Lonely Planet™ · Thorn Tree Forum · 2020

Issues at USA border?

Country forums / United States of America / United States

Hi there,

I work and live in Uruguay (South America, little country between Brazil and Argentina), I get good money at the company I work, and every year I take 3 months vacations to go to Chicago to visit my boyfriend (who is a US citizen). This would be the 3rd time I travel to USA after spending 10 months in Uruguay working and saving money. First time I went to Chicago was in 2016 for almost 4 months, second time was in 2017 for 3 months. I'm planning to visit Chicago in a few weeks for the third time for 3 months on a B2 visa, I have insurance, money to support myself and a return ticket. However, I'm scared that CBP in Chicago may not let me in because I'm always going for 3 months. Of course I never said I was visiting my boyfriend, I always say I'm visiting friends (which I do have in Chicago) so I don't get in trouble. I would never try to stay in the US illegaly or get married or anything like that. I never had any issues, however, I'm nervous they may not let me in.

To anybody who may read this. Do you think I could have issues this time? What extra documentation do you think I should take to prove I'm returning home after my visit?

Thanks in advance!

What extra documentation do you think I should take to prove I'm returning home after my visit?

Not sure you need anything extra, but written proof of your employment position, income, and the property you either own or rent. It might be worth having in mind a planned "holiday trip" around parts of the US, possibly Canada too, in case you're asked.

Is your concern that for third year in a row your trips to the US are becoming too "habitual", and therefore suspicious? It might actually be an argument in your favour ... you have left the US properly after the previous two summer holidays, so you have established a pattern of compliance, and that you're a genuine visitor.

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You've returned home twice before, so I can't imagine why anyone would think you won't go back the third time.

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I know the US borders have been in the news recently. But most of the issues are with immigrants/refugees from Central America trying to cross the land borders with Mexico.

The policies enforced at airports entry points haven't changed since your last visit. Just be prepared to answer many different types of questions, in case the immigration agents decide to spend more time interviewing you.

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The policies haven't changed because they couldn't get much stricter ?

Customs And Immigration Thread

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