Visiting the US while applying for K1

[Elora & Rob 15]

Hi,

Myself (UK) and my fiance (US) sent out I-129F in February are hoping for approval by the summer and to move by the end of the year.

Just curious as to whether I will get any problems or extra questions at customs when I visit while we are going through K1. I no that once I recieve my K1 visa I can only enter once, but is it ok to visit in the meantime.

I am going to be going to the US with work in May which will include an inernal flight to visit my fiance, also visiting my fiance in June, August and October before god willing I move in December.

Do I need to bring any extra proof that I am returning home? Will customs be aware of my application?

Thanks,

Robert

[cmn2minn 0]

i would like to know answer to this too Thank you

[Pitaya 2,580]

Welcome to the forum.

This is a good question and a very common topic. Actually, I am surprised that there isn't a current thread with the same question, seems to be asked weekly.

Here is a VJ tip sheet that gives some great advice on the topic, found through the use of the site Wiki tab.

Review recent threads for more information.

Good luck on your visa journey.

[realizment 18]

It is possible. But it is as always at the discretion of the Customs offer at the POE. If asked, you should answer all questions truthfully and accurately and there should be no problem.

[Elora & Rob 15]

Welcome to the forum.

This is a good question and a very common topic. Actually, I am surprised that there isn't a current thread with the same question, seems to be asked weekly.

Here is a VJ tip sheet that gives some great advice on the topic, found through the use of the site Wiki tab.

Review recent threads for more information.

Good luck on your visa journey.

The only thing I would have as proof will be a return ticket going by the list. I live with my brother and just pay him cash as rent, I don't want my employer to know that I am leaving until I am ready to leave as it could affect opportunities I get.

This has got me a little worried.

[theCook 0]

while waiting for our Noa2 I visited once and they asked a few more questions but i had a return ticket.... previous passport stamps of visits and the noa1 as proof of doing things legally...... so no problem but it is up to the CBP officer

[Nich-Nick 3,355]

Do I need to bring any extra proof that I am returning home?

Proof of ties to home is a good idea if you are going to make frequent trips.

Will customs be aware of my application?

I asked that question of CBP three different times. Once to the CBP 1-800 customer service number. Twice on different occasions of the agent at the airport checking me back into the US. "What's on that computer? Do you know I have a foreign fiance? Do you know when people have immigrant petitions filed on their behalf?" I was told 3 times that CBP does not have that kind of information.

[Elora & Rob 15]

how about traveling after you have recieved NOA2??

[C-ma'am 684]

how about traveling after you have recieved NOA2??

Even doing it like that, it'll be at the discretion of the CO at POE... So, in theory, you can go and visit (many have successfully done it and many will too)

You need to know that you may be rejected and you have no saying on that decision. You also need to know that, in the event they reject your entrance at POE, that will not affect your K1 VISA process. It just means that they won't let you visit.

All in all, is up to you.

[Nich-Nick 3,355]

how about traveling after you have recieved NOA2??

How is that different than before your NOA1, after you NOA1, or even after you mailed your things to the embassy? The CBP have no information about petitions and visas in process.

My fiance visited after NOA2, after forms were sent to London and after the medical exam. He asked in his cover letter, for an interview that would be after his return date from the US. That delayed the interview about 3 weeks, but the trip was already planned and ticketed.

[Sonita 1]

Proof of ties to home is a good idea if you are going to make frequent trips.

I asked that question of CBP three different times. Once to the CBP 1-800 customer service number. Twice on different occasions of the agent at the airport checking me back into the US. "What's on that computer? Do you know I have a foreign fiance? Do you know when people have immigrant petitions filed on their behalf?" I was told 3 times that CBP does not have that kind of information.

Actually for me , they knew I had filed . He checked his computer and said I filed in November , I never gave them that information.

They let me in anyway, they didn't ask me for any proof of ties , not even the return ticket , although it's important to have the proof of ties with you

[K&E2009 71]

Actually for me , they knew I had filed . He checked his computer and said I filed in November , I never gave them that information.

They let me in anyway, they didn't ask me for any proof of ties , not even the return ticket , although it's important to have the proof of ties with you

They definitely know that you have applied for a Visa!

They know who's coming in, lads!

You have to give them your Name, Passport Number, address while in the States etc. on the ESTA authorization.

Also, is ESTA only for Visa Waiver countries!? Or does everyone have to do it?

[Athena13 10]

As far as I know, they will not let you in when your K1 is in process, under no visa or visa waiver program (VWP), except when you have a work visa!!!!!

I got questioned so heavily and nearly got denied when i entered usa to see my fiance (before we filed K1) the second time on VWP, as I told them 'im here to see my boyfriend for 3 months (the whole of my VWP)'. They said 'im high risk', for Christ Sake, i'm an Aussie, not someone to stay in USA illegally for benefits! We have better welfare in Aus.

[K&E2009 71]

As far as I know, they will not let you in when your K1 is in process, under no visa or visa waiver program (VWP), except when you have a work visa!!!!!

I got questioned so heavily and nearly got denied when i entered usa to see my fiance (before we filed K1) the second time on VWP, as I told them 'im here to see my boyfriend for 3 months (the whole of my VWP)'. They said 'im high risk', for Christ Sake, i'm an Aussie, not someone to stay in USA illegally for benefits! We have better welfare in Aus.

Not correct. They WILL LET YOU IN!

I sent our K-1 last August, visited for 88 days from Sept to end of Nov. NO PROBLEMS!

I went again in Feb for 2 weeks. NO PROBLEMS!

Bring 'Strong ties' to your home country. Strong ties= Proof of employment, return ticket, enough money in the bank to support yourself, etc.

[Harpa Timsah 13,263]

Also, is ESTA only for Visa Waiver countries!? Or does everyone have to do it?

ESTA is just for VWP countries.