Question about visiting a Fiance

[cmoore25 4]

I am the USC - and will be visiting my Fiancee in Scotland in 12 days (!!!!!), however, I have never traveled abroad and I am a bit worried about immigration once I land at Heathrow. I am worried that telling them that I am visiting my Fiancee will make them think that 1) I will try to get married in Scotland w/out a marriage visa or 2) I will end up trying to stay. We are currently are waiting to file our I-129f because he is waiting for his proof of divorce to be processed (he was divorced 10 years ago and needs a new certificate from his gov b/c he lost the original). So, we are engaged - but I have no proof that we plan to marry in the US. Will this be a problem? I will be taking proof of a return flight. Should I take a pay stub to prove I am employed in the US? Would it be better to say that I am visiting my boyfriend instead? Any thoughts on this would be greatly appreciated!

[iampatricias 17]

Since this is your first trip abroad, you must be pretty nervous! It can feel real intimidating to have to go through such formal and impersonal channels to get into a country but don't worry too much - you have a return ticket, and usually, that is enough for a tourist!

By all means tell the folks at the border you're visiting your fiance, how long you're staying for and that you are thinking about starting paperwork to marry in the States in the upcoming year sometime. Bringing proof of your job in the States is also a great idea but they might not even ask for it. There are some countries where suspicion of you overstaying is much higher, but I don't believe Scotland necessarily worries about Americans trying to creep in illegally. Try to relax and be honest - you've got nothing to hide!

Enjoy your trip!

Edited February 7, 2011 by iampatricias

[cmoore25 4]

Thanks - it would have felt very strange saying I was visiting a "friend" and not my fiance! Also, I'm not big on trying to hide anything. I googled this scenario (I google everything which isn't always good) and read some horror stories of being turned away or grilled for hours....so I thought I would check with a place I trusted!!

I am so nervous, but excited at the same time. So far he has visited me - and I have never been out of the country except for Canada when I was younger (and I was with my mom and dad!)...so I'm not only excited to see him -but also another country...

Hopefully I'm making a bigger deal about immigration/customs than need be!

[iampatricias 17]

Well, a few things that might raise eyebrows at the border are things like an extended stay, or if you were bringing really a very large amount of belongings or like, pets. Crossing into the States, I know they'd look twice if I was bringing a lot of cash (like, thousands), or maybe no cash at all.

I have never been to Scotland and I have heard some very unpleasant experiences from other members on these forums too. Sometimes it seems like you can do everything properly but if the person behind the counter is fresh from training or bitter about their job or had a fight at home or something, it just seems like they sometimes powertrip at our expense.

I find it helps me if I think of the agents as officials who know what they're looking for - inconsistent stories, fidgety-sweaty-too-nervous folks with strange things in their luggage, or strange traveling patterns. On the other hand, they see way more "normal" tourists, business people, and families traveling, and it's likely that even though it'll be your first time going through this process on your own, you'll probably look more like a "normal" tourist visiting her fiance than anyone who needs more than the usual amount of attention. Having said that, do go prepared! If you have a contract for your job, a letter from your boss saying when you're expected back, or a lease for your apartment, that'll back up what you're saying if they do pull you aside.

[jonnyjungle 0]

I am the USC - and will be visiting my Fiancee in Scotland in 12 days (!!!!!), however, I have never traveled abroad and I am a bit worried about immigration once I land at Heathrow. I am worried that telling them that I am visiting my Fiancee will make them think that 1) I will try to get married in Scotland w/out a marriage visa or 2) I will end up trying to stay. We are currently are waiting to file our I-129f because he is waiting for his proof of divorce to be processed (he was divorced 10 years ago and needs a new certificate from his gov b/c he lost the original). So, we are engaged - but I have no proof that we plan to marry in the US. Will this be a problem? I will be taking proof of a return flight. Should I take a pay stub to prove I am employed in the US? Would it be better to say that I am visiting my boyfriend instead? Any thoughts on this would be greatly appreciated!

It's possible to encounter a zealous immigration agent, but that seems to be the exception. I've traveled to eight or so foreign countries. About half of these trips were for business and the others for vacation. I've always breezed through immigration and customs with minimal fuss. If it were me, I would simply say I was visiting Scotland on holiday. No one has ever asked me for evidence of a return flight, employment back home, etc., but it can't hurt to have in case of emergency. Considering that you are going to the UK, you should have next to nothing to worry about. Enjoy your visit to Scotland!

[Aztec&Taino 144]

I am the USC - and will be visiting my Fiancee in Scotland in 12 days (!!!!!), however, I have never traveled abroad and I am a bit worried about immigration once I land at Heathrow. I am worried that telling them that I am visiting my Fiancee will make them think that 1) I will try to get married in Scotland w/out a marriage visa or 2) I will end up trying to stay. We are currently are waiting to file our I-129f because he is waiting for his proof of divorce to be processed (he was divorced 10 years ago and needs a new certificate from his gov b/c he lost the original). So, we are engaged - but I have no proof that we plan to marry in the US. Will this be a problem? I will be taking proof of a return flight. Should I take a pay stub to prove I am employed in the US? Would it be better to say that I am visiting my boyfriend instead? Any thoughts on this would be greatly appreciated!

Hello!

Congratulations on your upcoming trip, how exciting!

I think honesty is the best policy. If the immigration officer asks you the purpose of your trip you should say that you will visit your fiance and vacation for 12 days. I traveled to London in the Summer of '09 and it was really quick and easy. No difficult questions or grilling of any sort.

Best wishes!

[iampatricias 17]

Okay, one more thing! Like jonnyjungle said, there is a good chance you could get an agent who seems like they couldn't care less what you're coming to the country for as long as you've got a passport, and if that's the case, don't feel like you need to volunteer extra information you aren't asked for. I've had some honestly funny conversations with easy going border guards, but if you get a chatty agent, let them be chattier than you

[cmoore25 4]

Very good advice! Thank you all!

I am so glad that i stumbled on this site in December!! It's a wealth of information & support!

[Nich-Nick 3,353]

I am the USC - and will be visiting my Fiancee in Scotland in 12 days (!!!!!), however, I have never traveled abroad and I am a bit worried about immigration once I land at Heathrow. I am worried that telling them that I am visiting my Fiancee will make them think that 1) I will try to get married in Scotland w/out a marriage visa or 2) I will end up trying to stay. We are currently are waiting to file our I-129f because he is waiting for his proof of divorce to be processed (he was divorced 10 years ago and needs a new certificate from his gov b/c he lost the original). So, we are engaged - but I have no proof that we plan to marry in the US. Will this be a problem? I will be taking proof of a return flight. Should I take a pay stub to prove I am employed in the US? Would it be better to say that I am visiting my boyfriend instead? Any thoughts on this would be greatly appreciated!

I've flown into Heathrow many times. The advice my now husband gave me on my first trip over the pond is -- Don't chit-chat with the agents like you do with everybody. British people aren't like that. Just answer their questions.

So just about every time I went through immigration at Heathrow it went like this:

What is the purpose for your visit?

I'm on holiday (that's British for vacation. LOL)

How long are you staying?

Ten days

That was it. Stamp. Done. Next person please.

Edited February 7, 2011 by Nich-Nick

[USColombia 6]

I wouldn't worry about it. I've been to Central and South America, Africa and Europe without any problems. I've flown into Heathrow at least 5 times if not more without any problems. You'll be fine and enjoy!!