Travelling during the Visa Process

[gap1 21]

My fiance just visited last week and had no problems at all. The officer joked with him when he mentioned he was visiting his fiancee. He didn't ask to see any of his prepared paperwork and just asked what he did for a living. He was let through in 3 minutes. Sure, it does depend on the officer and their mood, but we had no issues.

Edited October 12, 2010 by gap1

[tanabata 0]

JlovesA,

We just want to maximize the amount of time we can spend together during this process. I will try to think of things that will show her need to return. We haven't asked her employer if it is ok for her to have a leave of 3 months. I guess it wouldn't hurt to ask, since she is willing to quit anyways.

I am also thinking of going to Japan to be with her for the duration of the K-1 processing. But I think that may cause more complications since I will have no income if I quit my job.

VeraTimes,

Do you think a letter from her parents stating that they expect her to live with them after she returns to Japan would help?

All,

Thank you all for all of the good advice and good information. It is so very nice to have this forum for support. I can't express how much this helps with coping being apart from her for so long.

[Lucy NY 1]

I am also in the midst of planning a 8 week trip to the states whilst K1 is going through. It's nervous thinking all of this and you could be turnt away but I think as long as u bring enough ties back home then you should be fine if questioned as you have evidence to support your return.

Lets hope we sail through without many problems

[Barbara J 115]

JlovesA,

We just want to maximize the amount of time we can spend together during this process. I will try to think of things that will show her need to return. We haven't asked her employer if it is ok for her to have a leave of 3 months. I guess it wouldn't hurt to ask, since she is willing to quit anyways.

I am also thinking of going to Japan to be with her for the duration of the K-1 processing. But I think that may cause more complications since I will have no income if I quit my job.

VeraTimes,

Do you think a letter from her parents stating that they expect her to live with them after she returns to Japan would help?

All,

Thank you all for all of the good advice and good information. It is so very nice to have this forum for support. I can't express how much this helps with coping being apart from her for so long.

Your fiancee can come and visit and should have no problem at all. I visited after we filed in march and stayed my 3 months on Waiver visa, I had been before last september so when i got fingerprint only had to do one finger as I was on file and they said welcome back. Said I was visiting my fiance preparing for wedding in September and thats was it. You get a I-94w green card (have to write return address) on plane and you have to have a return ticket so I had no problems at all.

[Nigel&Meggie 40]

Ok, I don't want to put a damper on things here, but there are a lot of people telling their stories of how easy it was to come visit during the K-1 process and that you won't have a problem, which is fine, but I also think you should be aware that it doesn't always go so smoothly! We have filed our K-1 and are waiting on the NOA2. I recently visited my fiance in September for 10 days. I was asked the purpose of my visit and who I was visiting and I was completely honest and forthcoming with my answers, stating that it was vacation and visiting my fiance. Now I don't know if the BPO was just having a bad day but she went a little crazy. I am not exagerating when I say she was extremely rude to me and asking many questions in an aggressive manner (very different to the standard questioning manner I have received in the past). Now she did let me through eventually after much huffing and puffing and hammering into her keyboard (who knows what she was putting into the computer), but she told me I could not return to the States during the K-1 process for longer than 10 days and if I did, in her words, "Your K-1 is finished". Now first off, to my understanding, they can either let me in under the VWP for up to 90 days, or they can turn me away and send me home. I really don't think they can stipulate that the next visit can only be 10 days or less (bearing in mind over the last 12 month period I have only spent 61 days in the States in total, including that 10 day trip). Secondly, I am pretty sure that this has no effect on the K-1 process no matter what decision is made at the border, unless I have overstayed at some point, which I haven't.

Anyway, I guess what I'm trying to say is it's not always as easy as some people make out. I think it all depends on the BPO on the day. I did notice that the BPO I had gave the same treatment to the South African guy ahead of me also, and he was pretty shocked by her reaction too! So just be prepared that you MIGHT get some flack on the day. Bring as much evidence of ties back home as you can. I also brought a copy of the I-129F etc but she refused to look at it!

By the way, not to be put off too easily, I'm heading back over next week for 80 days! Who knows what will happen at immigration this time. Just hope I don't get that same officer!

[Ryan H 3,856]

I am not exagerating when I say she was extremely rude to me and asking many questions in an aggressive manner (very different to the standard questioning manner I have received in the past). Now she did let me through eventually after much huffing and puffing and hammering into her keyboard (who knows what she was putting into the computer), but she told me I could not return to the States during the K-1 process for longer than 10 days and if I did, in her words, "Your K-1 is finished". Now first off, to my understanding, they can either let me in under the VWP for up to 90 days, or they can turn me away and send me home. I really don't think they can stipulate that the next visit can only be 10 days or less (bearing in mind over the last 12 month period I have only spent 61 days in the States in total, including that 10 day trip). Secondly, I am pretty sure that this has no effect on the K-1 process no matter what decision is made at the border, unless I have overstayed at some point, which I haven't.

You're right; they can either let you in on the VWP or send you back. As long as you don't overstay, your K1 will not be affected.

I'm assuming it wasn't worth your while to report that CBP officer's behavior. Who knows what if anything would have been done. CBP makes a big deal on their website about treating people with respect, if one officer receives enough complaints, they might be subject to discipline.

OP: As many have previously stated, just be prepared for any scenario and that your SO has plenty of ties to the home country. IMO, the fact that you have filed a petition shows that you want to do things the right way and the legal way and that can only work in your favor.

Best wishes!

[VeraVimes 5]

JlovesA,

We just want to maximize the amount of time we can spend together during this process. I will try to think of things that will show her need to return. We haven't asked her employer if it is ok for her to have a leave of 3 months. I guess it wouldn't hurt to ask, since she is willing to quit anyways.

I am also thinking of going to Japan to be with her for the duration of the K-1 processing. But I think that may cause more complications since I will have no income if I quit my job.

VeraTimes,

Do you think a letter from her parents stating that they expect her to live with them after she returns to Japan would help?

All,

Thank you all for all of the good advice and good information. It is so very nice to have this forum for support. I can't express how much this helps with coping being apart from her for so long.

I've heard of people taking letters from relatives stating they are expected to return. It's not the best, but you have to work with what you've got. A lot of people are in her boat, moving in with parents to save money, losing/quitting their jobs... Perhaps she could draw up a contract with her parents about the terms of her staying there (6 weeks' notice, how much rent, paying for bills etc... even if they're not actually planning on having her pay), sign it and bring that along. It could be a little more creditable than just a letter. But again, honest, straightforward answers are the best way to go. And a bit of luck...