B1/B2 Visa

[brian242 0]

Hello all,

I have a moderately simple question (very little complexity, yet) - I have a girlfriend coming from China on a B1/B2 visa to the USA - she was helped by a travel agency and had to provide proof of employment/ties to China, etc. etc. etc. - My question is this, what kind of proof if any is 'typical' upon POE, other than say, proof of a return home ticket. I have searched the forums here and see much more complex issues at hand. What should she bring? It appears to me as if the travel agency has received there money and is not particulary concerned with the actual POE.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!!!

Edited March 17, 2013 by brian242

[Stressed Out 81]

It's mostly common sense stuff like apartment/housing contracts signed by her, utility bills, a formal vacation letter from work stating when she's leaving and returning, and whatever else would keep the customs officer from asking other questions like what she wants to do in the US and how long/where she's wanting to stay. She has to be careful what she says about her boyfriend being a USC/LPR. Happened to my husband once and they interrogated him in private for about 3 hours and he nearly missed his flight...I'm sure if he was from a country with more fraudulent cases they would've deported him with ease.

Just don't let her travel with important documents like birth certificates in her checked baggage (and she doesn't need it for customs either, just the passport). Such paperwork could set off an alarm in their heads that she's trying to sneak around them to live/work there illegally.

[ndu26 114]

proof of well paid job and letter from employer, property, family ties, proof of return from previous travel to US if any.

....and like stressedout stated, any document found on her that could signal intent to immigrate could lead to problems.

[brian242 0]

proof of well paid job and letter from employer, property, family ties, proof of return from previous travel to US if any.

....and like stressedout stated, any document found on her that could signal intent to immigrate could lead to problems.

Thanks guys....I see what appears to be alot of variance in the actions of the officer at the POE - I see alot of people had no issues, no paperwork, just a hotel phone number...and I also hear of, well, nightmarish situations of people being threatened with return to their country of origin if you don't produce XYZ...

Further, all of the employmet records, family ties, bank balance/length of being opened, etc. etc. was handled when the visa was issued in the country of origin - seems like 'double-duty' to have to do it all again a second time. Especially when I can find really no definative list of requirements for foreigners at the POE.

Edited March 19, 2013 by brian242

[JohnR! 5,495]

Thanks guys....I see what appears to be alot of variance in the actions of the officer at the POE - I see alot of people had no issues, no paperwork, just a hotel phone number...and I also hear of, well, nightmarish situations of people being threatened with return to their country of origin if you don't produce XYZ...

Further, all of the employmet records, family ties, bank balance/length of being opened, etc. etc. was handled when the visa was issued in the country of origin - seems like 'double-duty' to have to do it all again a second time. Especially when I can find really no definative list of requirements for foreigners at the POE.

Brian, there is no correct or infallible procedure at the POE. The CBP officers have discretion in their decision, and it is final.

The best way to approach the interview is by telling the truth and being in possession of items germane to her trip. If she will stay at a hotel she should have a confirmation, if she is staying with you she should be able to provide your name, address and phone number at the moment of check in in China, before she boards the plane. She should also have a return ticket booked and enough funds to pay for her intended stay. Many attempt to make the POE interview far more complicated than it warrants and make up stories they believe the CBP officer wants to hear, only to be caught in a lie and denied entry upon arrival.

Nothing rings better than the truth.

[Stressed Out 81]

Further, all of the employmet records, family ties, bank balance/length of being opened, etc. etc. was handled when the visa was issued in the country of origin - seems like 'double-duty' to have to do it all again a second time.

Yeah it might seem that way, but it's only for security. They state that a visa doesn't "guarantee" you the right to enter the United States, but that that authority lies in the hands of the POE officer. They're the ones she has to impress the most in the end since it's their say as to exactly how long she's permitted to stay.