Visiting my Fiance in the U.S. while immigration is in process

[Texas22 50]

Hi All,

I would appreciate some feedback and experiences of VJers who have visited their fiance during the immigration process. Right now we are still waiting for NOA2, so we are early into it.

My fiance came to Canada to visit me and the children in February - no problems for him at all.

I am going down (just me) to visit him in May for two weeks (leaving May 20th). I have read that I should bring proof of ties to Canada so that they will allow me entrance into the USA. My problem is - is that I don't have an employer. I work freelance from my home.

I am going to bring the following with me:

- my flight itinerary

- a copy of my lease on my house from my landlord

- a letter from my children's school stating that they are enrolled in school until June 30th.

- a copy of my custody order stating that I have sole custody of my children (they will be staying with their father while I am away).

Is this enough? Any other suggestions?

The last time I went to visit him in November 2011 (before we filed any immigration papers) I got such a hard time from U.S. Customs.. Why? Because I told the truth... I said that I was going to visit my fiance. Well.. they hauled me into secondary security.. delayed me... asked me all kinds of questions and finally gave me an I94 valid for 30 days. The customs officer was very rude and basically told me that if I did not comply with the I-94 then a warrant would be issued for my deportation and that I would have an extremely difficult time marrying my fiance in the future.

I only wanted to spend Thanksgiving with him and his family! Luckily I got through and caught my plane. Now this time I am kinda stressed about it... so I want to make sure I'm prepared ahead of time.

Should I say that I am just visiting friends? Or will I be flagged in the system already as soon as they scan my passport?

Looking forward to your replies!

[pocheros 101]

I would also bring a photocopy of your NOA1 since it's proof that you are following the immigration process. Combined with the other things you listed you should be good to go.

I don't think your passport will be "flagged" when it's scanned however I would say that you're visiting your fiance and only intend to stay the two weeks. Your NOA1 is important proof here.

It sounds like you caught an officer on a bad day :/ I visited my then-fiance a few times and didn't have any evidence of ties (I didn't know about VJ at the time) and still was let through. Since you are bringing proof of ties now you should be okay (although nothing is 100%, of course.)

Edited March 31, 2012 by pocheros

[sheeshkabelle 153]

Do not under any circumstances lie, or lie by omission, you're in the computer with the I-94, the next CBP officer is going to know about it, and you're going to be grilled. Be honest, keep your answers short and to the point, and take your proof with you.

My husband had no problems what so ever until last Christmas (2010), he was taken into secondary, grilled for 45 min and missed his flight. Luckily US Air was awesome and got him on another flight with in the hour. Last summer we crossed by land at Pembina/Emerson. He was again grilled, but was not taken into secondary. They didn't give him an I-94 or take his prints, but she stamped his passport of the date he entered. She told him "Be back here when you say you will, and you won't have any problems" He made dang sure he was back on the exact date he told her!

When he flew here in January for my grandmother's funeral he had a stack of paperwork showing his ties to Canada, his NOA1, and a letter from his work. They asked for none of it. Let him through, no problems and the CBP officer even said "I'm sorry for your loss"

The morale of the story, they know who you are, they know the details of every time you have crossed, so don't try to BS them, or dodge their questions and you'll be fine!

[Elisinha 1]

I personally agree with both posts above. Nobody has been punished for telling the truth. Look at them in the eyes and get to the point with yours SHORT answers. Taking the NOA1 with you is EXTREMELY important, it tells me that you serious about the k1 process and you need to be back in Canada in order to continue the process. make sure you present yourself calmly if its possible .

Good luck!

[Flames9_RN 358]

Very simple--always tell the truth. If in any way they think you are lying/falsifying info, they can make ur life very miserable. A simple denied entry is no big deal in the grand scheme of things, if they slap you with a ban, well life wil really suck! As yes you will get to ur k1 interview AND then have to file a waiver! And you think Mtl is slow now, wait for them to act on that waiver! So simply always tell the truth and u will be fine and bring evidence, esp any immigration paperwork

[Texas22 50]

Okay thanks everyone.

It is nerve-wracking, but I have nothing to hide. Thanks for the tip on bringing the immigration papers.

If I'm telling the truth (which I always do) and answer their questions, bring my papers.. I should be

just fine..

I can't wait to see my hunny again!

[Julie B. 2]

I absolutely agree with bringing a copy of your nao1. My husband just hands it to the officer when he pulls up to the window now and he gets much less hassle.

[s88 1]

Have you considered getting a Nexus card?

I had one from before we got engaged and it helped TREMENDOUSLY.

I don't know if they'll issue you one since you have the visa pending but it might be worth a shot.

Saved me SO much aggravation.

[toocool 0]

Nexus is a life safer in more than one way! The best $50 I've ever spent. I've used mine countless of times while going state side (and back) and it has saved me mega in TiME! And did you know...now in terminal 1 at YYZ not only does having a nexus card expedites customs but also security (personal screening and bag checking)! I'd recommend getting one and while your at it....your kids too if you plan on having them join you on your trips to the US.

[Texas22 50]

I think that my next trip will be the last one before I get the K1 Visa. However, the kids and I will be travelling back and forth to Canada twice a year once we move to the USA (so they can visit their father). Will Nexus work for us then, while living in the US?

[sheeshkabelle 153]

I think that my next trip will be the last one before I get the K1 Visa. However, the kids and I will be travelling back and forth to Canada twice a year once we move to the USA (so they can visit their father). Will Nexus work for us then, while living in the US?

Yes.

[toocool 0]

Yes Nexus can be used where ever there is a US-Canada border...flying or driving. Its a life saver if going by car and customs is seriously backed-up. Problem is, in order for you to use Nexus by car...is everyone in the vehicle has to be a Nexus card holder. It is also a life saver in cutting lines at the airport too. Note: Nexus is the easiest when having nothing to declare...(which is why I love it) as the same rules apply for declaring goods as everyone else. I'd google it to be sure its right for you.