mismandhi
Newbie
- Joined
- Apr 9, 2011
- Posts
- 4
I'm rather anxious and would really appreciate any advice from more experienced travellers.
I'm travelling to the U.S from Australia in May and I will arrive at San Francisco International Airport before flying on to Chicago.
I was not eligible for the Visa Waiver Program (due to a sordid background involving the theft of three mangoes back in 1998 which, apparently, incurs a maximum penalty of one year's imprisonment in my state!) so I applied for, and was granted, a B2 Visitor's Visa. A friend or two have suggested the fact I am travelling on a Visa when I am a citizen of a country that is part of the VWP may flag me for more than the regular few questions once I reach immigration/customs airport type officials.
I am travelling to spend time with my partner (a U.S citizen) for six weeks. We will do a few "touristy type things" and short road trips whilst he has time off work but for the most part, I intend to live relaxed day to day life at his apartment. It is important we spend some time together before he applies for a Prospective Marriage Visa in order to come to Australia later in the year.
I suppose my query is this: Will the fact I am staying just outside of Chicago for that many weeks with no accomodation booked aside from an initial week in Chicago raise a red flag? If I tell them I am involved with someone from the U.S are CBP likely to suspect I may try to stay in the U.S? (I do have a three year old son in my care who will be staying with my parents and assume/hope that he will be considered reason enough for me to return to Australia). Would it be more sensible for me to refer to him as "just a friend" or is full disclosure advised? Should I exaggerate plans for car trips (or even book a domestic flight or two) in an attempt to sound more like a regular tourist?
I am terrified of being refused entry and I just don't know know if I am being overly paranoid. I am even considering shortening my stay as a mere two weeks with him would be better than trying for six and being refused entry.
I would appreciate any educated advice/personal experience.
Thank you in advance.
I'm travelling to the U.S from Australia in May and I will arrive at San Francisco International Airport before flying on to Chicago.
I was not eligible for the Visa Waiver Program (due to a sordid background involving the theft of three mangoes back in 1998 which, apparently, incurs a maximum penalty of one year's imprisonment in my state!) so I applied for, and was granted, a B2 Visitor's Visa. A friend or two have suggested the fact I am travelling on a Visa when I am a citizen of a country that is part of the VWP may flag me for more than the regular few questions once I reach immigration/customs airport type officials.
I am travelling to spend time with my partner (a U.S citizen) for six weeks. We will do a few "touristy type things" and short road trips whilst he has time off work but for the most part, I intend to live relaxed day to day life at his apartment. It is important we spend some time together before he applies for a Prospective Marriage Visa in order to come to Australia later in the year.
I suppose my query is this: Will the fact I am staying just outside of Chicago for that many weeks with no accomodation booked aside from an initial week in Chicago raise a red flag? If I tell them I am involved with someone from the U.S are CBP likely to suspect I may try to stay in the U.S? (I do have a three year old son in my care who will be staying with my parents and assume/hope that he will be considered reason enough for me to return to Australia). Would it be more sensible for me to refer to him as "just a friend" or is full disclosure advised? Should I exaggerate plans for car trips (or even book a domestic flight or two) in an attempt to sound more like a regular tourist?
I am terrified of being refused entry and I just don't know know if I am being overly paranoid. I am even considering shortening my stay as a mere two weeks with him would be better than trying for six and being refused entry.
I would appreciate any educated advice/personal experience.
Thank you in advance.
