up, I hand over my flight itinerary and a letter from my employer stating the date of my return. If they seem further suspicious, I mention that him and I are currently undergoing the process of a K1 visa, and would they like to see my paperwork. I always have any/all of my NOAs in regards to the case, and just recently I've begun carrying my copy of our entire I-129F package, for my own peace of mind. This is along with a sheet of paper stating his address, his phone number, and my previous visits (to show that I have visited and returned as promised on several previous occasions). I also include a bank statement to show I have holdings in Canada still, and a credit card statement showing my monthly car insurance payment.

When I head down for his Thanksgiving, I will also be including a copy of our letter from NVC and the cover letter from my P3 (and, if by chance, I receive P4 before then, a copy of that as well).

It's quite the bit to carry, but once they see all the paperwork, it's somewhat hard for them to question the legitimacy of my visit. Only once have I ever faced someone on a power-trip. It was the one time I crossed via Greyhound, and I don't know if the guy was new or simply in the mood to stir some trouble, but he was a real piece of work. Despite all of my paperwork, he was rude to me, injected his own opinion about my having an international relationship, and made me sit for twenty minutes whilst he perused my documents. A supervisor finally came by and gave him heck for giving me a hard time when it was clear I was going about things the proper way.

Now, if, worst comes to worst, you are denied entry... it should not hurt your petition, nor should you be facing a ban. If they deny you entry, be polite and they will allow you to withdraw your attempt to cross the border. No sweat.

If you cause a stink, or it truly does appear as if you're trying to be underhanded about your intentions, that's when you'd be facing issues. But if the officer simply decides that he/she doesn't believe you are equipped with the necessary evidence of your return, you will simply be turned around.

Like you said, best to be prepared, so gather everything you can to prove you intend to visit and then come right back home.

Hope this helps at least a little.

Edited October 9, 2009 by Sam and Ben

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Hey Ben and Sam, I saw your reply and I must say, thanks a ton for all that relevant information. You have no idea how much I am freaking out about this trip. I swear I have no intentions of staying there, I just want to visit before the interview.

I am currently in school so I will try getting 2 letters from my academic counselors stating that I will be returning as soon as the semester commences. Plus, I have a job so I will try and get a letter from my employer. Also, a copy of my return ticket.

Also, if we get into that "I-129F" questioning, I will keep the entire package with me just like you do. Is there anything else I can do to convince them that I will be returning to Canada?

Do they have any record of me already having applied for K-1 ? And hey, please let me know how it goes for you when you go for thanksgiving. I hope you just glide through past the customs.

Thanks for your answers, I really appreciate it !

[Sam and Ben 2]

Don't freak about the trip. It is incredibly nerve-wracking to cross the border, I agree, but you have nothing to hide and no reason to feel like you're doing anything wrong - so don't think that way.

Far as whether or not they have a record, I don't really know. But in my opinion, it really is only to your benefit if you're upfront with them about your current status in the process.

Other documents to keep them convinced? You mentioned that you're enrolled in school - those letters will help, as you said. A copy of your school schedule. Anything you've got going on in Canada to show that you've got a life you're leaving (temporarily) behind - bank accounts, credit card statements, leases or residency agreements, etc. All of this is just in case - you likely won't require most or even any of it. But it's nice peace of mind.

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Once again, thanks a ton...I am "Bookmarking" this post as it is so informative. Please don't forget to share your thanksgiving border-crossing experience and have fun !

[Sam and Ben 2]

Once again, thanks a ton...I am "Bookmarking" this post as it is so informative. Please don't forget to share your thanksgiving border-crossing experience and have fun !

Hey, if you've got any other questions, feel free to bounce them off me in a PM when needed - I certainly don't mind.

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Sure thing, thank you once again! I hope the CBP officers are in a good mood on Christmas lol