Crossing into the US

[RombleDink]

Hello,

In the coming weeks, I will be going down to the states to reunite with my boyfriend who has been working under a TN status. We are in the process of getting my TD status so I can officially move down but it will not be ready by the time I go, so this will be strictly a visiting trip. I will be down for just under two months.

I will be traveling by air with multiple bags mostly filled with comforts of home that he was unable to bring with him when he moved. There are assorted cooking pots, picture frames, sports equipment, etc. My concern is about getting to the border and declaring everything I am bringing. I have never traveled with such an assortment of goods and I am getting nervous about the declaration process. I do not want to be denied entry into the US because it looks like I am moving my personal belongings down, but I also need to bring some of this stuff down to him because he needs it where he is.

I know it depends heavily on the border agent that day, I have had mixed experiences at the border.

What is the best way to handle this situation? Will I be asked about all the individual items in my checked bags?

Thank you

 

[SusieQQQ]

Hello,

In the coming weeks, I will be going down to the states to reunite with my boyfriend who has been working under a TN status. We are in the process of getting my TD status

You can‘t be a dependent if you are not legally married.

 

[nelsona]

And, unless you fly, you won't be admitted as a tourist, until US changes their land crossing rules.

 

[RombleDink]

And, unless you fly, you won't be admitted as a tourist, until US changes their land crossing rules.

I will be entering by air, my post does mention that. The issue revolves around crossing the border with too many checked bags. I don't want to enter and the border agents thinks that I am planning to stay, I will only be staying a couple months, but I think it seems a little suspicious entering with too many bags and claiming to only stay for a couple months. I was hoping to get some insight as to how to approach this situation with the border patrol without coming across as someone who plans on staying long term.

 

[RombleDink]

You can‘t be a dependent if you are not legally married.

Yes, we have researched the process in great detail. We are waiting for a marriage certificate to apply for the dependent status. I am entering as a tourist for a short period of time. I was hoping to get some insight as to how to approach this situation with the border patrol without coming across as someone who plans on staying long term.

 

[SusieQQQ]

I will be entering by air, my post does mention that. The issue revolves around crossing the border with too many checked bags. I don't want to enter and the border agents thinks that I am planning to stay, I will only be staying a couple months, but I think it seems a little suspicious entering with too many bags and claiming to only stay for a couple months. I was hoping to get some insight as to how to approach this situation with the border patrol without coming across as someone who plans on staying long term.

That’s clearly going to be difficult - it will certainly look like you are moving home. It will basically depend on if you can manage to convince CBP that you are only coming for a visit and that everything is meant for someone else. The fact that the someone else is your boyfriend who you’ll be staying with will make it harder. You’ll need to be prepared to be questioned.