Visiting boyfriend in USA

[emma24 161]

My boyfriend (now fiancé) visited me on ESTA 5 times within the last 2 years and never had any issue at POE except the last time. They pulled him aside and asked him some questions just to make sure he didn’t have a job here (he visited me basically every 2-4 months. seems a little suspicious now that I think about it but we are in love! just want to be together!) Every time he said he was visiting his girlfriend! I would say you will be fine. Just try your best to remain calm and BE HONEST! 

Edited March 12, 2020 by emma24

[African Zealot 1,452]

Nothing is guaranteed and I am of the school of thought that believes in giving CBP officers as little information as possible without being evasive or deceitful.

 

In your case however I think you should just say you’re visiting your boyfriend. From your writeup you’re a worrier and probably an interviewer can easily read your face, you don’t have the disposition for a poker face.

 

This is not the time to be cute with CBP officers with coronavirus and increased hostility of this administration towards immigrants. Be honest and direct, visiting boyfriend but don’t volunteer unnecessary details.

 

All things being equal and barring some very bad luck, you should be fine. And enough of reading online horror stories of people being refused.

 

Good luck

 

Edited March 12, 2020 by Ray.Bonaquist

[Neonred 3,446]

5 hours ago, LXK3X3 said:

Hi There,

 

I honestly think the main reason I'm posting is for some reassurance and advice. I have really bad anxiety and am heading over to the USA to visit my boyfriend, this is our first time meeting. I'm there for 4 days and have my return flight as I have to be back home for work. 

 

So here is the backstory. When I was in my 20s, I was seeing someone in the USA. The last time I travelled there was 2005 where I was interrogated by border patrol and it terrified me. I was let in but after coming home, the relationship just wasn't working. 

 

Now I'm heading to meet my new boyfriend for the first time. I have been approved my ESTA, have my return flight, hotel info which is booked in my boyfriends name etc. We are going to be sightseeing etc. My boss is also sending me a message from her business account to state I work for her and am due back etc. 

 

In the last few days I've literally worried myself sick over going through border patrol. I have anxiety and I know I shouldn't read the forums but I'm really making myself ill. I've seen posts saying to say I'm just visiting a friend then others that say be completely open but don't give too much info. The thought of being turned away is terrifying me and I'm making myself ill. 

 

Am I worrying over nothing? I've lost count of the number of forums I've read. I intend to say I'm visiting someone I met online and we are going to be sightseeing. 

 

Any advice would be amazing. Sorry for the long story. 

 

Thanks. 

Where are you traveling from?  Hope you are not in Europe (except UK). 

[LXK3X3 7]

Just now, Neonred said:

Where are you traveling from?  Hope you are not in Europe (except UK). 

UK.

[Neonred 3,446]

Just now, LXK3X3 said:

UK.

You are lucky then.  President just announced a travel ban from Europe for 30 day.  Does not include UK.

[LXK3X3 7]

Just now, Neonred said:

You are lucky then.  President just announced a travel ban from Europe for 30 day.  Does not include UK.

My other anxious worry is this damn virus.

[Neonred 3,446]

2 minutes ago, LXK3X3 said:

My other anxious worry is this damn virus.

Be cautious and be safe.

[LXK3X3 7]

1 minute ago, Neonred said:

Be cautious and be safe.

I will. Thank you.

[JFH 12,189]

Never, ever lie. It’s not illegal to have a boyfriend here (or even multiple boyfriends). It’s not illegal to visit the boyfriend(s). It’s absolutely illegal, not to mention foolish, to lie to CBP officers. They’ve seen it all before. They know every creative way of avoiding the questions. They're not stupid. 
 

A hotel is probably safer than his home. At least there will be people there if you need help. Ask for Angela if you need to. 

Edited March 12, 2020 by JFH

[Sparkle Sparkle 913]

Yes you can visit but there is no guarantee they will let you in

[jaysaldi 209]

7 hours ago, lucardo3 said:

I would say visiting a friend and that`s it. Since you have second time having a boyfriend here, How do you meet them if you don`t mind me asking?

Don't say visiting a friend if he's your boyfriend. Then they will think you're a liar and things go downhill.

 

You were probably very young when they hassled you before. It's 15 years later, don't worry about that. They hassle 19 year olds a lot more than 34 year olds.

 

[LXK3X3 7]

Just now, jaysaldi said:

Don't say visiting a friend if he's your boyfriend. Then they will think you're a liar and things go downhill.

 

You were probably very young when they hassled you before. It's 15 years later, don't worry about that. They hassle 19 year olds a lot more than 34 year olds.

 

That's what I thought. I'm going to tell them I'm there to see my boyfriend. 

[jaysaldi 209]

2 minutes ago, LXK3X3 said:

That's what I thought. I'm going to tell them I'm there to see my boyfriend. 

Don't carry a ton of luggage suggestive that you're immigrating. Don't carry copies of your CV, baby photos, family heirlooms, a wedding dress, a phone with incriminating messages  about your plans to work in the USA, etc.

Edited March 12, 2020 by jaysaldi

[LXK3X3 7]

Just now, jaysaldi said:

Don't carry a ton of luggage suggestive that you're immigrating. Don't carry copies of your CV, baby photos, family heirlooms, a wedding dress, a phone with incriminating messages  about your plans to work in the USA, etc.

Oh no I won't have anything like that. I'll just have my clothes that I'm bringing and the only paperwork is for my flights, hotel, travel insurance etc. All of which are for the dates I'm there and no longer. 

[jaysaldi 209]

1 minute ago, LXK3X3 said:

Oh no I won't have anything like that. I'll just have my clothes that I'm bringing and the only paperwork is for my flights, hotel, travel insurance etc. All of which are for the dates I'm there and no longer. 

And bring cash or proof you can pay for the trip, etc.