Visiting the US while CR1 in process

[kuds1 0]

Hello,

I'm planning to visit my husband in the US for the first time since my visa processing, but I'm kinda nervous of getting rejected at the border. So I wanted to ask everyone what the best way to go about it is.

Should I fly or drive? What do you usually tell the officer at the the border? Should you just say you are visiting family or that you are waiting for a visa interview and that you are visiting your husband?

Finally, what documents should I take with me, if I don't have a job, to prove my ties here.

I had decided to wait it out till my visa apporoval, but now that we don't have a december interview, its really forced us to reconsider. Especially with the holidays coming up and our first anniversary.

Any help??!!

[trailmix 77]

Here are a few threads about visiting that have been posted in the last couple of weeks:

My POE Last week and today, How it was a relief...

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=228741

Visiting US prior to K1 Filing, What do I say?

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=227620

Visiting before the K1 process, not sure what to do

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=228190

Two different stories, one ruined wedding. (Posting again and with updates)

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=225413

Tips to avoid being denied entry at US border

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=225591

Has anyone entered the US after mailing packet 3?

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=225592

Also here is a link to the Canada VJ Wiki page - there is info there on proof to bring etc:

http://www.visajourney.com/wiki/index.php/...tion_is_pending

Edited November 18, 2009 by trailmix

[lgg 2]

Hi Kuds1...

Well, flying or driving is up to you -- whichever is easiest and cheapest are what you'll need to figure out. When you travel always bring your 'ties to Canada'. These are letters and documents that prove that you intend to return. Copies a rental or lease agreement/ letters from an employer stating when you're due back to work that that at date of travel your are currently employed. Copies of bills in your name, with you Canadian address on them. Enrollment letters from schools for yourself or any children. Anything and all things that prove that your live in Canada and intend/must come back.

I always bring a letters from both my jobs stating when I'm leaving and when I'm due back and how long I've been employed with each company. A letter from my landlord stating I have NOT given notice and am still living there. A copy of my rental agreement. copies of my most current phone and cable bills. My return plane ticket itinerary. And I also bring a copy of my NOA2, my USCIS approval letter. I always pack light, as in I never check a bag. I always just bring carry-on and that's it. I tell them that i'm visiting family and friends and if the questioning leads up to it, I tell them my husband and that we're going through the immigration process.

They can STILL turn you away but if you all the letteres and stuff that prove your ties to Canada, chances are slim. I think it's good too to show them your NOA2, its proves t hat you're aware of the immigration procedure.

So... anyone have anything else to add?

Good luck, Kuds1, just pack light, bring your letters and don't lie. Things should be okay...

Best,

LGG

Hello,

I'm planning to visit my husband in the US for the first time since my visa processing, but I'm kinda nervous of getting rejected at the border. So I wanted to ask everyone what the best way to go about it is.

Should I fly or drive? What do you usually tell the officer at the the border? Should you just say you are visiting family or that you are waiting for a visa interview and that you are visiting your husband?

Finally, what documents should I take with me, if I don't have a job, to prove my ties here.

I had decided to wait it out till my visa apporoval, but now that we don't have a december interview, its really forced us to reconsider. Especially with the holidays coming up and our first anniversary.

Any help??!!

[Wyatt's Torch 45]

Return ticket itinerary is essential.

When I went down a couple of weeks ago, that was what the POE officer asked for after I told her the purpose of my trip.

Also, pack light! Make it very clear that you're not bringing enough stuff to live on.

[kuds1 0]

Thanks all

This really helps. I think I'll fly now. I had no idea so many people do this on a regular basis. I feel so bad that I didn't try earlier. Thanks for the links!!

When they ask you the purpose of your trip, should I just say that i'm visiting my husband and I've already applied for an immigrant visa then? Or should I not give so much details.

Sorry, I'm really worried about this so I want to know exactly wut to do...lol. err. thanks guys...i really appreciate the help.

[Wyatt's Torch 45]

I wouldn't worry about it. Rejections at POE are fairly uncommon. In fact, being nervous will work against you. Just get in the mindset that they have a single goal: preventing illegal entry.

Just answer their questions honestly and politely. They're not interested in the specifics of your trip unless they ask for them. And if they do? Be honest! Show that you are fully aware of how the process works.

For the record, I cross into the U.S. regularly to visit my wife, or to pick her up from Sea-Tac airport. Only once have I been asked for further information...which I had with me.

[slider100 8]

Kuds, I understand what you are going through as you if notice one of the posts titled, "Has anyone visited the US after mailing packet-3?", that was started by me. All I have learnt from reading tens of thousands of posts on here is that, Be as honest and as confident while answering the CBP as you can! If I were you, these would be my answers:-

What is the purpose of your trip?

-> I will be visiting my husband and his family in the US for Christmas.

Is he a US citizen?

-> Yes he is and we have a CR-1 visa application in progress as well.

Length of your visit -> A copy of you return ticket will help.

Proof of strong ties-> Lease agreement, employ letter, school schedules, anything and everything will be useful.

Also, keep a folder of the paperwork submitted to the USCIS and the NVC.

I hope this helps !

[kuds1 0]

Thanks so much everyone, this really gives me some confidence now that I know what i'm dealing with. Thanks slider, now i know what exactly i will say...hehe. I will let you know if I make it across.

[Flames9_RN 358]

see below

[slider100 8]

You will make it across, just follow the guidelines suggested by Flames9_RN, thats exactly what I would do ! Please keep me posted about your border crossing !