The Tourist Visa

[WelshPete 0]

Hi, I am currently in the US on the VWP. I am a UK citizen and I am planning on staying the full 90 days. My girlfriend and I, although we have plans to marry, we don't want to apply just yet. Can I apply in London for a B1/B2 visa? I think living together for 6 months will be beneficial to both of us. I don't intend to work in the US as we make enough money together selling items on ebay. Obviously I don't want them to know this and I think my Dad in the UK would say he could support my stay.

So would I be able to obtain a Tourist Visa from the London embassy. I know the UK is in the VWP but I have used it twice this year already and don't want to abuse it. Could I mention I have an American Girlfriend? Do I mention her at all? Any help would be gratefully appreciated. Cheers everyone.

[zyggy 9]

Hi, I am currently in the US on the VWP. I am a UK citizen and I am planning on staying the full 90 days. My girlfriend and I, although we have plans to marry, we don't want to apply just yet. Can I apply in London for a B1/B2 visa? I think living together for 6 months will be beneficial to both of us. I don't intend to work in the US as we make enough money together selling items on ebay. Obviously I don't want them to know this and I think my Dad in the UK would say he could support my stay.

So would I be able to obtain a Tourist Visa from the London embassy. I know the UK is in the VWP but I have used it twice this year already and don't want to abuse it. Could I mention I have an American Girlfriend? Do I mention her at all? Any help would be gratefully appreciated. Cheers everyone.

1) You can try to get the B visa.. but even if you get it, the CBP is under no obligation to give you a 6 month stay... Actually, they'll probably still give you 3 months unless you can convince them of a compelling reason to give you 6 months....

2) The fact that you have an USC fiancee is spoecifically asked for on the DS-156 form. If you have an USC fiancee, you must declare it. That is usually a deal killer...

3) You must have your own source of support... I think a Consulate would look down on your father sponsiring you.. you would probably have to show that you yourself has the cash to be able to sufficiently support yourself for 6 months...

[rebeccajo 14]

Doesn't hurt to try but it's not horribly realistic.

In a perfect world it's what we all want. It's what I was first looking for when I wound up on VJ.

Don't blame you for not wanting to rush things. But these relationships don't afford the luxury of living together for long periods.

Maybe she could go over and visit you for a while?

[*julez* 124]

Hi, I am currently in the US on the VWP. I am a UK citizen and I am planning on staying the full 90 days. My girlfriend and I, although we have plans to marry, we don't want to apply just yet. Can I apply in London for a B1/B2 visa? I think living together for 6 months will be beneficial to both of us. I don't intend to work in the US as we make enough money together selling items on ebay. Obviously I don't want them to know this and I think my Dad in the UK would say he could support my stay.

So would I be able to obtain a Tourist Visa from the London embassy. I know the UK is in the VWP but I have used it twice this year already and don't want to abuse it. Could I mention I have an American Girlfriend? Do I mention her at all? Any help would be gratefully appreciated. Cheers everyone.

My British boyfriend and I posed this very question to an immigration lawyer here in the US. She strongly advised us not to go the B1/B2 route. She said it would send up red flags, would likely be denied and the worst thing that you want to do is draw attention to yourself as you head into the K1 process.

I understand your wanting to test the waters to make sure that the relationship will work. It really makes sense. My bf and I are just ending a 90 stay this weekend. For us it has been a great experience. Not perfect, but it has reaffirmed our committment to eachother and that we want to persevere no matter how difficult the K1 process can be. We are also trying our luck and going to have him come back the day before Thanksgiving for another 90 stay. (Fingers crossed)

What we were told, is that if you decide to try to go for another 90 days on the VWP is to show them (US Customs) that you have money in a UK bank account to supposrt yourself and that you have a permanent residence there.

I really think that the 90 days together should be enough for you guys to decide whether or not you want to go through with marriage. Good luck with everything!