Visa waiver question

[benkat9596 3]

Hi guys,

I have a question about my next stay in th US. Last year I spent 3 months in the US on a J1 visa, doing a summer camp exchange (where I met my fiancé), I then returned for 7 weeks between October and early December on the VWP. My fiancé visited me over Christmas and I've booked tickets to go over there for exactly 6 weeks over my university holidays in March until April. I have very strong ties to the UK currently, (I am at a good university which I have paid 9 thousand pounds for and I am enrolled until June, have a lease on an apartment for 6 more months which I am paying over 3 thousand pounds for & we are currently going through the K1 visa process so I have absolutely no intent to muck that up and overstay!)

Of course US immigration officers have the final say but does this flag up any red flags for anyone?

Thanks guys.

[JFH 12,190]

They might want to know how a uni student managed to be off for 7 weeks between October and December. That's usually the start of the year and would be a lot of class time to miss. I couldn't have missed that much back in the day...

But that's in the past. They might want to know how you are financing these trips (to be sure you're not picking up illegal work there).

But they might not ask anything or even raise an eyebrow. Who knows. Be prepared. I have never really been asked much. But I remember once at Seattle an officer was picking people out of the queue and asking them "how much money have you got with you? How do you know these people you're staying with? How did you meet?" I was dreading him asking me how much money I had. I had about 20 dollars with me. I was staying at my (then) fiancé's place (now husband) and I didn't need money.

[benkat9596 3]

She had a medical emergency and I went over to help out, it was possible on my course to complete work and lectures online so I completed my essays online and then returned in time for my exams. I will have over 1500 dollars with me when I go & will have food and board with my fiancé. I have financed the trips with various student loans, previous employment savings & some assistance with my parents. I have documentation for it all & will be sure to take it with me!

Maybe I'm being over worried because I do have paperwork and proof of it all but it was something playing on my mind!

Thanks for the reply

Edited January 23, 2016 by benkat9596

[JFH 12,190]

I would say your biggest "worry" is that since the course can be done online they may think there is nothing to make you go back home.

[benkat9596 3]

I would say your biggest "worry" is that since the course can be done online they may think there is nothing to make you go back home.

Sorry to reply so late, didn't spot the most recent reply! as for the online element, I completed my course online for 7 weeks with constant emails to my personal tutor as it was not really advised but completely possible in such extraordinary circumstances, As for this semester, I'm only missing 2 weeks at the end of my Easter holidays worth of uni work. As I have exams in May. I have essays to be done over th Easter break, reading materials I'll be bringing and proof of examinations in early May, & I'm on the way with the K1 visa process, I'm overly paranoid about these things because I've heard horror stories, but I will have a lot of proof for my ties. (Student loans, lease agreements, th fact I'm doing it legally with the k1, proof of enrollment, proof of examinations of when I return, a return ticket, the medical note from my original visit, a letter from my fiancé signed and dated explaining she will be keeping a roof over my head for the whole stay, more than enough money to support myself the email exchanges between my personal university tutor during my online element & a genuine want to visit for only 6 weeks and return home) I have very little to gain & a hell of a lot to lose by staying!

[benkat9596 3]

I would say your biggest "worry" is that since the course can be done online they may think there is nothing to make you go back home.

Sorry to reply so late, didn't spot the most recent reply! as for the online element, I completed my course online for 7 weeks with constant emails to my personal tutor as it was not really advised but completely possible in such extraordinary circumstances, As for this semester, I'm only missing 2 weeks at the end of my Easter holidays worth of uni work. As I have exams in May. I have essays to be done over th Easter break, reading materials I'll be bringing and proof of examinations in early May, & I'm on the way with the K1 visa process, I'm overly paranoid about these things because I've heard horror stories, but I will have a lot of proof for my ties. (Student loans, lease agreements, th fact I'm doing it legally with the k1, proof of enrollment, proof of examinations of when I return, a return ticket, the medical note from my original visit, a letter from my fiancé signed and dated explaining she will be keeping a roof over my head for the whole stay, more than enough money to support myself the email exchanges between my personal university tutor during my online element & a genuine want to visit for only 6 weeks and return home) I have very little to gain & a hell of a lot to lose by staying!

[C-ma'am 684]

I don't see a reason why you would have any trouble with CBP, unless you volunteer information. Having said that... CBP does not need to know if your courses can be completed online, unless they specifically ask.

When you enter POE, it should go pretty smooth...

CBP: Good morning, what's the purpose of your visit?

You: Vacation

CBP: How long are you planning on staying?

You: 6 weeks

....... there may or may not be another question after this. If there is, just answer the question. Don't explain around it unless you are being asked for a detailed explanation.

They may ask: How much money are you carrying to cover for expenses? You say $1500 - You only clarify that you'll have food and boarding taken care of if they ask. For all the CBP officer knows, you could have paid for your hotel in advance.-

Rule #1: Never volunteer information.

Rule#2: Tell the truth

In our minds, sometimes, when we explain things, we are being super truthful and providing as much detail as possible. The truth is, that can be taken as grounds to keep digging and end up all tangled up and confused, as if you did something wrong. I was a victim of my own stupidity 14 years ago, when I figured it would be a good idea to explain to the gentleman at POE that I had been to the States a few months before. I was, honestly, thinking that he needed to know that I was an honest person who came for a vacation, left and is coming back for another vacation. In the end, the only thing that happened was that I was given 3 months to stay, instead of 6 (which didn't interfere with my plans); but, they flagged customs and went through my luggage, for good measure... no secondary inspection, no more questions asked.. just a waste of time.

So, keep it simple. You'll be fine!

Edited January 30, 2016 by Celeste & C