Going for a Vacation

[rhongamegirl]

Hi, a little help here. My fiancee and I have applied for a the fiancee visa, and do not plan on getting married to the approvals go through. What I need input on is this. I am going to go down to the US and visit as a canadian on vacation for upwards of the 6 months that we are allowed to be there. I do not intend on working while there, I am just planningon spending time and living and enjoying the scenery. I do however want to drive my car down. Now can I take items with me that I intend on having there when we finally get married, or will they like freak at the border. I don't plan on taking a whole lot but the 42" TV in the back seat of the car is like a sore thumb.
Also, I think that I need to give them a eta of departure right, and the address of his home so they can check in on me....
I am also wondering, will they have a cow if they find out that we have a Visa app in process??

[Reba]

They will not let you in for a "visit" if you have your television and all your worldly goods in the car with you. They would deny you entry no question. Put that stuff in storage for the duration, you cannot legally import it until you have your K1.

How do you intend to fund your stay? Will you have cashy money on your person when you cross the border? Have you already quit your job, or did you ever have a job? Do you own or rent property in Canada, or are you getting rid of everything and saying your good-byes now?

If you have no ties to Canada at all, and no money to fund your trip (you cannot say your boyfriend will be supporting you) they will most defnitely deny your entry.

For more detailed information on visiting the US during petitioning process go to http://www.visajourney.com

[rhongamegirl]

Hmm, I would be quitting my job. I will have my money, and although I will be giving up my apartment, i will be getting my mail and such forwarded to my Sisters who lives very close to me right now. I will have my car loan up here, and I have a co-ownership of a house with my X husband. I also have 2 adult children that live here. I have a few assests stocked away but not much. Yes while down there he will be supporting me. They will want to know a destination. I mean from what I understand I cannot just say that I will be checking out a few states.

[flames9]

Since u have already applied for the fiance visa--if u were to get married now before approval, you would be nullyifing that fiance visa (K1) and have to start all over again.

Its a crap shot when visiting the USA when you have started the immigration paperwork. many of us have done it, and never have a problem. I visited monthly and never had a problem, either driving or flying. Its pretty much up to the POE officer. Some ask 1 or 2 questions and let you on ur way, others go more in depth. I always traveled fairly light, even when I drove. I would think if you have a car load of stuff or a TV, that my raise their suspicion that you plan on staying longer, and if thats the case they may deny you, or take you into secondary for more questions, then let you go, or deny you! 1 thing is very clear,NEVER LIE!! If you lie, and they catch you on that, your in for a world of hurt. And yes, your faince visa will be affected! You wont know until you get to the interview (montral or vancouver)where they will deny you, then you wil have to file a waiver, and that sure doesnt happen overnight!! Can take awhile to find out if that waiver is approved or denied! So just don't lie! Bring evidence of ties to canada to prove you will be returning!

[Steven]

Legally you can do it but it's all about intent. If they ask you if you have a job and you say "no" and other bits of info come out like you have a US citizen fiancee and you have serious amounts of personal effects with you and you say you're staying awhile, expect to get denied entry because it sounds like you have immigrant intent.

To get in as a visitor in this situation you must be a bona-fide visitor for pleasure, have sufficient funds to cover the trip and have an abode outside the US.

[Auggy]

I am also planning to go a vacation to California. Here are my details:

-I will be going for 3 months
-I have a round trip plane ticket booked already
-I will be only carrying $100 US currency. I plan on using my Canadian credit card for everything
-I currently don't have a job
-I plan on going on some gameshows

I'm wondering if I will have any problems or if there are things I should be aware of?

[lawsrlaws]

rhongamegirl, you are NOT a visitor. You are an Immigrant. Anything you say otherwise is a lie. I would not recommend "visiting for 6 months" as this will cause legal problems for you. A visitor is not planning on moving to the USA as you are. You gave up your non-immigrant status the day you applied for your K1. Just wait and visit for a couple of weeks at a time. We monitor how long you stay when you have applied for status, so you will just be hurting yourself if you get an ER and are banned for 5 years because of fraud. Be honest and don't be in a hurry.

[Reba]

Auggy, carrying only $100 cash with you for an expected 3 month trip is likely to have you denied entry. Their first question will be "what if your card(s) are not accepted or don't work?" then you're screwed.

Take more cash with you.

I have no idea if a visa is required to play on gameshows.