Fiancee visit, US > Uk, help please

[Jakey-Matey 0]

Hi all.

My fiancee is visiting me in 2 days! Yay!

She will be staying for 3 months and depending on how she likes it here, might extend it to 6.

I have a few questions on just helping her get through UK immigration, and of course, we both want it to go as smoothly as possible.

So my questions are:

Although me and my fiancee met on the internet, I used this story when I visited my fiancee for the first time in America.

IO: How did you meet these people?

Me: I met them at Disney Land in 2001, and we have kept internet contact ever since.

Although the fact that me and my family did indeed go to Disney Land in Florida in 2001 for a vacation, my fiancees family did not. And me and my friends found it best if I used that story instead of saying "We met on the internet" which would of given me a tougher grilling.

And as she is now visiting my country, and also because it isn't as strict on immigration over here compared to America, we are wondering whether we say one of two things:

1. Play on the same story about meeting eachother in Disney Land,

2. Tellin the truth about meeting on the internet and then meeting up in real nearly a year ago

And also the question comes to mind whether she should mention that she is visiting her fiancee, or family friends.

I would of thought just for the sake of getting through the Immigration easier, family friends would of been the choice, but to my knowledge, seeing as my fiancee (USC) isn't entered into the records of filing an I-129F when she visits another country, then it wouldn't really matter. (That is just to my knowledge, if that can be confirmed or not, great)

Any help/advice to my questions would be appreciated.

Either way, I am very sure she would get through Immigration one way or the other, seeing as she has not left the US in about 10years, no criminal records etc, nothing that would affect her getting into a country for a vacation.

Thanks in advance

[SqdnGuns 21]

Tell the truth, usually one "white" lie leads to another. Don't dig yourself a hole with this process, it is difficult as it is already.

[truffles 2]

Hi

All i can tell you is that so many people actually meet on the internet - and there is nothing to be ashamed in that - i would advocate the truth at all times as immigration officers are usually experienced people who have heard many people explain meeting via the internet.

Below is a link to a poll asking how people met there significant other - you might want to have a look at this and it may reassure you that meeting on the internet wont go against your case.

Just as a aside - me and my now husband also met on the interenet - a games site - to be honest noone even battered an eyelid either at port of entry or at the interview in London. I would advocate truth telling.

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=97098

Good luck with your journey - and remember that this is one of the best community sites and the people on here have such a wealth of experience - if in doubt check it out!

[RosemarieL 0]

It would be wise to have a return ticket though as a one-way might lead them to believe she intended to stay.

Edited November 22, 2007 by RosemarieL

[Jakey-Matey 0]

She does indeed have a return ticket ready for POE, and yes, this site is great along with its people

Ok thank you, I will give my fiancee the update on this.

Thanks again!

[Bforbarree 4]

I agree, be honest, BE HONEST!!!

Believe me, for the first year or so I struggled to tell people that we met on the Internet, but I do not care anymore, and it is easier to be honest!!!! Loads of people meet on the Internet these days, it IS actually NORMAL. It should not make any difference to them at all, and in my case it has not (not that I am aware of anyway). What will throw up a red flag for them is the length of her stay, anything over 2 weeks and you are very likely in for a grilling.

My experience......

I've been questioned for 15+ minutes on one occasion, halfway thru they walked away for a few minutes then came back. This was on my second trip, we were not in the K-1 process yet and I said I was here to see my boyfriend (apparently a red flag).

I have been asked....

What is the purpose of your trip to the UK? (VISIT)

How long are you staying? (they will want a date of your return)

Do you have a return ticket?

May I see your ticket?

How you met?

How long have you known each other?

Has your Fiance been to the US?

Has your Fiance met your family and friends?

What does you Fiance do?

Where does your Fiance live?

Where does your Fiance work?

How long has your Fiance worked there?

What does your Fiance earn?

Where are you staying?

What will you be doing while you Fiance is working?

What will you be doing while you are here?

How are you financing your stay?

Where do you live (in the US)?

Do you rent or own?

What do you do?

Where do you work?

How comes you got so much time off work?

How much is in your savings?

Who paid for your ticket?

Do you have any cash?

How much?

Who is picking you up at the airport?

What will you do if the K-1 is not approved? ( YES, they asked!)

Are you planning to seek any employment in the UK?

NO!

Unless you have a work visa, which can be very difficult to get if you are an American.

Although I seem to remember reading a thread which mentioned something called Mountbatten (sp?)

Exchange Program...something one could look into if interested?

Information she should have ready (in my case I printed it out and just handed it over).

UK Fiance's full name

UK Fiance's home phone number

UK Fiance's work phone number

UK Fiance's cell phone number

UK Fiance's home address

UK Fiance's employer and the address

I have been warned......

That I can not legally get married in the UK without a UK Fiance visa.

That I am not "visiting" the UK, that I am here to live with my boyfriend.

They are not convinced that I am not living here.

That if I over stay (my 6 months) that I can be denied entry in the future, even if I am married to UK citizen.

They have scrutinized my passport, checking the stitching and counting the pages.

but I have always been admitted to the UK.

I am in the UK now, over the last two years I have come on extended stays four times. 3 weeks, 5 months, 4 months, and 5 months (or until the K-1 arrives!) respectively and I have NEVER been turned away but I always dread immigration!!! I have been thru both Heathrow and Gatwick, they can be rude, miserable and intimidating; they make you feel like a criminal (I know they have a serious job but I think some of them really enjoy it )! I have never regretted being honest , they make and keep notes (that they can and will refer to later) and it is there job to notice any inconsistencies in your story.

Immigration can be a horrible welcome after such a long flight not to mention the emotional state your in, just wanting to see your loved one! But afterwards you just have to shake it off, collect your baggage and leap into the arms of your sweetheart!

In my opinion you guys should be fine, just answer the questions they ask, as they them, and don't VOLUNTEER B) .

All they want really to "know" is that she is going to leave the country before her visa expires and that she is not going to get a job or use public funds while she is in the UK. They are looking for indications that that may not be the case.

This is more or less your story, correct?

She is coming for 3 months to be with you. You are 4+ months into the K-1 visa process and you are USCIS approved, you just have to make your appointment at the US Embassy as soon as they receive your paperwork. If she already has a return ticket that would be best (in the view of the IO) but if not she can just explain that you will be buying your ticket(s) and that she will be returning after the visa is approved. The visa should be in hand in the next two to three months and the embassy recommends that you do not make travel plans until after you receive your visa.

It seems pretty solid to me.

As a USC I have always been given a 6 months visa when entering the UK, I expect this is standard, so IF she decides to stay longer then 3 months it should not be a problem, just DO NOT stay longer then 6 months!

I really hope all that is helpful! I know it was long winded but I suspect most of us are VJ chronic because we hate being in the dark!

Congratulations on your NOA2!

Glad that you will be together soon!

[~Laura and Nick~ 5]

I agree with what the others have posted.

Be 100% honest!!

There is absolutely NOTHING wrong with meeting on the internet. Be honest, tell your story, if you have a bona fide relationship and can prove so, there is nothing to worry about.

Best of luck

~L