Inexpensive places to meet - UK and USA flying..

[Unidentified 2,930]

We had the same issue and we just opted for me going to the states as it got cheaper. I only had to pay airfare and I have free stay with him. We thought about meeting up in Europe but then it got really expensive for him plus hotel.

Is there a possibility for him to go visit you in the UK?

I flew in and visited my now wife in the US.. they dont mind. It never came up.

Norwegian air are dirt cheap.. so there could be a good place.

Yes, they are dirt cheap because you search a flight with them and the price comes up super cheap and then when you book you have to add if you want to check in luggage which adds more money and then if you want a meal on your flight that's extra too... And I've heard their service on board is super bad. If you want cheap and good service, fly with Icelandair!

[Britingermany 4]

There's a mistaken vew that it's risky to visit after filing. It even says

Just go for a short trip, I went for Thanks Giving, 4 or 5 days, take a work contract showing a home tie.. and don't mention anything. and there won't be an issue.

If you flew in for 80 days then yeah you will get grilled.

https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/1247/~/travel-while-k-1-fiance%2Ffiancee-visa-pending

Travel while K-1 fiance/fiancee visa pending

Can I travel to the U.S. for business or pleasure while my K fiancé/fiancée visa is pending?

You can travel however you may be subject to scrutiny. Travel under another visa status or the visa waiver program is not advised for K-1 fiancé/fiancée visa applicants prior to the approval of their K visa as they have already indicated their intention is to marry in the U.S. For more information about Nonimmigrant visa for a fiancé (e) K visa visit Travel.state.gov.

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You may be subject to scrutiny, but why would you spend $1000's going through this process t jump out of it and marry in the US without the K1.. it's nonsensical.

So for a short visit I dont think there is a risk.

[Pheebs1201 269]

I personally never had an issue visiting Dan in the US from the UK.

[ChicagoSarah 127]

I agree. My now husband visited several times after we filed the petition (3 times over the 6 month period). He even came to visit only a week or 2 before his embassy interview. He always had proof of his pending i-129f to show he was immigrating the proper way and not trying to abuse VWP. They never asked him for anything or hassled him at all.

[Ketsuban 1,034]

My husband was hassled the second time he visited me in the UK, but the first and third times he all but walked straight in.

I've never had problems visiting him in the US even though I was plainly a nervous wreck each time. I even visited during our CR-1 journey just after we paid the IV invoice.

[yuna628 9,530]

I think from the OP's perspective it sounds like the fiancé could go visit the UK, but they feel there will be issues with the UKBA (which is for some a real possibility especially if the US fiancé is female). While there can be issues on the US side, it's been well proved that you can successfully visit. It is highly likely any trip they make at this stage will cost $1,000, just because of the sheer distance no matter which country/airline is chosen. Regardless of what country you choose to go to, you'll still have to prove the same thing you do when you enter the US anyway. So if money is not an issue for this couple, I'd simply pick the place to vacation that is the most fun.

[LORIEandPHIL 123]

I visited frequently without any issues, and I personally don't believe that they look on people traveling from the UK, while waiting for a K1, any differently from any other British traveller visiting the USA.

[vicks5721 18]

I am curious and confused, what is UKBA about and why would it cause issues?? Sorry if I sound dumb, I am just curious.

I think if they are only short trips to see your fiance for like 4-5 days or a week etc then there will be no worries, you may get questions but just show you have ties to England and will return to complete the K1 visa.

[yuna628 9,530]

I am curious and confused, what is UKBA about and why would it cause issues?? Sorry if I sound dumb, I am just curious.

I think if they are only short trips to see your fiance for like 4-5 days or a week etc then there will be no worries, you may get questions but just show you have ties to England and will return to complete the K1 visa.

UKBA is essentially the UK border patrol, you know the IO's you go through when you want to enter the country. Get one having a very bad day, and they can give you a world of problems. A contact through the DoS once told me that certain policy changes direct them to often be the harshest on young single women, including American women visiting spouses/fiancés due to the change in the law placing a greater immigration burden. For this reason, my UK fiancé always accompanies me when coming through his border control and I am armed with plenty of proof (more than he would ever need to visit me here in the US). If this is indeed the reason the OP's US fiancé might be reluctant about visiting the UK due to past experiences, it's why I wanted to encourage them that even though it can be frightening it's a challenge that can be overcome. But I can certainly understand how it would be a lot easier just to travel elsewhere without the anxiety.

[Wooderz 314]

Good info Yuna. I wasn't aware of that directive but explains the questioning I receive at Heathrow. It's never too bad but I definitely get questioned a lot more than Daniel does coming here. I think the 12+ passport stamps from Heathrow probably helps my credibilty though.

[wratcliff 1]

I fly jetairfly from Miami to Brussels , one way $225 !!

[raven52 233]

Looks like Cancun or Nassau, Bahamas for me, check it out!

Hope you will be done with this soon, good luck, seem like nice people, trying to do the right things!

[Sunya and Tim 55]

Being honest and carrying paperwork have been the key for us. (Child custody papers for him and my work vacation approval form for me). My fiancé has a B2 visa and has spent several long visits here and I have traveled to the UK and Ireland to spend time with him and his son. Letting the officer know you understand the law and have no intention of breaking the rules seems to help. My fiancé can explain all the process for the K1 even while we are still waiting for his divorce to be finalized to submit our forms. Enjoy your time together where ever you end up visiting.

[Danielhenson 3]

Canada has fairly cheap flights from the U.S. and Europe! That's where I'm planning to meet up with my husband in September for a few days.

[Lauren and Kevin 55]

Thank you all. Indeed Yuna is completely right, and I won't go into details, but I'm not putting her through that again - I felt truly ashamed to be British the way UKBA treated us like criminals! ... and on the visit to the US side, with the doubt and worry of getting through I felt sick to the point of throwing up on the flight over, despite piles of paperwork and previous visits, and it is hugely stressful - it's me - I'm a worrier...

The best compromise so far seems to be flying into Toronto and a long romantic weekend at Niagara Falls (the Canadian side) which is a nice compromise between cost, and location!!!

(Flight + Taxi to go-transit + Train + Taxi to Hotel) easy peasey

Edited March 11, 2015 by Lauren and Kevin