curious about suspicion at the border

[cananner 2]

So I've read all about how you have to bring sufficient ties to home when trying to visit the US during the visa process, but I don't really understand it. I'm not saying I don't think people should follow those guidelines or lie, I'm simply curious as to why it works that way.

If someone's reason for visiting the US was to see their fiance(e) and they weren't undergoing any visa process, I get that it could look bad, in the sense that they might be planning to just stay there. But if you're entering the US with a round-trip ticket and proof of your K1 process, how is that not enough? If the border guards know how the process works, wouldn't they know that it entails the foreign fiance(e) having to be back in their home country to send paperwork to the consulate and go to the interview? Does the US think that people might apply for a K1 just to use their NOA1/copy of I129F to cross the border, like "hey guys, I'm just a poor little engaged person trying to visit my fiance(e) who I tooootally promise I'm gonna marry!"?

I'm just confused as to why showing proof that you're essentially paying to wait for the US government to communicate with you in your own country isn't enough.

[Inky 1,110]

Most border guards know NOTHING at all of the process. They are not properly educated on it, and most of the time they give 100% wrong answers about it.

When I crossed with my K-1 my POE only 1 of 15 border guards (that were working at the time) had done a K-1 and it was so many years ago they couldn't remember how to do it.

[kaleigha 3]

Sure, to those of us going through the process it seems silly that they wouldn't just believe the nonUSC fiances that they will leave the country. But, the officers at the borders don't know that you have applied for the visa. If you enter the country and say "I'm here to visit my fiance" that will send a red flag to the guard that you might not be leaving because you'll want to stay with your fiance. If you don't have any evidence of ties to home, then they could very well turn you away and you will have to return home without stepping foot in the US. People can easily buy a return plane ticket and not use it, so that is not very strong evidence. However, if you bring a copy of the i-129f and the NOA1, this will show proof that you are going through the process legally. Also, letters from an employer or showing proof of a mortgage or something like that will further reinforce your intentions.

I've read stories from people who have had no trouble at all entering the US and they didn't even need their evidence. But I have also heard stories of people who were made to return to their home countries. It all depends on the officers at your entrypoint.

Overall, the whole situation sucks. I don't think there is anyone on this site who would disagree with me... But we still have to play by the rules and it will help us more to be overprepared than underprepared.

Edited April 26, 2011 by kaleigha

[canadian_wife 1,791]

Yes, I think the US CBP exactly think that. I think the US CBP have had MANY people misuse tourist, fiance and other non-immigrant visas so now they are very strict

Remember, there used to be a time when you married a USC then you were also automatically a USC, there is a reason why that changed. And that same reason is why the border is so strict now

Good luck

[cananner 2]

Most border guards know NOTHING at all of the process. They are not properly educated on it, and most of the time they give 100% wrong answers about it.

When I crossed with my K-1 my POE only 1 of 15 border guards (that were working at the time) had done a K-1 and it was so many years ago they couldn't remember how to do it.

Oh! I'd just assumed knowing about visas and processes was part of their job. I guess so many people come through each day that they can't be expected to know about every single type of process.

[cananner 2]

Sure, to those of us going through the process it seems silly that they wouldn't just believe the nonUSC fiances that they will leave the country. But, the officers at the borders don't know that you have applied for the visa. If you enter the country and say "I'm here to visit my fiance" that will send a red flag to the guard that you might not be leaving because you'll want to stay with your fiance. If you don't have any evidence of ties to home, then they could very well turn you away and you will have to return home without stepping foot in the US. People can easily buy a return plane ticket and not use it, so that is not very strong evidence. However, if you bring a copy of the i-129f and the NOA1, this will show proof that you are going through the process legally. Also, letters from an employer or showing proof of a mortgage or something like that will further reinforce your intentions.

I've read stories from people who have had no trouble at all entering the US and they didn't even need their evidence. But I have also heard stories of people who were made to return to their home countries. It all depends on the officers at your entrypoint.

Overall, the whole situation sucks. I don't think there is anyone on this site who would disagree with me... But we still have to play by the rules and it will help us more to be overprepared than underprepared.

Yeah, I'm definitely planning on playing by the rules!

Yes, I think the US CBP exactly think that. I think the US CBP have had MANY people misuse tourist, fiance and other non-immigrant visas so now they are very strict

Remember, there used to be a time when you married a USC then you were also automatically a USC, there is a reason why that changed. And that same reason is why the border is so strict now

Good luck

Makes sense. Security is constantly being tightened. Too bad for us the rules have changed! Imagine how easy it would be to just get married and have everything be a piece of cake...