Visiting for an extended period before K-1 Interview

[Eenerz 0]

So I'm extremely nervous about my meeting with the customs/immigration officer in Calgary at some point in May.

We just recieved our NOA2 (woot! 78 days) and I was offered a reaaally nice severance package from work as part of a restructure. Thus I've decided to take it, and 'visit' my fiancee in Georgia for 2-3 months (visa waiver program is good for 90 days not 180 I thought) while waiting for the interview date. We think we have the math worked out right (hopefully).

Thanks to you wonderful people on VisaJourney I think I have what I need to help the Customs/Immigration officer understand that I will indeed be coming back (for my interview anyway). I'll have a good bank account balance (proof I can support myself will $25K in savings be enough??), a lease agreement for an apartment and a return ticket (to Vancouver not Calgary), my NOA2 and not too many bags (just 2).

So what I ask you, my friends that help me get through sleepless nights, if you were the customs/immigration officer would you be OK with me leaving mid-May and returning late-July? Would you be suspicious?

On another, sort of related topic... I am fed-exing a few boxes down. Should I have a friend send these after I actually leave the country for my visit? Does it matter? (It'll be clothes, some home decor stuff, a vacuum, some cutlery etc). I know this stuff technically can't enter until I've gotten the K-1. Anyone have any trouble with the bill of lading or anything?

Thank you thank you!

[Otto 83]

If you're coming from Canada, it would not be on the VWP (Canada isn't part of that) - your stay could be as long as 6-months.

**I moved your thread from K-1 Proc. to the Canada Regional forum since it relates more specifically to Canada.

[canadian_wife 1,785]

We, as Canadians, arent subject to the VWP. We have a special relationship with the US that allows us to visit the US for up to 180 days. So your trip to May - July sounds fine, and your ties to Canada seem sufficient as well. I think you'll be ok

Welcome to Georgia - we need more Canadians here

Where in GA are you visiting? We're in Cobb County, NW of Atlanta!

[Eenerz 0]

We, as Canadians, arent subject to the VWP. We have a special relationship with the US that allows us to visit the US for up to 180 days. So your trip to May - July sounds fine, and your ties to Canada seem sufficient as well. I think you'll be ok

Welcome to Georgia - we need more Canadians here

Where in GA are you visiting? We're in Cobb County, NW of Atlanta!

Moving to the beautiful city of Savannah! Well excelent, hopefully that will save me a few sleepless nights anyway. Do you think the boxes sent before I receive the

K-1 will be fine?

VJ is a wonderful place.

[canadian_wife 1,785]

Gotta say, jealous that you're going to be moving to Savannah, I do love it there. You now just have to learn to say words like "yes" with 2 syllables "YE-ES".

FedExing some boxes I think would be fine, you do have to submit a customs declaration when you ship internationally and if it is too much stuff then the US customs might get suspicious. Keep it light.

Good luck

[arya 22]

I did the same thing last summer while waiting for my interview. I was here in the US 2.5 months and I went through Calgary. The customs didn't really ask me much. I also made a car trip back to Canada, to Niagara falls, with my then fiance, and when we were coming back to the US the customs guy wanted to see proof of my interview, so I gave it to him and he let us go, no questions asked. I'm sure you won't be having any problems, just be honest if they ask you and make sure you have your interview letter with you

[Kathryn41 3,205]

Welcome to Georgia - and I agree, Savannah is wonderful! I would love to live there.

Be sure to carry a copy of your full I-129f/K-1 package as well with your evidence as it is proof you are going through the proper immigration process.

Good luck!

[Peachey 10]

I hate to be a downer, but you'll be interviewing in Vancouver and your interview might be in less than 2 months. Something to keep in mind for your trip.

[Eenerz 0]

I hate to be a downer, but you'll be interviewing in Vancouver and your interview might be in less than 2 months. Something to keep in mind for your trip.

Yup that's the whole idea. I'm moving down early. I have no intention of actually coming back to Calgary, I'm just starting my life in Savannah a bit early.

Hopefully I get packet 4 and the interview date before I leave (*crosses fingers) as Vancouver seems to be going pretty quick. If I don't I'll have the return already booked for Vancouver with lots of room to spare and change the flight date if I need to.

[Eenerz 0]

Welcome to Georgia - and I agree, Savannah is wonderful! I would love to live there.

Be sure to carry a copy of your full I-129f/K-1 package as well with your evidence as it is proof you are going through the proper immigration process.

Good luck!

OO! Great idea! Thank you...I have the packet we sent in and I'll have the NOA2 soon (original right? would a copy be OK?) so I'll bring that with me too!

I guess I was just really worried about being unemployed and I don't want to lie to them...cos that's rule #1.