Originally Posted by goaliemn
There is a major flaw in the above story. He probably told customs he was there to visit his girlfriend. You NEVER say that at customs. They assume you're going to stay, possibly illegally, since you have ties to someone in the country. I've had border guards at customs canada ask me if the friend I'm visiting is more than a "friend" They may be, they may not. Thats none of their business as I don't plan on staying up there for extended periods of time. The guard may have also assumed they would try to get married up there if neither is currently a Canadian. Any sort of inter-border relationship is bad to bring up at customs.
Thats also why I got canpass.. less questions, faster lines, less hasles.
OUCH
I agree that the words boyfriend/girlfriend/fiancee are trigger words for immigration officals the world over.
However, I would question your suggestion that you 'gild the lily' and use the word friend instead of girlfriend.
My own experience is that it is NEVER a good idea to lie ( or to be more kind economical with the truth) to an immigration officer. If (and invariably it happens) the truth comes out they have you marked as a bad guy. Much better to take the relevant documentation with you to prove compelling ties with your country of residence (ie mortgage, job, car ownership, credit comittments, children from a previous marriage etc etc) and tell the truth.
For what it is worth I have been dating a lady in the US for 6 years now (if she beahves herself i may consider going steady
)and neither of us has had a problem with immigration at either end. However, the internet is full of forums where you will find people put on the next plane back because they attempted to decieve the immigration officials.
My point to the OP was get a visa as it makes you less liable but not immune from problems as the US will already have vetted you much closer than someone travelling under the VWP.
And finally good luck to all the other people who suffer the hell of TA travel just to be with the person you love
