RachelleMyke

Oh that is wrong, Yikes. The other possibility is that they were truly clueless and making things up, or trying to scare you, or whatever. Unfortunately, they are the judge, jury, and executioner for entries. You could call CBP and ask them for their rules, but if the border agent has any inkling that the visa will be misused, then they have the final say.

I am sure it hurts and I am sorry. Rest assured it won't matter for your fiance visa. Best of luck.

Thank you.

Why? So that you don't feel so bad about it. To spare your feelings. I think with the history of problems before, their minds were made up and they just were looking for an reason.

You can try again, though I understand the cost comes into play. Since you are now flagged as having been denied your odds of success decrease.

Good luck.

I definitely will not be trying again. The agent told me he didn't enter anything into the system and it was as if I was never even there. I suppose I shouldn't believe that either? I don't trust them.

I definitely will not be trying again. The agent told me he didn't enter anything into the system and it was as if I was never even there. I suppose I shouldn't believe that either? I don't trust them.

Actually, he told me if I tried again it would probably prevent my visa from being approved because then I would knowingly be trying to enter the US even though I'm not allowed to.

If it were true what they told you, then how do you explain all those thousands of people on here who visited during their K1 process without any problems?

On another note, I think you are extremely lucky that you can see your fiancé at least every three months. Not all of us are/were that lucky. I went over a whole year without seeing my then-fiancé, now husband.

Good luck!

That's what I'm wondering. I even said... I've been on a very popular website and MANY people have told their stories of visiting while their visas were pending. And he just kept saying "No. No. It is not allowed" I don't understand....... I can never get the same answer consistently which is just so frustrating.

You can visit. You can also be denied entry. You were denied because you did not show that you would return when your visit is over. The stuff about "no one can visit with a pending visa" was a lie.

Sorry, good luck.

He didn't even ask for any proof whatsoever. I had plenty of proof, but it didn't even come to that point. As soon as they knew I had the pending visa, it was just instantly a no. How can three agents just blatantly lie to me? I'm not trying to say I disagree with you I just don't understand why they would say that?

I posted a few days ago asking about visiting the US after my fiancé sent in for a K-1 visa for me to move there. I was told by many people if I bring proof of ties to Canada, along with a mountain of other things I should be fine. I had everything prepared to show the officers if need be.

WELL that was not the case. I had booked a flight from Halifax to Boston, and was going through customs in Halifax. I got to the customs officer. He asked the purpose of my visit, "Visiting my fiancé". He asked how long I was staying "A week". He asked if i have had trouble crossing the border before. "Yes, I was denied entry and able to retract my application for entry in February." He said okay just one minute, another officer is going to talk to you. Fine. We go into another room with the other officer. He asks me the same questions, then asks if I intend on moving to the US or if my fiancé plans to move to Canada. I said "I'll be moving to the US" and he asked how. "We've applied for a K-1 visa" And that was the end of it. Instantly he shook his head and said okay no. You are a pending immigrant and you can't enter the US until it is approved, at all, no exceptions. He was very kind about it and even told me he had brought his wife to the US on a K-1 visa himself. I just told him I was 100% under the impression I was able to visit while the visa was still pending. But he assured me that is not the case. He even spoke with a supervisor to make absolutely sure and he also said no, you can't enter until the visa is approved. Bummer.

It will be probably 3 whole months my fiancé and I will be apart now since last time I saw him was for two days early March and he can't come to Canada because of his job, until the end of May, for another two days. Splendid. I wish I had known all of this before I purchased expensive plane tickets. Now I have flight credits we can only hope to use to fly from Boston to maybe Florida or California to visit family after I move to the US. I wish somewhere along the line this would have been explained clearly to me because I never would have wasted $550 for a drive to the airport and back home.

Perhaps the only good thing to come from this is that he said that lately he has been seeing the K-1 process only take 3 months. I don't know if he was just trying to make me feel better so I'm not really holding him to it... But that would mean it would be approved in 2 months from now....

Anyway I just wanted to warn everyone who might try to visit because it is not allowed.

What did you tell them and what they asked you?

"What are your intentions on this trip?" "Visiting my fiancé" ... "Are you planning on moving there or is he moving here?" "I plan to move there" "How?" "We've applied for a K-1 visa" And that was it. It was instantly a no. You're a pending immigrant you cannot enter the United States until the visa is approved. And that was it. Escorted to get my luggage and went home.

Probably intending rather than pending.

He definitely said pending immigrant. As in my visa case is pending, so I can't enter until it's approved.

Yes bring the paperwork from when you were denied, only hand it to them if they ask you for it. Also bring the k1 related documents. I'm sure you will be fine, but let me know how it went down.

I was denied entry and told that I can't enter the US at all until the visa is approved because I am a pending immigrant so I'm SOOOOOOO HAPPY I spent over $550 on flights for nothing while being told I could go visit when it was all untrue.... Not once in all of the paperwork we did, did it ever say "You may not enter the US while the visa is pending" NOWHERE. The officer said a K-1 should take 3 months.... Ha. Okay. See you in 2 months then.......

Yes bring the paperwork from when you were denied, only hand it to them if they ask you for it. Also bring the k1 related documents. I'm sure you will be fine, but let me know how it went down.

Thank you again! I will post an update!

Hey Rachelle,

I have so much experience with crossing the border at land and at the airports, I can really help with this. First thing I can tell you, is that your entry is at the discretion of the CBP/DHS officer. You can try to enter the USA one day and get denied after being interrogated for hours and then come back at a later time with all the necessary documents, stressed out and they will let you through within 20 to 30 seconds, it has happened to many people I know. I have never had any problems at the border but I have law abiding family members from Canada that got denied entry into the US as well as a family member with misdemeanors criminal record that had no problems crossing the US border (and the latter has crossed maybe a 100 times with no problem, EVER).

here are a few simple but important tips:

-When you get in front of the agent, RELAX, be courteous, any type of shaking or sign of stress will make things harder for you.

-Answer the agents questions with short answers, no rambling, no lies.

-Only answer his questions, do not volunteer any information, do not give the agent any paperwork that you are not asked to provide.

-Make sure you have cash on you, enough cash to spend on your trip (but please not more than 10,000 lol). if you don't have cash and tell the agent that you have debit or credit, you might be refused, I know 5 or 6 people that only use debit cards and got denied entry because they didn't have cash.

-Have a roundtrip ticket, the agent needs to know that you are going back home. Have a print out of your itinerary.

-Don't bring a ish load of stuff, just enough for the length of your trip, bringing too much can make the officer feel like you are trying to move to the US illegally.

-Bring MAIL with your name on it, such has utility bills, any correspondence will help, really. Bring your last pay stub to show that you have a job. that letter from your employer giving you time off is also good to have.

-Bring copies of all USCIS receipts or documents you have, but again, do not volunteer the paperwork, show if they ask.

-Its weird to say but dress appropriately, too much make up is not good, a bunch of piercing in the face is not good, tight or reveling clothing is not good. I know it's not a USCIS interview but it really kind of is.

- Remember the dates of your last entry/or attempt to enter to USA, because they often ask that and if the dates you tell them don't match up with what they have in their system, more questions will follow.

-Have the exact address where you are going to be staying.

-Do not bring any unauthorized items, simple fruits and vegetables in your luggage can cause you to have to go through secondary inspection.

From my personal experience, I think it is much, Much, MUCH easier to get through customs at Canadian airports than at land border crossing. So I think you will be fine going through customs at Halifax airport. They can deny your entry yes, but don't worry you cannot get banned if you have not done anything illegal, they tell you that they can ban you to scare you into telling them the truth, ALWAYS tell them the truth but don't be scared. And someone said that the agents can do anything even deport you, LOL not true at all! how are they going to deport you from Halifax airport? your own country, lol , don't worry about that.

I personally don't think you shouldn't apply for Redress or DHS Trip, that is for people with major issues, people that have same names as wanted criminals/suspects or people that have been denied a gazillion times without an apparent reason. You have been denied once, not a big deal.

Sorry for the long reply, I hope this helps, I wish you good luck at Halifax airport, remember relax.

Thank you thank you thank you!!!

I hadn't thought to bring mail. I have plenty from banks, loans, etc. I'll be packing one small suitcase and that is all. Not even taking my laptop.

I do have a lip ring... But I still look presentable... I can't imagine a situation where that would be the deciding factor...

I booked my ticket and I told my fiancé. I'm trying to keep him NOT excited. I told him he can be excited IF I cross the border.

Should I bring my paperwork from when I was last denied entry? I wore under oath that I was going to be applying for the K-1 Visa, which I then did, and will have those papers as well...

Thank you again!!

Do this and remove any doubts ahead of time - http://www.dhs.gov/dhs-trip

I honestly don't understand it... Can you explain a little clearer than the site?

You never know what is that little thing that makes the Officer hesitant to let you in. During my last visit, while waiting for the Visa interview, I had to go through second screening. I had everything with me (papers from NVC, showing that we have been approved, proof of ties (like my lease, credit card bills, utility bills etc), return ticket and so on). They didn't want to see any of this. They kept asking me the same questions over and over again, as quickly as they could, as if they were trying to catch me lying. Anyway, they let me in...

I, too, don't think that there is a reason for banning you. Banning occurs under very specific conditions.

Just an idea....would it be possible for your mother to add you to the lease?

My advice is (as everyone always says) be truthful and DO NOT volunteer any information. Let them ask you, before you say anything. That advice was given to me from a fellow VJer. I didn't follow it and...I had to go to the second screening!!!

I hope everything works out! Good luck and enjoy your visit!

Thank you!

The Canadian us border sure gave us some grief too a few timed. Don't know if I would risk it.

Yikes... This goes against what everyone else is saying.

What airport in Canada are you flying from? I know some airports in Canada have pre immigration clearance but don't know which. At worst you might just get turned around in Canada.

Flying from Halifax, NS

This is something you don't need to worry about. CPB won't ban you at a point of entry. The worst they can do is turn you around and send you home tell you to wait out the K-1. CPB sending you packing won't affect the K-1 as long as you answer the questions about this truthfully.

All they care about is misrepresentation and overstay. If you lied you have misrepresented. Did you lie to CPB the last time you got denied entry? If so than don't trying another entry as they will then have conflicting answers on file; they can affect you K-1 packet. If you were truthful about your intentions at your last try you have nothing to worry about. Try again.

Bring with you to the point of entry your NOA 1 and a copy of your I-129f. If you are asked if you have a pending immigration case say yes. I have an I-129f on file and have an NOA-1. I will return to Canada to complete the interview. I have a copy of my I-129f and NOA-1; would you like to see it? That's it. Don't babble. If they ask why do you want to see your finance say I miss him. Keep it simple.

General rules: If they don't ask anything don't say anything. If they ask just answer the question truthfully without long explanations. Don't lie. There's no reason to. You don't need to present massive amounts documents to prove you'll go back to Canada; they're not going to want to see them. That in it's self is cause for suspicion. When was the last time you saw someone at any boarder control put anything on the counter other than a passport and a customs slip.

I didn't lie at all last time, he actually said he was allowing me to retract the application for entry because he knew we were being honest.

Thank you. I haven't booked the flight yet but I think I will go ahead now. I appreciate it!

Although your circumstances re job and lack of lease haven't changed, the fact that you have officially applied for your fiancee visa shows them that you are doing it the legal way. Perhaps if you plan ahead and take a letter stating your intent to spend a couple of weeks with your fiance, that you will return to Canada on X date using the prebooked ticket and you will not be getting married during this visit it may go some way to pacifying any suspicion of intent to work around entry.

You could always try being upfront with them and stating that you were turned away (they will have a record in the system anyway) but you now have the receipt for your visa application. Don't know if you have started booking anything for your wedding, but any evidence for that would certainly help, too.

When I visited my now husband while the K1 was processing I didn't have a job and was living with my parents. They didn't ask a lot of questions, but did "remind" me that I shouldn't be getting married during this visit.

Good luck and I hope your visa gets processed smoothly.

Thank you so much!!

Do you have any criminal charges at all that would affect your ability to cross the border, even if its minor (or seems minor) in nature? It seems weird that they wouldn't even give you a chance to show proof of ties to Canada, but then again border crossing can be so random. Was it your first visit? Did you have a number of extended visits previously?

My boyfriend got denied entry to Canada when we were driving back to my home a few years ago because of a petty misdemeanor charge from almost 10 years ago (even though he had visited previously with no issues) ... that and we didn't even think to bring any proof of ties either (so naive at that point in time lol). I had to drive him to Minot so he could fly back home and then drive back alone to Canada to work- yeah I was super devastated and so sad for a long time, it was awful. When I came to spend last summer with him in the US, I got pulled into secondary screening for a while because I was planning on staying a few months and didn't buy a return ticket, and the CO asked me about that incident (so I guess expect your previous entry attempt will be documented when you try to enter). They let me visit, and I have been to the US 4 times since then with no problems, but I was surprised that my fiances inability to cross into Canada was documented on my passport.

If you enter and they deny you, you shouldn't get "banned", but you will have to return home. Just be prepared to face that reality again, because every crossing is a new adventure.

M

No criminal charges whatsoever! Not at all my first visit, I had visited 4 times in 2013 for 1-2 weeks at a time only. I think it was just the border agent... He wasn't mean or anything but I feel like had we gotten another person it would have been a totally different situation.

I think I will just try it, judging by the responses are getting. My flight will be to Philly then Boston so worst comes to worst it'll be a $300 flight to Philly for a cheesesteak and turn around and go home and cry for a week again. And I'll only tell my fiancé once I'm back in Canada so that he doesn't get sooo excited for a visit like we always do and then get crushed.

Thanks for the reply!

I went and visited my fiance for 3 months while waiting for NOA2 and interview and had no significant ties to Canada--no job, no home, and no fixed address for the previous couple of years. Just had a receipt from a storage place where my car and belongings were in storage (which I didn't have to show). I had no problem. Is it possible, when you were denied before, that you were too gung ho to reveal all of your evidence and maybe appeared a bit suspicious? You said you drove over--did you have a lot of stuff wth you that maybe looked like you were moving?

Have all your docs and stuff ready but don't offer them up unless asked. Just be cool and answer as simply as possible the questions you're asked.

Wow. Alright!

Last time when I was denied, they asked me if I had a return flight, I said yes. They didn't ask for proof. They took our phones, and asked if the confirmation for the flight was in mine, I said yes. They didn't mention it again. They then asked how I had gotten so much time off of work so I explained my work wasn't busy during winter (BBQ tech support). I said, I have a letter from them that says when I'll be back. He didn't want to see it. He did mention I had a lot of stuff with me. It was all clothing. In the end, when he told me I wouldn't be crossing, his sole reason was because of lack of significant ties to Canada. He said had I had bank statements and proof of a lease (which I don't have, I explained, i live with my mother) then I may have gotten in. If I try this, I will definitely have every piece of paper with me possible... And hope for the best. I just don't want to deal with the emotions of being so hopeful of spending time together and then being crushed all over again.

At least since I'm planning to surprise him, he won't be disappointed if I can't cross because he won't know I'm on my way there.... His sister would be picking me up at the airport...

They won't banned you. As far as my knowledge, it only applies to those who overstayed or misrepresented documents. Someone can stand corrected me if I am wrong. You are still on petition stage, aren't you? On the stage of I-129F, they don't ask you about that, ONLY when you apply for K-1 visa application after your I-129F approved and you have to completed the online DS-160 form and one of entries ask about your previous refusal/denial.

Ohh okay I gotcha. Yes, our case has just been opened so we aren't at the stage where we have to answer about previous refused entries.

I'm feeling better about booking a plane ticket now but I'm still concerned that I dont have enough proof of ties to Canada.

You won't be banned. At worst, just denied entry.

Not that I don't trust your answer, because this makes me feel better, but can I ask how you're sure of this?

They can banned you to enter because they always think that you have intent to immigrate -as always even though you don't- . But, it wouldn't affect your K-1 visa application if you are approved . Of course when you applied for K-1 visa, you have to put date when they refused you come to the country.

As long as you don't have legal problems about you coming to the US for instance overstayed or misrepresented documents, I would not put speculation that you will get ban for 5-10 years just because they don't think you have a strong ties to your country.

It just like when people applied for B-2 visa and get denied because they don't have strong ties to their home countries. A consular officer's final decision whether they have approved it or not is not based on previous denial. And after you have your K-1 visa, they can't say. " I would not let you in", just because you have previous denial on the border.

But my visa is still pending so if they ban me from entering for 5 years wouldn't that affect the visa? I expect the visa to be approved by the end of this year.

When I applied for the K-1 there was nothing asking for me to put the date they had refused me entry previously. Now Im worried we did something wrong in the application....

Why they are going to ban you for 5 years or 10 years if you have not enter yet?

When I was denied entry in February, they told me they could have banned me then. Luckily they allowed me to retract my application for entry. If they decide to ban me from entering again if they deny me again, as far as I know, its up to them at the time, and they can. Perhaps I misunderstood?

I am considering a surprise visit and I am extremely nervous about trying to cross the border, and reading the 'Yes, you can visit' thread made me even more nervous. Here's my situation:

In February, my fiancé (then boyfriend) came to Canada and then we were intending to drive back to the US together. I intended to stay for about 2.5 months. I had a return flight and a letter from my employer saying I was approved for a leave of absence, as well as travel insurance. They did not let me cross. I've yet to read about a situation like this so I'm curious and nervous. When they didn't let me cross, they didn't even ask to see any of my proof of ties to Canada even when I offered them they said no (This is all pre-K-1 filing). They allowed me to retract my 'application for entry' because they believed my intentions were honest. We were stuck at the border for hours where I had to swear under oath all of my intentions (to visit my boyfriend, that we intended on applying for a K-1 eventually, etc). They took my prints, picture, etc. Gave me a copy of the paperwork and he was on his way to drive me home...... Worst day of my life.

Since then, I haven't tried to cross the border at all. He has visited once since with no hassle, and then we sent in our application for the K-1 Visa. We've only so far received a receipt that it was received and the cheque was cashed.

I really would like to still use my flight that I already had booked from the US to Canada on April 16th and I was thinking that I would like to surprise my fiancé with a week visit. BUT... I am soooo nervous they will not let me in. I know I could be banned from entering for five or ten years if so. Here's my situation:

I live with my mother, and pay rent to her monthly, but my name isn't on her lease.
I haven't gone back to work since the leave of absence started. I still have the letter saying I am expected back to work on April 19th.

I have travel insurance through my bank until April 19th.

I can produce bank statements showing I have savings, however no money coming in since February.

I have the paperwork from when I was denied entry, showing I swore under oath that we would be filing for a K-1 and that I intended to marry him.

I have a copy of the K-1 Visa paperwork we sent in this month.

I can also have a copy of the e-mail sent to him saying that the Visa was received by them.

I just am so scared that they won't let me cross due to lack of proof of ties and I will be banned from re-entering for five-ten years because if that were to happen, we would change our plans completely and he would have to move to Canada, which we both don't want. Has anyone had any sort of similar situation who can offer me advice? I'm so nervous!! Thank you.

I am considering a surprise visit and I am extremely nervous about trying to cross the border, and reading this threat made me even more nervous. Here's my situation:

In February, my fiancé (then boyfriend) came to Canada and then we were intending to drive back to the US together. I intended to stay for about 2.5 months. I had a return flight and a letter from my employer saying I was approved for a leave of absence, as well as travel insurance. They did not let me cross. I've yet to read about a situation like this so I'm curious and nervous. When they didn't let me cross, they didn't even ask to see any of my proof of ties to Canada even when I offered them they said no (This is all pre-K-1 filing). They allowed me to retract my 'application for entry' because they believed my intentions were honest. We were stuck at the border for hours where I had to swear under oath all of my intentions (to visit my boyfriend, that we intended on applying for a K-1 eventually, etc). They took my prints, picture, etc. Gave me a copy of the paperwork and he was on his way to drive me home...... Worst day of my life.

Since then, I haven't tried to cross the border at all. He has visited once since with no hassle, and then we sent in our application for the K-1 Visa. We've only so far received a receipt that it was received and the cheque was cashed.

I really would like to still use my flight that I already had booked from the US to Canada on April 16th and I was thinking that I would like to surprise my fiancé with a week visit. BUT... I am soooo nervous they will not let me in. I know I could be banned from entering for five or ten years if so. Here's my situation:

I live with my mother, and pay rent to her monthly, but my name isn't on her lease.
I haven't gone back to work since the leave of absence started. I still have the letter saying I am expected back to work on April 19th.

I have travel insurance through my bank until April 19th.

I can produce bank statements showing I have savings, however no money coming in since February.

I have the paperwork from when I was denied entry, showing I swore under oath that we would be filing for a K-1 and that I intended to marry him.

I have a copy of the K-1 Visa paperwork we sent in this month.

I can also have a copy of the e-mail sent to him saying that the Visa was received by them.

I just am so scared that they won't let me cross due to lack of proof of ties and I will be banned from re-entering for five-ten years because if that were to happen, we would change our plans completely and he would have to move to Canada, which we both don't want. Has anyone had any sort of similar situation who can offer me advice? I'm so nervous!! Thank you.