Should girlfriend say she's visiting boyfriend?

[roony1 0]

My girlfriend from Japan is coming to visit me in LA. She has been here 5 times over the last three years, staying at most 85 days, which was on her last visit 5 months ago. We met on her last visit. What are people's thoughts on whether or not she should tell the CBP officer that she's visiting me when asked the question "What is the purpose of your visit?" I'm especially concerned because she does contract work and will be between jobs when she comes. The truth is, she works contract jobs because she likes to travel. But is that going to fly with CBP?

[at long last 58]

My girlfriend from Japan is coming to visit me in LA. She has been here 5 times over the last three years, staying at most 85 days, which was on her last visit 5 months ago. We met on her last visit. What are people's thoughts on whether or not she should tell the CBP officer that she's visiting me when asked the question "What is the purpose of your visit?" I'm especially concerned because she does contract work and will be between jobs when she comes. The truth is, she works contract jobs because she likes to travel. But is that going to fly with CBP?

Never lie first off. When asked her purpose.... going to visit my BOYFRIEND, unless she is now your fiancee. In which case have her bring documentation proving her ties to her home in Japan.

[jojolicious 38]

What did she say last time she was asked?

She should be truthful in answering any question asked by the CBP officer and then the officer will use his/ her discretion in deciding whether to allow her entry. If she has a good track record, she should be okay though.

[ceadsearc 516]

Never a good idea to lie. If she's always used her tourist visa as she is supposed to, that's a good start for her. Additionally, AFAIK Japan is not a high-fraud country so that's also in her favor. Remind her to bring strong documentation of her ties to her country.

[Moomin 292]

Some CBPs only ask "business or pleasure". A short precise answer is what they're looking for, not a whole love story. Purpose of stay is of course visiting boyfriend. I agree with strong ties, being honest and a return ticket.

[Laure&Colin 558]

Last time I visited, officer didn't ask me the reason why I was coming. She just asked who was living at the address I had written on the form as the place I was gonna stay. Question to which I answered the truth: my fiancé's cousin. That was it, she stamped the passport and I got in.

[Harsh_77 718]

I would repeat the same thing NEVER LIE...if caught lieing would lead to many more issues.

[Pinoylover 6]

If i already petitioned my fiancee for a fiancee visa and being its probably going to take a good 6 months to get the NOA2 if not longer and then all the other things that have to be done,Could i or her file for a tourist visa? or would that be a waste of time and money? That way we could see each other again before she comes for good. Thanks

[jojolicious 38]

If i already petitioned my fiancee for a fiancee visa and being its probably going to take a good 6 months to get the NOA2 if not longer and then all the other things that have to be done,Could i or her file for a tourist visa? or would that be a waste of time and money? That way we could see each other again before she comes for good. Thanks

She could apply but coming from a high fraud country with a pending fiancee visa, it would be a difficult feat. She would have to show very strong ties to her country and overcome the hurdle of presumed immigrant intent.

You can always try though. It can't hurt. The worst case scenario is that the tourist visa may be denied and it is unlikely that the denial will affect your K-1 visa.

Good luck!

[Noah Lot 391]

If i already petitioned my fiancee for a fiancee visa and being its probably going to take a good 6 months to get the NOA2 if not longer and then all the other things that have to be done,Could i or her file for a tourist visa? or would that be a waste of time and money? That way we could see each other again before she comes for good. Thanks

She could apply, but...the VOs will wonder why she would return instead of having the ever popular 'mind change' when she collects her baggage and 'suddenly' decide to stay put, get married, start AOS, etc....that will be a very difficult scenario to overcome....why? because it is so common...and VOs are tired of getting burned.

I imagine this would be even more of a concern for a VO with an applicant from the Philippines, whose citizenry has shown a rather strong propensity to abuse tourist visas, thus making it even more challenging for those who may be bona fide.

[roony1 0]

Some CBPs only ask "business or pleasure". A short precise answer is what they're looking for, not a whole love story. Purpose of stay is of course visiting boyfriend. I agree with strong ties, being honest and a return ticket.

Thank you for your help. I'm a little concerned because my girlfriend won't have a job in Japan with which to prove strong ties. And she doesn't own a home or attend school. She will have a bank statement with plenty of funds, but not much else proving strong ties. Does not having a job present a big problem?

[Noah Lot 391]

Thank you for your help. I'm a little concerned because my girlfriend won't have a job in Japan with which to prove strong ties. And she doesn't own a home or attend school. She will have a bank statement with plenty of funds, but not much else proving strong ties. Does not having a job present a big problem?

It might....a bank account is NOT a tie to one's country for the simple reason that the account holder could easily empty it before departing for the US...

[Moomin 292]

Thank you for your help. I'm a little concerned because my girlfriend won't have a job in Japan with which to prove strong ties. And she doesn't own a home or attend school. She will have a bank statement with plenty of funds, but not much else proving strong ties. Does not having a job present a big problem?

I can only speak on behalf of myself and the CBPs that have asked me when it comes to first hand knowledge. Others on VJ have been turned away, some got through, it's a 50/50. But i do agree that her travel history speaks in her favor.

I once was admitted even though I just quit studying and had recently moved so didn't have anything in my name to prove strong ties. I took the chance, was asked and said I had quit studying. They accepted it, asked for my return date and that was it. Contrary to a friend of mine who was drilled about his stay and he had a job at that time. It's not our(my) place to make you concerned, only to prepare you and your girlfriend for some of the scenarios. If she is turned away, she cannot use VWP again.

[roony1 0]

I can only speak on behalf of myself and the CBPs that have asked me when it comes to first hand knowledge. Others on VJ have been turned away, some got through, it's a 50/50. But i do agree that her travel history speaks in her favor.

I once was admitted even though I just quit studying and had recently moved so didn't have anything in my name to prove strong ties. I took the chance, was asked and said I had quit studying. They accepted it, asked for my return date and that was it. Contrary to a friend of mine who was drilled about his stay and he had a job at that time. It's not our(my) place to make you concerned, only to prepare you and your girlfriend for some of the scenarios. If she is turned away, she cannot use VWP again.

Thank you so much for taking the time!

[Brother Hesekiel 2,236]

Her sexual orientation is of no concern to CBP. The purpose of her visit is to take a vacation in the Land of the Brave and Free.

Yes, she has a friend in the U.S. whom she wants to meet . . . if and only if CBP asks for this.