Hey guys, I'm entering DFW this saturday with a connecting flight to PHL from SYD. Now, this is my 3rd trip back to the US. I'm just a tad worried about if I would get picked on and stuff.

My first trip was June-Aug and 2nd was Nov-Feb. This trip will be from March-Sept. I've always left the US on time. The purpose all my trips were to spend time with my then GF now fiance. I'll be helping her migrate to Australia on this trip. Now, shes not an USC so no chance of K-1. Any tips and ideas to get pass smoothly? I only have 70min for connection and this is the last flight

I'm entering on B-2.

Thanks

Well, I'll hazard a guess some on this site might say things like "Don't mention girl friend/fiancee" or they will tell you to lie. This is bad advice IMO.

My advice, since you asked, (and which is free so worth what you paid for it) is to be honest but don't volunteer a bunch of extra information.

A simple example would be: Someone asks me "Is it your birthday today"- I could answer "yes" which is true, or "yes, and I am having a big party". The party is extra information which can open a door to more questions like where, when ,how many guests, etc.

It is always good to have some documentation linking you back to your home country (Australia). Some of which you might have produced at the Emb/Cons where you got the B visa. Examples Bills, pay stubs, property records, etc.

Will you be working with the Australian gov't while in the US? (Embassy or Consulates) and if so do you have appointment letters or documents. That could be handy too.

Frankly as with any immigration encounter it could be a quick couple of questions and a goodbye, or a secondary where US contacts are telephoned.
That doesn't help you too much I am sure, but I always go with the short but true answers with a smile, or at least not a growl.

Good luck.

P.S. 70 minutes will be cutting it close at DFW. I would also prep yourself for quick a TSA rescreen which you will have after immigration and customs. have your liquids in the baggy, computer out, belt off.

EDIT- I presume you are an Aussie BTW, but even if not the same would apply to my advice.

Yea sure am an aussie!

I'm a student, I've defered my university this year and I have my deferment approval - Would this help?

I'll be sending documents to DC for my fiances visa, I have forms and photo copies important documents as well as my fiances passport. - Would this help?

would telephone bills and tax return forms be useful? I dont know what kinda documents I have that could link me back to Australia.

I know 70min is close I even asked them what happens if i miss the flight? I'm QF7 to DFW then 70 mins to connect to PHL. If i miss it, apperently I'm staying over according to Qantas.

Edit: I also have a confirmation of intended marriage booked in Australia ? Sometimes I feel like bringing to much might just dig myself in to a hole!

Well, I presume you will need many of those documents when you work with the Aussie embassy, correct? So it might be good to have them readily available. Again, no need to volunteer them up front but have things in mind you can readily pull out if it gets to that point. I don't think you can ever have too much information. The prep work is good but don't let it get you too stressed out.

You have a legal visa and a legal reason for coming and the border agent is trying to sort all that out. Granted some do that in more friendly manner than others.

There are some US border agents on this board who might also chime in with more practical advice.

If you miss the flight then yes, you will be staying at a DFW area hotel until the next morning. Who pays for the hotel? I think that normally depends on what caused the delay (weather, or mechanical, etc.)

I have entered 3 times from november.. the last one they started asking more than usual. I resolve it saying the truth with no extra information. They just want to be sure you are not doing anything strange.

When you are being questioned by the CBP officer(s), you should answer each question as truthfully and briefly as possible. "Yes" or "no" answers are best, when appropriate.

I don't recommend getting into the issue of deferring your student status or anything like that, unless they prod you specifically (in which case, answer only the questions they ask, and do not volunteer additional information).

Anything you say in front of an officer could be used against you.

70 minutes is tight at DFW coming off of QF7. Not only do you have Immigration but you must claim your luggage and go through Customs and then drop your luggage at recheck.

After all that you have to go through TSA again and run to your departure gate.

To make all this as easy as possible, pack as much of your non-essential stuff in your to-be-checked baggage and have as little as possible to deal with in your hands or on your shoulder.

Tell the QF flight attendants that you have a 70 minute connection with the hope they will let you off the plane as soon as possible.

Just noticed that this person is long gone and the story is over one way or another.