BettyMai

21 hours ago, Mern V said:

I am planning a 2nd visit to my husband (for 3 weeks) next week. (It will be our 20th wedding anniversary).

 

Last time I went was early December. 

 

Last time, I brought all my "official ties" type of documents with me to show the CBP officer (land border, I was driving across to take a flight out of Detroit) and all he asked for was to see my return ticket.

 

Lawyer advised that I offer no information outside of what is asked of me. The CBP officer DID ask who I was visiting and I simply said, "Family and friends" -- which was the truth. I was terrified of being probed further, but nothing else came of it. 

 

THIS time I will bring all the same documents (bank account info, letter from my employer + latest pay stub, past I-94 info indicating my return to Canada AND of course return flight and shuttle information). If you have anything like, that, bring it all with you, it doesn't hurt!

 

I'm always nervous dealing with border officials, it can be nerve wracking. But my  lawyer advised just tell the truth if asked, and if you have a good record of returning generally you should be ok. 

 

And yes, agree with everyone who say it's *always* a risk. I went for months thinking I could go without visiting but the wait has been too long, I really miss my husband! Good luck to you and yours!

Thank you for your comment!  

Yes, dealing with CBP is always super nerve wracking! 
I’m trying to gather as much proof of ties to home country as I can, but still haven’t really decided whether I should go or not.. 

Of course it’s always a risk- but I think if you have as much proof as it sounds like you do, you should hopefully be ok!

Good luck to you and your husband! I hope you get through customs without any problems!

On 2/7/2023 at 7:02 PM, rierose said:

Hi! I'm not an i-130 filer but an i-129F filer (I'm not sure how great of a difference this makes on the 'risk', but wanted to share my experience anyway).

I'm also a Danish citizen, engaged to a USC. Since filing our i-129F in December 2021, I've been back to the US on my B2 visa 5 times for short periods of time like you are describing.

 

I've also previously overstayed by B2 visa with 3 months, although I did get approval beforehand, as it is a legal extension you can inform the border control officer about at the port of entry. However, from my personal experience, re-entering with a i-129F pending has never been an issue, nor have they even mentioned it to me. Perhaps I've just been extremely lucky, but my fiancé and I have also been in contact with immigration lawyers multiple times to understand what the risks may have been of entering while waiting for approval, and both lawyers have not been concerned what so ever.

 

I know it can be scary to read all of these comments, and of course they should be taken seriously as none of us are interested in loosing our ability to eventually immigrate and be with our loved one. However, I think it is key to prove your intent to leave again as others have mentioned, if you're questioned, and your history of visiting but also leaving is a good track record as well.  In my experience, I have never ever been asked about this, but rather just how long I am staying in the US and what my intent is. For that I usually just say vacation, visiting my friends and family, and thats about it. However, I do understand if you feel more precautious given the comments of other people. 

 

I hope the best for you and your husband!

Thanks so much you for your comment! 

Yes- I’ve heard horror stories of people being denied entry, but also many like you, who has been lucky and entered without problems, so it’s very hard to decide whether to risk it or not! It’s really just up to the person to convince CBP that they’re going to return home.. which can be hard without many strong ties to your home country! It makes me feel a little less worried that the lawyers you talked to didn’t seem concerned about it at all though! 
 

I’ll try to gather as much proof as possible and be prepared for being questioned- and only do a short visit, if I do decide to go.. and hopefully it’ll go ok, like it did for you  

All the best to you and your fiancé as well!!

23 hours ago, Mike E said:

 

The worst case is expedited removal which carries a 5 year ban.  
 

Oh whoa! I’ve never heard of anyone getting a 5 year ban! But if that’s true, then I really don’t want to risk it. Thank you for your comment! 

13 hours ago, B&DT said:

Dont worry !!!  Im Danish married to US citizen since 20th September 2022 and just been in Michigan for 3 weeks and now back in DK.

They pulled me aside and asked me some questions,  I didn't have to show anything.

U can PM me if you want

 

Thank you so much for your reply- that makes me feel a bit less worried! I’ll  send you a PM later! Tak! :) 

14 hours ago, pushbrk said:

Frankly, I think you'll be fine, and YES, the reason you are visiting is important THIS TIME and really every time.  Being allowed in back in July for a few months even after your extensions is a good sign.  No guarantees ever but you have a history of LEAVING, that is very important.

Thank you so much for your very nice reply, I really appreciate it! I hope you are right- but like you also said, you really never know and it’s up to the CBP to decide. Your comment made me feel a little less worried about it though. :) 

14 hours ago, Boiler said:

With 2 Satisfactory Departures (first time for me) you can expect a trip to Secondary. Might want to at least get a job.

Yes - I am currently applying for jobs and hope that I’ll get hired before possibly leaving in march… Thank you for your reply! 

15 hours ago, ROK2USA said:

You will probably be okay for the visit in March if you choose to go. But, the visit in May *might* raise some flags. No one can tell you and it really does depend on the CBP you encounter. Are you comfortable with the thought of going to secondary and having to prove ties to your home country if you are pulled in for questioning?

I believe people from ESTA countries have an easier time entering than B2 visa visitors but really is all up to border control when you arrive. 

If you are denied on one of your trips the only issue would be the inability to travel to the US while you wait for your visa?

Depending on your tolerance, would you feel better spacing out your trips a little more- a trip in March and then a trip in September? 

Are you wanting to book your travel now for both trips or do you think maybe choose one or the other and then wait another 6 months before visiting again?

Unfortunately, no one can tell you what will happen but others will tell you they successfully visited several times while waiting for their immigrant visa. 

 

Thank you so much for taking your time to write such a long reply! I really appreciate it. If I had stronger ties to Denmark, I wouldn’t be so worried about going to secondary. I’m applying for jobs atm, and maybe if I got hired somewhere, that would make it a bit easier.

And yes you’re right, it would definitely be a better idea to space out my trips more. I would have to miss either the memorial or the wedding though- but I guess that’s just the way it is for now. I’ll have to just look forward to when I hopefully get the visa, and me and my husband can stay together!..

16 hours ago, Crazy Cat said:

The reason you are going to the US is not important.  Convincing CBP that you will return after your visit IS VERY IMPORTANT.   Short, infrequent visits are fine, but you need to be prepared to show ties to your country.  Otherwise, don't be surprised if you are denied entry.

Thank you for your reply! Yes you are right. I might just have to stay in Denmark for now..