Arriving in USA to marry

[Tom65 0]

Hi! 

 

I'm flying to JFK on Wed 29th July, from Cairo, Egypt and I've been here over two weeks now (arrived on 10th July). I am a UK national and flying via New York to marry my partner (American national) who resides in Colorado. We are planning to marry on 13th Aug, although nothing formal announced or planned, in case of changing circumstances regards Covid. Currently it looks ok flying to USA from Egypt, as I couldn't currently fly from the UK. 

 

We were originally planning to marry in Colorado in Feb, however, as Covid hit, my partner and I got trapped in the UK, and as she left in July (due to limited holiday visa in UK) she is now awaiting me. I have friends in Egypt so could stay here whilst I adhere to my 14 day required quarantine regards Covid restrictions flying to USA. 

 

So as everything seems rather fraught at the moment I wanted to ask a few questions that I hope you may be able to answer: 

 

1) Firstly I believe it is ok to arrive in New York from Egypt as a UK national if I have been out of the UK for 14 days?

 

It would be sad to get turned away at the border, or worse still, not allowed back into the country thereafter? There is a fear, that border control could create a lifetime ban on my current ESTA, I'm hoping that wouldn't be the case!! 

 

2) My partner and I have decided to apply for IR1/CR1 process, therefore will leave the country after arrival within 3months, as to not contravene my existing ESTA. My question is: I believe I should tell border control on arrival of my intention to marry and that is the purpose of my visit on this occasion?

 

I believe that I need evidence of my intention to return to the UK, therefore show bills, work and study commitments in the UK and I'm assuming that should suffice? I will have a return ticket. Is there anything else I should declare or be aware of before I set off on Wed? 

 

3) Regards Covid: I will be staying in a hotel next to JFK before I fly to Colorado the following day. I'm assuming I'll declare addresses and adhere to the 14 day quarantine on arrival in New York and Colorado. I have not been ill or have had symptoms. My question: do I need to have a test before flying to USA? 

 

I look forward to your response! 

 

Kind regards

 

Tom 

 

 

[Sparkle Sparkle 914]

Yes you should declare your intentions to the CBP agent 'if asked'. 

 

You should also carry some documents to show ties to the UK... House contracts... Work contracts... Mortgage... Financial ties Bank etc

AFAIK non of the POTUS ban affects people with particular citizenship... It's mostly geographical... So you will be allowed in if have some prove that you have not been in UK or any schengen country in the past 14days

COVID test is not a requirement for anyone for now... Quarantine is advisory at most... It is hardly enforced. 

 

[JeanneAdil 6,724]

passport will show (on computer and customs stamp) when you entered Egypt for the 14 days

[Tom65 0]

4 hours ago, Sparkle Sparkle said:

Yes you should declare your intentions to the CBP agent 'if asked'. 

 

You should also carry some documents to show ties to the UK... House contracts... Work contracts... Mortgage... Financial ties Bank etc

AFAIK non of the POTUS ban affects people with particular citizenship... It's mostly geographical... So you will be allowed in if have some prove that you have not been in UK or any schengen country in the past 14days

COVID test is not a requirement for anyone for now... Quarantine is advisory at most... It is hardly enforced. 

 

ok great, I can show my passport regards being in Egypt then, and yes I have documentation regards UK commitments, thanks 

4 hours ago, JeanneAdil said:

passport will show (on computer and customs stamp) when you entered Egypt for the 14 days

yes, thanks 

[Tom65 0]

On 7/25/2020 at 2:25 PM, Sparkle Sparkle said:

Yes you should declare your intentions to the CBP agent 'if asked'. 

 

You should also carry some documents to show ties to the UK... House contracts... Work contracts... Mortgage... Financial ties Bank etc

AFAIK non of the POTUS ban affects people with particular citizenship... It's mostly geographical... So you will be allowed in if have some prove that you have not been in UK or any schengen country in the past 14days

COVID test is not a requirement for anyone for now... Quarantine is advisory at most... It is hardly enforced. 

 

Just wanted to clarify 'if asked', does that mean don't volunteer intentions if not asked? Or is it best to declare my intentions to marry so it's on file for future green card application? As my partner thinks I should, from what she's research on here. Thanks

[theswedishyolk 7]

18 minutes ago, Tom65 said:

Just wanted to clarify 'if asked', does that mean don't volunteer intentions if not asked? Or is it best to declare my intentions to marry so it's on file for future green card application? As my partner thinks I should, from what she's research on here. Thanks

I am an example of somebody who volunteered information while getting married on an ESTA. They asked me what I was gonna do in the US and I said ”I’m getting married”. A lengthy conversation in a small room followed, and after that they let me in. I think as long as you tell them the truth and that you can provide enough proof that you are gonna return to your home country (lease, employment contract), you’ll be fine.

Marrying on ESTA is legal, but it makes them a bit suspicious.

[Xyrstine 224]

I married my husband in the US on an ESTA (UK citizen as well) and I did not specifically say I was there to get married, just that I was visiting my partner. Obviously if pressed, I would state my intention to marry and I also have enough ties to return to the UK (job being the main one). I returned to the UK and we are currently undergoing the VISA process.

 

All you need to be concerned about is that you don't give them any reason to think you will overstay and adjust status as that would be committing fraud and breaching the terms of the ESTA. For you to marry and return is fine but it's just getting that across. I don't advise lying whatsoever but sometimes keeping it simple works in your favour.

[Tom65 0]

33 minutes ago, theswedishyolk said:

I am an example of somebody who volunteered information while getting married on an ESTA. They asked me what I was gonna do in the US and I said ”I’m getting married”. A lengthy conversation in a small room followed, and after that they let me in. I think as long as you tell them the truth and that you can provide enough proof that you are gonna return to your home country (lease, employment contract), you’ll be fine.

Marrying on ESTA is legal, but it makes them a bit suspicious.

Yes, thanks. I get it, I was going to state that I'm seeing my partner, and if they pressed, I'd say I was getting married. My partner was concerned that if I didn't state my intentions entering the US, it may cause problems later. I think I'll stick to the original plan and just state I'm seeing my partner and if they ask further questions I'll declare I'm getting married. I'm expecting interview, etc, I have all the relevant docs. Thank again! 

[Tom65 0]

29 minutes ago, Xyrstine said:

I married my husband in the US on an ESTA (UK citizen as well) and I did not specifically say I was there to get married, just that I was visiting my partner. Obviously if pressed, I would state my intention to marry and I also have enough ties to return to the UK (job being the main one). I returned to the UK and we are currently undergoing the VISA process.

 

All you need to be concerned about is that you don't give them any reason to think you will overstay and adjust status as that would be committing fraud and breaching the terms of the ESTA. For you to marry and return is fine but it's just getting that across. I don't advise lying whatsoever but sometimes keeping it simple works in your favour.

Sure, I have details, return ticket and work evidence in UK and prepared for talk at the border. Sure, I won't lie, but I agree keeping it simple always works better than raising alarm. I'll declare IR1/CR1 application for spouse visa on return to UK. Thanks! 

[Tom65 0]

32 minutes ago, Xyrstine said:

I married my husband in the US on an ESTA (UK citizen as well) and I did not specifically say I was there to get married, just that I was visiting my partner. Obviously if pressed, I would state my intention to marry and I also have enough ties to return to the UK (job being the main one). I returned to the UK and we are currently undergoing the VISA process.

 

All you need to be concerned about is that you don't give them any reason to think you will overstay and adjust status as that would be committing fraud and breaching the terms of the ESTA. For you to marry and return is fine but it's just getting that across. I don't advise lying whatsoever but sometimes keeping it simple works in your favour.

Sure, I have details, return ticket and work evidence in UK and prepared for talk at the border. Sure, I won't lie, but I agree keeping it simple always works better than raising alarm. I'll declare IR1/CR1 application for spouse visa on return to UK. Thanks!