K1 visa, can I still visit as a tourist?

[Tinkertown]

Hi!

Me and my girlfriend will be filing for the K1 visa after Thanksgiving. My question is, I have plans to spend Christmas with her in the states as a normal holiday, just two weeks. Can I still visit the country as normal during the visa application or are there rules that prevent this?

Thank you.

[daggit]

Where, what country, are you applying from? You could apply for a B2, or visit visa-free if you have a passport from a vwp country.

[Tinkertown]

Where, what country, are you applying from? You could apply for a B2, or visit visa-free if you have a passport from a vwp country.

Oh, my apologies, I am applying from the UK. I already have permission to travel to the States from the the visa waiver program for my trip in September, I believe this lasts for 2 years so do you think I will be fine to visit in the future?

Thank you for the response.

[daggit]

You should be ok to travel on your approved ESTA, but carry documentary evidence of your ties to home.. just in case you're questioned travelling while a K petition is pending.

[eevee]

Visiting the US while K1 Visa is being processed

I really hope it's possible to visit while the K1 visa is being processed (it's such a long time to be apart) as it would be nice to come here for Xmas.

The official CBP site seems to say "mostly no" but some other online resources seem to say that we can visit while the K1 visa is pending. So confusing.

https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/1247/~/travel-while-k-1-fiance%2Ffiancee-visa-pending

http://whitt.law/can-fiance-visit-u-s-waiting-visa/

PS: is there any added benefit to submitting the K1 application via locked box?

[jsjourney]

Visit while waiting for K1 visa

I really hope it's possible to visit while the K1 visa is being processed (it's such a long time to be apart) as it would be nice to come here for Xmas.

The official CBP site seems to say "mostly no" but some other online resources seem to say that we can visit while the K1 visa is pending. So confusing.

https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/1247/~/travel-while-k-1-fiance%2Ffiancee-visa-pending

PS: is there any added benefit to submitting the K1 application via locked box?

Yes, we were allowed to travel while waiting for the fiance visa.

[eevee]

Thank you!

Yes, we were allowed to travel while waiting for the fiance visa.

Thanks so much for this.