US Customs and my return for 3rd time this year

[how to delete?? 0]

My first visit was 12 days, my visit now is going to be 83 days next Tuesday and I will be flying back to Holland. I want to come back first week of November but I am scared to death US customs is going to deny me entering again. I reconnected with my American boyfriend after a long time and we are both very happy to have found each other. It's agonizing to leave him again and put 4200 miles between us.

I still own a car and house in Holland, but am trying to sell them both. Due to the 'nice' financial crises in Holland people aren't eager to buy so that could take a long time.

I would love to hear all stories possible about other people's experiences with returning to the US and the customs people. Bad and good ones because it might help me.

Thank you already very much for sharing and helping. It's much appreciated!!

Bi

[gap1 21]

This is a really helpful topic:

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/67796-yes-you-can-visit/page__p__903059#entry903059

My fiance is visiting me in 2 weeks (for 9 days), here's hoping! From what people say, you just need to show as many ties to your home country as possible (a copy of the NOA1/2, lease, doctor's appointments, a letter from your employer stating your return date, return ticket, etc.).

[Amyyduck 20]

Definitely check out that thread that GAP linked. It is, indeed, very helpful. Also just make a mental note that under the VWP you are allowed to stay up to 90 days at a time which you haven't exceeded but I believe you're also limited to a total of 180 days within a 1 year period. You didn't mention how long you were planning on staying when you come back in November so just be aware of the limits and make sure not to overstay. Good luck!

[ghanagal 2]

I seem to go through a lot with customs everytime I fly back and forth to Ghana, mind you I am the US citizen visiting my husband in Ghana. But the worst experience I has was in Holland at Schiepol airport around December 2009 after the Nigerian boy tried to blow up the plane. They questioned everyone for like ten to fifteen minutes before they boarded the flight back to the US. When I told them I was coming from Ghana, that I was visiting my husband, they said oh mam is your husband a terriost? I said you think because my husband is african he is a terriost? They guy said well with what just happened we have to be sure. I know they tried to blow up a plane to the US but come on. Like if he was one I would tell them. They had already started to stereotype africans just days after the nigerian boys incident.

I normally get asked a lot of questions when I arrive back home too, More at Dullus in VA than JFK. It seems they are a little better with the who what where questions in NY than here in DC. They want your whole life story in DC.

I wish you the best on coming back from your trip. You will be fine.

[gap1 21]

I'm wondering if I should be prepared when I visit him in the UK this December. I know since he's applying to live in the States the UK officials shouldn't consider me a threat, but I still worry. I visited there a month after we sent in our application and I just had the standard "Purpose for visit (vacation), enjoy your stay!" greeting but by the next time I fly over our case should be forwarded to the embassy (I hope) and that may change. Do you think I should prepare to show ties to the US next time I visit?

[Amyyduck 20]

Ghanagal,

I'm so sorry to hear about your troubles with CBP officers. "Is your husband a terrorist?" Thats awful! And what do they expect you to say? Why yes, yes he is. Psh, NO! Ridiculous.

I've also noticed the trend that big POE's like JFK and SFO tend to be much easier whereas smaller ones like Boston Logan (the POE my Fiance always flies into) give you a much harder time. Napoleon complex, perhaps?

[Amyyduck 20]

Gina,

It couldn't hurt. I doubt you'll get too much trouble but it never hurts to be prepared. Take a copy of your lease (make sure its signed by your landlord) have a copy of your return itinerary, and bring a copy of your NOA1 or NOA2 or whatever you have a that point. That should be way more than enough proof that you've no intention on staying in the UK.

[gap1 21]

Ghanagal,

I'm so sorry to hear about your troubles with CBP officers. "Is your husband a terrorist?" Thats awful! And what do they expect you to say? Why yes, yes he is. Psh, NO! Ridiculous.

I've also noticed the trend that big POE's like JFK and SFO tend to be much easier whereas smaller ones like Boston Logan (the POE my Fiance always flies into) give you a much harder time. Napoleon complex, perhaps?

I hope that's true! If so that means Chicago should be fairly easy on my fiance next month. Amy, let me know if you have any trouble entering the UK next week! I wonder if we should be bringing paperwork as well.

[decocker 7,198]

I seem to go through a lot with customs everytime I fly back and forth to Ghana, mind you I am the US citizen visiting my husband in Ghana. But the worst experience I has was in Holland at Schiepol airport around December 2009 after the Nigerian boy tried to blow up the plane. They questioned everyone for like ten to fifteen minutes before they boarded the flight back to the US. When I told them I was coming from Ghana, that I was visiting my husband, they said oh mam is your husband a terriost? I said you think because my husband is african he is a terriost? They guy said well with what just happened we have to be sure. I know they tried to blow up a plane to the US but come on. Like if he was one I would tell them. They had already started to stereotype africans just days after the nigerian boys incident.

I normally get asked a lot of questions when I arrive back home too, More at Dullus in VA than JFK. It seems they are a little better with the who what where questions in NY than here in DC. They want your whole life story in DC.

I wish you the best on coming back from your trip. You will be fine.

hi, sorry to butt in this thread, but i just wanted to share with you a similar 'is your boyfriend a terrorist?' question i got in secondary when i was going to visit my fiance the for the first time in august of 2009. the only difference between you and i: my fiance is canadian!

i kind of chuckled a little bit when the CO asked, because i thought it was a ridiculous question. he got REAL angry for a second and scolded me about the seriousness of terrorism...they let me through though.

[Amyyduck 20]

Gina,

Last time I visited my Fiance in England I brought a copy of my lease with me. I didn't end up needing it but I felt secure knowing that I had it. I also had my return itinerary. This time (in 1 week!!!! ) I'll bring my NOA1 as well. I like to be over-prepared rather than under-prepared, especially because i was JUST in England a month ago.

I'll be sure to let you know how it goes!

[Amyyduck 20]

Valerie,

You're obviously more than welcome to butt in! Thats so bizarre about your story, how random! I was under the impression that the relationship between the US and Canada was pretty smooth, why would they ask if your bf was a terrorist? Did you say something to set them off or was the CBP officer just having a bad day I wonder. I'm glad you got in, in the end.

[Nik+Heather 121]

The UK CBP can be just as prickly as ours can be - so bring the same types of proofs of ties to the US as you can find listed in that thread and in the FAQ. www.visajourney.com/content/k1visit

The guys in Manchester seem to be especially interested in how you are going to support yourself, and can ask a LOT of questions if they get a whiff of you being in a relationship with a UK citizen. In this case, I think proof that you are going through the US immigration process and intend to make your lives together over there should go a long way!

All that said, just like UK people visiting the US, MOST people have no problems. My two entries to the UK were such non-events (immigration wise - my mind was definitely just outside of customs!!!!!!) that I can't even remember what the officer asked me now.

[Rob and Jill 82]

10.1-10.10 - He is visiting me in Chicago (fingers crossed for no customs issues)

Amyduck...I wonder if he and Rob are going to be on the same flight in to Chicago. American Airlines?

[Amyyduck 20]

Nik+Heather,

You're totally right, I've heard Manchester can be a huge pain the butt! It just adds more evidence to my theory: big airports that handle loads of tourists every day (JFK, SFO, LHR) seem to go a lot easier on you than small ones like Boston and Manchester, UK.

[Amyyduck 20]

Rob and Jill,

Thats GAP's fiance thats visiting her, not mine!

I'm visiting mine in England next week! Its all very confusing, isn't it?

Edited September 15, 2010 by Amyyduck