FleurS11

1 hour ago, VinnyH said:

 

Did they cancel/revoke your ESTA? If so, then yes you're done. If not, there might still be a chance because I still wonder what "they are aware of my case" really translated into the record in the systems.

 

 

Thank you for your reply! After the situation happened it says on my ESTA 'Travel not authorized' before it was approved. The ticketing officer was at the gate and he took my passport, sat me down. Called the DHS and then said next to me said 'I have bad news I can't let you board this plane'. He just said I needed a return ticket and by knowing my intent was to marry a U.S. citizen, he called the DHS to ask advice and let them know. I'm pretty sure I got put on a watch list. I tried calling the DHS for clarification but they didn't give any.

50 minutes ago, VinnyH said:

Hold on, OP was denied boarding in her own country. She was not denied entry into the U.S. because she never made it to the Port of Entry and applied to be admitted into the United States.

 

She was denied boarding by the airline, on tje advice of DHS/CBP. Technically, in the eyes of CBP, her case "doesn't exist" unless they record it in their system, but I am doubtful about they could log as she was not officially denied.

 

For what it's worth, OP can buy another ticket (round trip this time) to fly to the U.S. on the basis of her ESTA. Best to do it with another airline because the initial airline might have flagged her.

 

As far as I remember, traveling into the U.S. in order to get married without immigrant intent is perfectly legal as long as OP intends to return home.

 

Then, OP's U.S. citizen spouse may petition her with a CR-1.

 

Thank you for your reply! I took a flight from Brussels to Frankfurt. The ticketing officer did call DHS so they are aware of my case.

43 minutes ago, Crazy Cat said:

Every couple has their own priorities, and each couple must decide which visa is better for their situation.

K-1        
    More expensive than CR-1    
    Requires Adjustment of Status after marriage (expensive and requires a lot of paperwork)    
    Spouse can not leave the US until she/he receives approved Advance Parole (approx 6-8 months)    
    Spouse can not work until she/he receives EAD (approx 6-8 months)    
    Some people have had problems with driver licenses, Social Security cards, leases, bank account during this period    
    Spouse will not receive Green Card for many months after Adjustment of Status is filed.
    A denied K-1 is sent back to USCIS to expire
  

CR-1
    Less expensive than K-1    
    No Adjustment of Status(I-485, I-131, I-765) required.    
    Spouse can immediately travel outside the US    
    Spouse is authorized to work immediately upon arrival.    
    Spouse receives Social Security Card and Green Card within 2 or 3 weeks after entering the US    
    Opening a bank account, getting a driver's license, etc. are very easily accomplished with GC, SS card, and passport.

    Spouse has legal permanent Resident status IMMEDIATELY upon entry to US.
   

 

Thank you, that's a helpful perspective.

4 minutes ago, Dashinka said:

I agree with @Mike E, if you and your future spouse are already decided to get married, don't bother with a K1, get married somewhere and file the I130.

 

Good Luck!

Thank you for the reply! Do you say this because it's the only option, or the better one?

9 minutes ago, Mike E said:

 

A K-1 visa is also immigration intent.  It’s ok to apply for a K-1 after expressing immigration intent on an attempted entry on a nonimmigrant status.  
 

Thank you, that makes sense.

Hi there,

I planned going to the United states to marry my Fiancée. I was stupid, did not purchase a return ticket. The ticketing officer did not allow me to board the plane after talking on the phone with DHS. I never lied and said my purpose was to marry. He told me to apply for a visa. Now, after looking up information this 'travel not authorized' ESTA can cause issues during the application of a K-1 Visa. Does anybody have any experience with what kind of document I have to file with the I-129F? I wrote an explanatory about the situation but I don't know if there are any other documents.

Thank you for sharing your Experiences