Paul_Light

Have you filed the I-129F yet? If not then I would just say to go back where you can make money. If you filed a while ago then you never know, things could be approved and the way sooner than you think. Regardless, am I correct in thinking that you will have to return to the UK anyway for the interview and medical etc? As well, I have heard that it can take 40+ days to get your police clearance. So these are expenses you will have to incur anyway.

Sorry, I don't see a timeline for you so I'm not too sure about your particular situation. If you fill it in, people may be able to give you more help.

I am in the US now too - same VWP, but am thinking of going back before the 6 month mark is up to earn some money.

Your choice - good luck regardless.

Mo

Mo

Haven't done the timeline thing. We haven't filed the I129-yet.

With regards to making money I just can't see how with living expenses as they are in the U.K. plus the frequent flights my gf wants to make from Dallas to see me.

What is the 40+ days police clearance that you refer to?

Paul

I'm confused - are you talking about the costs of living for you to return to the UK (as well as the costs for her to come visit you)? I guess I also don't understand what you wrote about a temporary job requirement.

On living in Mexico temporarily during the visa processing (6 months??), it doesn't seem like it would affect anything involved in the I-129F process. As you said, you'll return to London for the interview.

However, $800 US a month for an apartment is outrageous unless you are talking about a large, beautifully furnished apartment in the most exclusive neighborhood in Mexico City.

You should also consider that you will need a tourist visa upon entry into Mexico. Most people are automatically given 90 days - you'll have to ask for more and hope that they give you the max. If not, you'll need to get an extension (which is generally no big deal).

Just out of curiosity - where would you be in Mexico and what would you do with your time there?

I've only been to Mexico on vacation. Cancun (1) and Playa Del Carmen (3).

So, I was thinking of living by the beach for a few months. Although the boredom might get to me. Already I haven't worked since June 2006.

You've made me think.

Perhaps I could rent somewhere more cheaply in Mexico and perhaps learn Spanish while there?

Do you have any suggestions? (it MUST be easy to fly from Dallas, Texas).

The job / economics thing :

I think that, by the time I pay for living expenses etc., I'll be around $1000 per month "up". That's without buying a car and without paying for visits by my gf.

Fortunately I have some savings (but don't want to go through it all) so I do not "have" to work.

Paul

Dear All

I'm currently in the U.S. on the VWP and due to leave end of October.

We are filing for the K1 visa.

In the meantime I've been calculating the cost of my gf visiting the U.K., buying a car, renting accomdation etc. etc.

Due to having a temporary job requirement my potential earnings wouldn't be that great and, by the time I pay all living expenses etc, there wouldn't be much left.

So, I'm thinking of moving to Mexico for the length of time the visa takes to process. My gf would be able to visit easier, I couldn't work but I can rent somewhere for around $800 per month.

Obviously, I would have to fly to London for my interview.

Anyone have any comments on this?

Paul

I understand that both me (U.K. male) and my fiance (U.S. female) have to fill out one set of these.

Question :

"This form is submitted in connection with application for"

Is it "Other" - K1 visa application

Most is filled in and Adobe has just crashed. I'll print it out and make handwritten addtions.

Thanks

Paul

Hi

When filling out "official forms" (I-129 etc.), if born in England, do you state you Country of Birth as :

(1) England

(2) United Kingdom

(3) Great Britain

Thanks

Paul

Good luck searching until you find someone who will tell you what you want to hear.

Best wishes,

Jen

Yeah I shouldn't have been a smart-a$$ but that's what I'm afraid Paul is trying to do.

Hopefully he WILL find a competent immigration attorney. They are out there.

I was once told to never take advice from one who is not a member of the AILA.

It's a personal recommendation from a guy that's Vice President Senior Counsel @ a Fortune 500 company.

I'm sure they only use the best.

Thanks for your concern.

Paul

Thanks again for ALL of your input.

I have an appointment with an Immigration Attorney in the morning who is going to inspect my passport and all of the relevant stamps / dates etc.

Paul

Paul,

You said

So, I had to show the POE my return ticket for 27 August 2006 for re-entry to the U.S.

If what you wrote is exactly what happened, then your question seems to be answered. If the POE officer wouldn't admit you when you returned from Mexico until you showed him that ticket, then you better use that ticket. Was he interested in the date on the ticket, or just that you had a ticket?

The POE officer should have put a date on the new I-94. Whatever date it is, is the date by which you must leave.

G

He was interested in the fact that I had a return ticket. I have no way of knowing if he was interested in the specific return date.

There is NO date on the I-94. Just the official stamp dated 2 August 2006.

Paul

Paul...

You have already been taken to secondary and warned about your frequent visits... as others have mentioned and by your own admission, even though you receive income, you are not actively engaged in employment or appear to have any other ties that would require you to return back to your home country.. and as others have said, the fact that you bring such a significant amount of cash could indicate your intention to immigrate...

You have been warned by CBP about your travel patterns.. I would take that as a sign to cool down your visits for awhile...

Once you are denied entry on VWP, you are not permitted to use it again... ever... you must then have a visitor visa. Getting a visitor visa in your circumstances may be difficult...

VWP or any visitor visa is not meant as a way for one to live in the US for a period of time... your visiting pattern is indiciative of one who is trying to "live" in the US instead of one who lived in another country and is coming to visit...

If I were you I would come for a brief visit in December and then go back... but then again, there is no guarantee.. a CBP officer may still refuse entry at that time...

A few tips.. from now on fly through Dublin or Shannon... Bring lots of evidence of ties to your home country and always be truthful.. because a material misrepresentation results in a permanent ban on entering the US...

Thanks for your reply Zyggy

What are your thoughts on this http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.ph...c=26300&hl= (hope that's how you link another thread).

We've decided to apply for the K1 so I would NOT return before it's issued.

Thanks again.

Paul

Congratulations on your engagement!

Your post is very confusing though.... which is perhaps why no one has answered it yet. You flew from the UK to MX to meet your fiance and are now back in the UK? Or are you in the US??

I'm assuming you're back in TX then...

So you're questioning your VWP status... you were originally supposed to leave the US on on 8/27 because of your original entry from the UK and now that you have gone to MX from the US and returned to the US with a new date stamp in your passport, you're wondering if the 90-day clock starts all over again?

Do I have that right???

Jen

Sorry Jen,

That's right.

UK-US - 5 June 2006

US-MX - 29 July 2006

MX-US - 2 August 2006

So, I had to show the POE my return ticket for 27 August 2006 for re-entry to the U.S.

Does it matter if I miss that flight and re-book a ticket for 30 October 2006.

It would mean less time apart whilst we file the K1.

Thanks

Paul

Yes, it matters. You have 90 days from 6/5 on the VWP. I'm not going to count, but that's 8/27, right? If you re-book, you will be over-staying and your K1 may be at risk.

When David came in May, the CBP officer warned him that he'd better be on the plane when he was scheduled or he was at risk for his K1... and he was only scheduled to be here for 4 weeks...

Jen

But Jen

I have a NEW I-94 in my passport dated 2 August 2006.

The "old" one was removed when I went to Mexico.

So, I'm guessing, that it IS like starting over. Because I leaft the U.S. and went to Mexico I effectively "used" the original visa.

To clarify, the NEW I-94 is NOT dated with a "leave" date.

Paul

Congratulations on your engagement!

Your post is very confusing though.... which is perhaps why no one has answered it yet. You flew from the UK to MX to meet your fiance and are now back in the UK? Or are you in the US??

I'm assuming you're back in TX then...

So you're questioning your VWP status... you were originally supposed to leave the US on on 8/27 because of your original entry from the UK and now that you have gone to MX from the US and returned to the US with a new date stamp in your passport, you're wondering if the 90-day clock starts all over again?

Do I have that right???

Jen

Sorry Jen,

That's right.

UK-US - 5 June 2006

US-MX - 29 July 2006

MX-US - 2 August 2006

So, I had to show the POE my return ticket for 27 August 2006 for re-entry to the U.S.

Does it matter if I miss that flight and re-book a ticket for 30 October 2006.

It would mean less time apart whilst we file the K1.

Thanks

Paul

Dear ALL

Many thanks for your helpful comments so far.

We've decided to apply for the K1.

BUT, I think I've missed something.............................

Because I returned from Mexico on 2 August 2006 I have a new I-94 in my passport with that date.

Does that mean I have 90 days from 2 August 2006 - eventhough I had to show my return flight details of 27 August 2006 to regain entry to the U.S.?

Can I just re-schedule my return flight to 30 October 2006 or will that upset immigration and hamper the K1?

Thanks

Paul

Thanks again all.

I wouldn't dream of over staying my current VWP.

O.K.

1 more question, if you don't mind.

I leave on 27 August 2006.

What does everyone "think" of me coming over for a short stay (2/3 weeks) on December 23 2006 so I'll be here for Xmas?

Paul

Is it a good idea to tell the immigration officer @ DFW that I am planning on marrying here?

Paul

GAH! NO!!!!! They will put you on a plane so fast! You have to go through the K1 fiance visa process to marry in the US. If you say 'i'm coming in to get married' they will go great, do that in six months when you have a visa in hand.

Gah, whew sorry heart attack at the thought of someone blurting that out

Perhaps you misunderstood.

What I meant to say was I want to spend more time with her and her children before discussing marriage.

It would be different without the 4 year old boys. It's a MUCH bigger commitment and I just want to spend more time with them (sorry for repeating - I do that when I'm frustrated).

Paul

Is it a good idea to tell the immigration officer @ DFW that I am planning on marrying here?

Paul

You mean the CBP officer? And at what point? Do you mean the next time you try to enter or going there to get an opinion from him now?

Yes the guy @ border control.

Not sure when. I'm so confused!!!!!!!!!!!!

I had planned all along to do 2 X blocks of 3 months before "popping the question".

My concern is that "if" I decided to come back within 4, 8 or even 12 weeks without reference to my girlfriend what's the reason for coming here again so soon? Or is it O.K. to have a girlfriend?

I'd really like to get a straight forward, concrete answer on this from somebody in authority. It really shouldn't be this difficult. Should it?

Thanks for listening.

Paul

Thanks.

Sorry, but I'm new here.

What does "touched" mean?

Thanks

Paul

Is it a good idea to tell the immigration officer @ DFW that I am planning on marrying here?

Paul

Very funny topic.

Although, sometimes, I do get a little frustrated.

The usual is "where in Australia are you from"?

The WORST is when you get the blank look - you know the one. Like you've just landed from another planet. I don't even react like that if somebody talks to me in another language.

I was in a shop last week and the girl behind the counter said "where are you from?", London, I replied

"my family come from England"

I replied, "well, I guess you all did"

Paul

Call me naive but I really thought that being fit, healthy and able to financially support oneself should be enough to visit a country with ties as close as ours.

So, I go back on 27 August 2006. Don't know what to do. I have an appointment with the USCIS on 18 August 2006 - I guess it can't hurt to put my story across?

Paul

Paul, there is no long term 'hang out' visa for the US. Trust me, it was one of the first things I looked for. My now-spouse is also a UKC; ties between our countries have nothing to do with it.

I posted to draw your attention to your upcoming 'appointment'. Keep in mind beforehand that USCIS folk aren't there to advise you and may inadvertantly give you incorrect information. They are also NOT the same department that make the decision to admit you or not on any given visit (visa or VWP, you have to get thru the Customs and Border Patrol, not USCIS). You can certainly tell them your story, but be wary of any information you get from them, and double or triple check it.

Americans don't readily acknowledge the concept of extended time off; vacations are two weeks long and that's that. Everything else about your situation points to 'intending immigrant' under US definition.

Repeat visits going both directions or 3rd country meetings (Mexico & Canada) or a long distance relationship are options until you are ready to make the marriage leap.

Thanks everyone for your input.

I have another idea. What do you think?

(1) If I go to DFW will anybody in immigration / customs border control discuss the matter with me? (after all I have NOTHING to hide).

(2) Would it help if I arrived back in september 2006 with, say, $9000 in cash to prove I can stay without the need to work?

Thanks

Paul

hey im english and I am currently in Texas on the vwp.

there are no set rules, its all up to the person at the gate you see at the aiport as to if they let you in or not.

no one will be able to give you anything 100%, some folk have had no problems going back quite often without long gaps, other folk have sadly been barred from entering on the VWP and sent home.

i came to texas 15 months ago for 2 weeks, came back this march for 2 weeks and then came back in very late june.

I was quizzed for a long time at the gate by the officer, i wasnt taken back to a second room or anything, but it was pretty clear i was starting to raise some concerns. I dont even mention girlfriend, i only had a 10 day return ticket (i go BA and extend once im through if need be) but still i was heavily quizzed and came away with the feeling i would not be let back in again if i came back anytime soon after arriving.

as a general rule, try to be out of the US for longer than your there! the VWP is not intended for people to live in the US, just to remove the hassles for tourists getting a visa.

my advice, see if your partner could come see you in the UK in the middle, but you say you have no job or flat. This could also cause major problems at US immigration if asked, you have no ties back to your home to show them you would be returning, which some folk get asked for.

just my experience good luck, it sucks having to play this game when we have no intention of doing anything wrong.

Thanks for your reply.

I was heavily quizzed in June and on my return from Mexico last week.

As far as ties to the U.K. I have a significant share (40%) in a U.K. business. I resigned as a Director due to my extended leave. Plus my parents, brother, nephews etc. are still there.

My girlfriend could come over but it's difficult - she has two 4 year old twin boys and a full time job.

And I really don't want to stay in the U.K. without her. A feeling shared on this forum I'm sure.

Call me naive but I really thought that being fit, healthy and able to financially support oneself should be enough to visit a country with ties as close as ours.

So, I go back on 27 August 2006. Don't know what to do. I have an appointment with the USCIS on 18 August 2006 - I guess it can't hurt to put my story across?

Paul

Hi,

I'll try and keep this short.

I'm from the U.K. and met a girl from Texas in January 2006.

Went to the U.S. in February for 2 weeks, Mexico for 3 days and then 1 day back to the U.S.

Decided to give up my job and flat and go to the U.S. for 3 months in

June 2006.

I have to return to the U.K. on 27 August 2006.

My question(s) is(are) :

How long should I wait before returning to the U.S. on the VWP.

I do not intend to work in the U.S. and can financially support myself.

Really I need a longer term temporary visitor visa.

It's too early to say "lets get married" but I certainly wouldn't rule it out in the future.

Any advice will be greatfully recieved.

Paul

Ditto - you CANNOT work in the US unlesss you have the correct visa allowing you to do - anything else is illegal and once they catch up with you they'll deport you and then ban you from re-entry - possibly forever.

I understand you not wanting to go the K1 route as right now you're not thinking of marriage / and are engaged (and this is the SOLE reason a K1 is issued).

You can use the VWP to visit (but NOT work, under any circumstances) as someone else said for up to 90 days which is a pretty fair amount of time that you can spend with your girl and get to know her.

Also VWP is easy to get if you have no convictions or previous entry refusals, but if you abuse it by overusing it or trying to work you won't be allowed to use a VWP in future even if you escape a ban on entering the country.

Good luck with it

Thanks.

I'm having trouble with the defintion of "work".

I've read that the VWP can be used for business travellers to hold meetings.

Now, if I have meetings to introduce a U.S. company and product BUT never receive any payment does that count as "work" ?

Paul

Knowing what country you are from will help with suggesting options. Some countries have more options than others.

I'm from the U.K.

I really didn't think it would be so difficult working in the U.S.

I don't have a criminal record, I'm fit & healthy and can support myself financially.

Oh, and I'm a nice guy too!

Dear All

I'm sure this is a pretty familiar story.................

I met a girl from Texas whilst on vacation at Christmas. Until February 13 we spoke every day. I then flew to Dallas and took her out for a meal on Valentine's Day. Then spent a further 2 weeks with her.

This is what I would "like to do" :

(a) Move to the U.S. for 6-9 months and spend some quality time with my "new" girlfriend.

(B) Work on a sales only commission basis during that period.

I have an "income" of $2500 per month so I can just about afford to support myself (this expires in December 2006).

On top of that I have modest savings of $50,000.

This means I could afford to rent somewhere and "date" for period of time to find out "if" we want to get married.

If it doesn't work out I can come home.

We should be able to do that shouldn't we?

I've researched the H1B visa route - not really going to happen. Plus I've looked into the L1-A visa - I have a business that is part owned by U.S. company - but both business are relatively small.

Any ideas ?????????????????

The idea of marriage, eventually, sounds good BUT I have only known her for 2 1/2 weeks. That said I am willing to "up sticks" and try living there for a while.

Thanks

Paul

hey paul,

i was in a similar situation with my boyfriend. he was already here on a J1 visa when we fell in love. we looked into all the possibilities as well and marriage was the only thing that worked in our situaion. Now with you, i would try to either get a J1 visa and then you can work here for 18 months. you can also try and get a student visa. those are not hard to get but can be expensice and i dont know if you already have an education or not. i am also not sure what it takes to get a J1 visa. what country are you from by the way?

thats all the advice i can give!!! hope it helped alittle.

Diana and Enrico

Thanks, at 38 I'm possibly a bit old for a student visa.

Paul