Visiting girlfriend in USA, from UK
Hi, in less than a week i'm due to fly out (for the first time) to
America from England, under the 'Visa Waiver Program'. I plan to visit my girlfriend, and return home in around 2 weeks. A family member has suggested to me that it's not advisable to mention the fact i'm visiting a girlfriend, as it could be seen as an intent to settle down there, and I could be told to go home the minute I arrive. I'm not going to lie to the immigration officers, and have a few tips on the 'negotiation' at the American airport, but can anyone elaborate further on specific 'dos and donts' ? Thanks |
Re: Visiting girlfriend in USA, from UK
Originally Posted by Hipass
Hi, in less than a week i'm due to fly out (for the first time) to
America from England, under the 'Visa Waiver Program'. I plan to visit my girlfriend, and return home in around 2 weeks. A family member has suggested to me that it's not advisable to mention the fact i'm visiting a girlfriend, as it could be seen as an intent to settle down there, and I could be told to go home the minute I arrive. I'm not going to lie to the immigration officers, and have a few tips on the 'negotiation' at the American airport, but can anyone elaborate further on specific 'dos and donts' ? Thanks |
Re: Visiting girlfriend in USA, from UK
Originally Posted by NJ_Dave
I did it 8 times, telling the CBP officer that I was visiting my girlfriend and never had one problem. In fact they never even asked to see the proof of strong ties to home in the UK, which you are recommended to carry. But those were only my personal experiences and it is up to the officer on the day, whether he gives you any shit or not.
The key issue, as I cover in my blog, is immigrant intent. It's your job to prove you don't intend to stay. Not mentioning your gf is not misrepresentation (Unless they ask you directly, are you seeing a gf/bf). You may be genuinely there to see some local sights and hava a vacation, but also see her at the same time. There have been plenty of stories of people being sent back because of the gf/bf connection. Bringing evidence of ties with you is also a good idea. |
Re: Visiting girlfriend in USA, from UK
Originally Posted by Stivan7AM
Some people have trouble, others dont. You may wish to click on the link at the bottom of this post and read my tutorial on travelling to the US. I cover some of the basic points.
The key issue, as I cover in my blog, is immigrant intent. It's your job to prove you don't intend to stay. Not mentioning your gf is not misrepresentation (Unless they ask you directly, are you seeing a gf/bf). You may be genuinely there to see some local sights and hava a vacation, but also see her at the same time. There have been plenty of stories of people being sent back because of the gf/bf connection. Bringing evidence of ties with you is also a good idea. |
Re: Visiting girlfriend in USA, from UK
Just as my aforementioned family member predicted (plenty of stories of
people being sent back because of the gf/bf connection). When you guys/girls say 'evidence of ties', what exactly are you referring to; job info, family info, debts, etc etc? I'm not quite sure what printed proof of such things I could bring. stivan7am; do you have a direct link to the blog you mention, i've had a look but couldn't find it. Just call me Special Ed. Speaking hypothetically, if they do ask if the person i'm visiting is a girlfriend & I reply "yes", what other factors come into play to save me a quick boot back to the UK, asides from the 'ties' stuff? I had already planned to be truthful, and hope i'm awake enough after the long flight to say the bare minimal required. thanks for all your help! |
Re: Visiting girlfriend in USA, from UK
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Hash: SHA1 NJ_Dave wrote: > Maybe it was just a long list of coincidences that I never had any > problems, That's precisely what it was. Keep in mind that the USA tends to be rather lenient with Western Europeans, and officers are far more likely to let things slide. A second point is that when you visit her many times, the likelihood problems decreases. This is because you are building up a history of leaving again and not staying. A lot also depends on individual impression and how you present yourself overall. Like it or not, but a businessman is likely to have less problems than an unkempt hippie. - -- Please visit my FAQ at http://www.kkeane.com before asking a question here. It may answer your question. Remember, I am strictly a layperson without any legal training. I encourage the reader to seek competent legal counsel rather than relying on usenet newsgroups. -----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE----- Version: GnuPG v1.4.0 (GNU/Linux) iD8DBQFDfP4C2STeoAchQDkRAiNlAJ44nryIMgDtzcXQqXvdIm 2N2U/u8QCgkm94 1ADxjeIN22REIJsOwQQUyK8= =Djq0 -----END PGP SIGNATURE----- |
Re: Visiting girlfriend in USA, from UK
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Hash: SHA1 hipass wrote: > Hi, in less than a week i'm due to fly out (for the first time) to > America > from England, under the 'Visa Waiver Program'. > I plan to visit my girlfriend, and return home in around 2 weeks. > > A family member has suggested to me that it's not advisable to mention > the fact i'm visiting a girlfriend, as it could be seen as an intent to > settle down there, and I could be told to go home the minute I arrive. That is correct; I agree with this advice. A female friend of mine (I'm male) from Germany did have problems visiting me. She was eventually admitted, presumably by convincing the officer that we were just friends (which, in this case, was true anyway). > I'm not going to lie to the immigration officers, You are absolutely right about that. However, it is perfectly OK to declare her to be a "friend" rather than a "girlfriend". Remember that these are not legal terms, and in a very practical sense, a girlfriend is really "friend with benefits" unless you plan to get married. If you do plan to get married, she would be a fiancee (and you would need a fiancee visa and plan to get married within 90 days). > and have a few tips > on the > 'negotiation' at the American airport, but can anyone elaborate further > on > specific 'dos and donts' ? The biggest DON'T is to never volunteer any information that isn't asked for. When you fill out the form on the flight, you will have to give the address where you will be staying. The officer will probably ask "who lives at that address?" or something of that nature. You could then say "The Smith family" (assuming that she is living with her parents) - no need to even mention her specifically or "Susan Smith" (if she is single) or "Susan Smith and Helen Miller" (if she has a roommate) or something like that. Stick to the basics. You might be asked about how you know them. Again, give the minimum sufficient answer. Of course, I am not saying to be evasive (that would be extremely bad!) or to actively hide information. When directly asked if she is your girlfriend, you should certainly not lie. Just don't volunteer this information. - -- Please visit my FAQ at http://www.kkeane.com before asking a question here. It may answer your question. Remember, I am strictly a layperson without any legal training. I encourage the reader to seek competent legal counsel rather than relying on usenet newsgroups. -----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE----- Version: GnuPG v1.4.0 (GNU/Linux) iD8DBQFDfQAb2STeoAchQDkRAu3CAJ9OLyvIlhEfZu3lLCO/G8GgamhZPACfYLp1 dSOGf5quYugBLcsK/3WcxiE= =bRiQ -----END PGP SIGNATURE----- |
Re: Visiting girlfriend in USA, from UK
Originally Posted by Hipass
Hi, in less than a week i'm due to fly out (for the first time) to
America from England, under the 'Visa Waiver Program'. I plan to visit my girlfriend, and return home in around 2 weeks. A family member has suggested to me that it's not advisable to mention the fact i'm visiting a girlfriend, as it could be seen as an intent to settle down there, and I could be told to go home the minute I arrive. I'm not going to lie to the immigration officers, and have a few tips on the 'negotiation' at the American airport, but can anyone elaborate further on specific 'dos and donts' ? Thanks |
Re: Visiting girlfriend in USA, from UK
Hi Kevin,
Great, thanks for all the tips! I have already filled out the form you speak of (which was requested upon purchasing the flight ticket), and have obviously given the girls address. She lives on her own, so I can't say i'm visiting a family as such. When it comes to answering to how I know them, i'll have to reply "the internet", which in my eyes/ears, doesn't sound too impressive at all. We have no intention of getting married, it's nothing more than an initial meeting to enjoy each others company. Since the possibility of being turned away has come to my attention i've become increasingly worried about this, i'm dreading the possibility of being turned away, despite having no intention what-so-ever of staying longer that my return ticket dictates (I have a job i'll lose if i dont get back in time). After a 9 hour flight I forsee my mind not working at full capacity, but certainly wont be evasive or hide any information. Thanks again, One Worried Brit. |
Re: Visiting girlfriend in USA, from UK
Note; found the link to your site, and the info on strong ties etc,
thanks |
Re: Visiting girlfriend in USA, from UK
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Hash: SHA1 hipass wrote: > Hi Kevin, > > Great, thanks for all the tips! > > I have already filled out the form you speak of (which was requested > upon purchasing the flight ticket), and have obviously given the girls > address. She lives on her own, so I can't say i'm visiting a family as > such. > > When it comes to answering to how I know them, i'll have to reply "the > internet", which in my eyes/ears, doesn't sound too impressive at all. Remember, you don't want to impress. You want to convey that she is closer to the friend side than the fiancee side of "girlfriend". And that you have never met in person will certainly help establish that it's not a serious relationship. > We have no intention of getting married, it's nothing more than an > initial meeting to enjoy each others company. Sounds very much like "friend" to me. > Since the possibility of being turned away has come to my attention > i've become increasingly worried about this, i'm dreading the > possibility of being turned away, despite having no intention > what-so-ever of staying longer that my return ticket dictates (I have a > job i'll lose if i dont get back in time). THAT, hipass, is a piece of information you need to have ready for the officer. If they challenge you and accuse you of planning to marry, explain that you have a job to return to. If they don't believe you right then, it might help to have some recent pay stubs, maybe even some paperwork that indicates future plans for that job (maybe bring some reading material related to an upcoming project, for instance). > After a 9 hour flight I forsee my mind not working at full capacity, > but certainly wont be evasive or hide any information. No reason to worry. From all you are saying here, she really isn't a girlfriend in the first place, just a female friend whom you have never met. - -- Please visit my FAQ at http://www.kkeane.com before asking a question here. It may answer your question. Remember, I am strictly a layperson without any legal training. I encourage the reader to seek competent legal counsel rather than relying on usenet newsgroups. -----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE----- Version: GnuPG v1.4.0 (GNU/Linux) iD8DBQFDfREa2STeoAchQDkRAnB3AJ9uMX2dIt+1UF6SxIRiRx cv7lckFgCgqeNl ZBDxvZoDXVVDbdpZo5qZGuQ= =P9id -----END PGP SIGNATURE----- |
Re: Visiting girlfriend in USA, from UK
Alrighty, if it gets that far and is deemed necessary, I'll try to
explain in as little words as possible that this is our first meeting. After it being suggested, I have trawled through my bank related documentation and pulled out numerous loan agreements and payment stubs. I'll try to dig out some work related reading material just in case. Indeed, that is just what she is, I guess I was just worried the officers would see it as more than that. Again, for the 100th time, thanks a lot, I feel a lot happier about travelling now. |
Re: Visiting girlfriend in USA, from UK
Yup got a return ticket, guess I was making this out to be more of a
problem that it is after all.. thanks |
Re: Visiting girlfriend in USA, from UK
Originally Posted by Kevin Keane
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Hash: SHA1 The biggest DON'T is to never volunteer any information that isn't asked for. When you fill out the form on the flight, you will have to give the address where you will be staying. The officer will probably ask "who lives at that address?" or something of that nature. You could then say "The Smith family" (assuming that she is living with her parents) - no need to even mention her specifically or "Susan Smith" (if she is single) or "Susan Smith and Helen Miller" (if she has a roommate) or something like that. Stick to the basics. You might be asked about how you know them. Again, give the minimum sufficient answer. Of course, I am not saying to be evasive (that would be extremely bad!) or to actively hide information. When directly asked if she is your girlfriend, you should certainly not lie. Just don't volunteer this information. - -- Please visit my FAQ at http://www.kkeane.com before asking a question here. It may answer your question. Remember, I am strictly a layperson without any legal training. I encourage the reader to seek competent legal counsel rather than relying on usenet newsgroups. -----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE----- Version: GnuPG v1.4.0 (GNU/Linux) iD8DBQFDfQAb2STeoAchQDkRAu3CAJ9OLyvIlhEfZu3lLCO/G8GgamhZPACfYLp1 dSOGf5quYugBLcsK/3WcxiE= =bRiQ -----END PGP SIGNATURE----- Inspection Officer" "Do you know what time it is?" You: "Yes". The more you say unbidded, the more questions will arise. I think a perfectly adequate response when they ask you what the purpose of your visit is would be "vacation". You are not lying and are providing the information you are being asked for. |
Re: Visiting girlfriend in USA, from UK
funnily enough thats the exact test my uncle tried on me, and i failed
miserably.. haha.. are you implying that the shorter my answers, the more questions i'll find myself being asked? or the opposite? vacation.. indeed, it IS a vacation, with a friend... i'll take that into account, cheers! |
Re: Visiting girlfriend in USA, from UK
ah i take that back, obviously the least i say (within reason) is going
to get less questions asked. |
Re: Visiting girlfriend in USA, from UK
ah i take that back, obviously the least i say (within reason) is going
to get less questions asked. |
Re: Visiting girlfriend in USA, from UK
Originally Posted by Hipass
When it comes to answering to how I know them, i'll have to reply "the
internet", which in my eyes/ears, doesn't sound too impressive at all. The other posters have given great advice, only answer the questions answered no more no less and you should be all set. Sas |
Re: Visiting girlfriend in USA, from UK
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Hash: SHA1 hipass wrote: > funnily enough thats the exact test my uncle tried on me, and i failed > miserably.. haha.. > > are you implying that the shorter my answers, the more questions i'll > find myself being asked? or the opposite? A lot depends on the image you project. If your answers are so short as to convey that you are trying to conceal something, it will prompt more questions. Do be forthright, just don't volunteer anything. The "what time is it?" question is actually a good example. If you tried that kind of strategy, it may well be interpreted as "uncooperative - needs more investigation". Do give the natural answer, just don't elaborate. So: "Do you know what time it is?" "It is 12:47" would be good. It's natural, and the answer does not convey anything critical. "Do you know what time it is?" (show him your Rolex, showing 12:47) would be bad, especially if you don't otherwise look rich. It's none of his business that you have a Rolex. > vacation.. indeed, it IS a vacation, with a friend... i'll take that > into account, cheers! - -- Please visit my FAQ at http://www.kkeane.com before asking a question here. It may answer your question. Remember, I am strictly a layperson without any legal training. I encourage the reader to seek competent legal counsel rather than relying on usenet newsgroups. -----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE----- Version: GnuPG v1.4.0 (GNU/Linux) iD8DBQFDfjMz2STeoAchQDkRAp7cAKCP7kurW8VFSQA1ZG98mu JpyCV1SgCdG8Ec NoqC+0+3YaCVpKkFygF6v08= =qlOt -----END PGP SIGNATURE----- |
Re: Visiting girlfriend in USA, from UK
Nice, ok i think i'm happy now, thanks everyone for being so helpful,
i'll pop back here upon my return and post how it went. Thanks again all |
Re: Visiting girlfriend in USA, from UK
I'd say it's a good thing to educate yourself as much as possible about
stuff like this before diving in. I've read plenty of stories from people (Albeit in different situations to you) who say they were very naive with the whole immigration process, and got burned accordingly. I'm sure if you just state your purpose as vacation (I always do if I'm using VW/WT), and follow all you've read, you'll be fine. *** However, I should point out that if you and your gf get along, you'll want to be back. If it comes to that, then avoid coming every month on the VW. Try getting into college in the US or some other type of visa. ** I'll publish an article about such relationships soon. They seem to be more and more common nowadays. -- Visit my US Immigration & Visa Blog @ http://visainfo.blogspot.com/ |
Re: Visiting girlfriend in USA, from UK
Originally Posted by John D'Arcy
I'm sure if you just state your purpose as vacation (I always do if I'm
using VW/WT), and follow all you've read, you'll be fine. |
Re: Visiting girlfriend in USA, from UK
> FWIW, I'd agree with this in the main. I'd suggest you use the more
> natural, British 'holiday' instead of 'vacation', though ;) Well, I'd say that's a matter of personal choice. I always like to talk in the local tongue... So if I'm in the US, I prefer to state my intentions the way people in the US would. But my all means, use whichever one takes your fancy to :p -- Visit my US Immigration & Visa Blog @ http://visainfo.blogspot.com/ |
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