U.S Customs and Immigration advice sought. First timer.

[mismandhi]

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 afraid of being refused entry or delayed for hours 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.

 

[The Rok]

The more you complicate or exaggerate your plans the more you are likely to trip yourself up and raise red flags. Telling them the honest truth, no lies will get you through no problem. Do not volunteer information, but answer any questions they have and you will be fine.

They can spot a lie most of the time, and if your story does not add up then they are likely to refuse you entry.

I suspect that upon entry you will be asked a few standard questions (who, what, where, when, why, how long) and then be on your merry way.....

The last thing I would be doing is seeking a "scenario" to offer them... The truth is your friend with DHS & I&C

 

[dfcatch]

Agree 100% with the above.

1/ yes, you will most likely get asked why you have a visa when you don't need one for only a 6 week visit.
Best to just be honest, but don't volunteer your whole life story.

2/ One of their main jobs is to make sure you don't intend to breach your visa - eg. Work, overstay, intend to immigrate.....
So be honest and say you are visiting friends. Answer direct questions, but don't volunteer life story information.
They may ask what ties (work/family) you have back home.

Again, as above - don't lie - simply answer questions, these guys are pros and may have access to a lot more info on their screen than you think.

Keep it simple.

 

[pshepvic]

Agree with the responses above. I have a B1/B2 Visa from when I was living in Canada - they question me everytime I go there (and try to tell me that I didn't need the Visa, even though I actually did). Some of them don't even known the rules properly.

Anyway, I wouldn't worry about the accom - they only ask where you are staying the first night. They take your finger prints on arrival and run them through their system the same day. That's why they need your address for the first night - so they can chase you up if the prints show up in their database for something!

I wouldn't worry about booking flights - although I'd say if you're there for 6 weeks then make the most of it and visit a couple of other places! You could just say to them that because you're staying with someone that you haven't worked out all the places you want to visit yet.

 

[NYCguy]

I tend to agree with all the above advice. You've done the right thing in applying for a formal visa, and it's been granted, so I suggest that the the interrogatory is pretty-much complete. Just be calm, honest and answer questions succinctly. Remember - it's already been decided that you're "fit" to enter the USA, or your visa application would have been declined.

 

[mismandhi]

I appreciate all of the responses.