Moving items with a visit before getting the Visa

Hello everyone,

I'm moving to the UK in April, but am going over to visit my fiance at the end of February to find a place to live, by furniture, etc. I'm planning to bring two suitcases and pack a couple of my nice pots and smaller kitchen items in one of them, so I don't have to pay to ship them. I have one heavy le cruset pot and then a couple of other smaller dishes.

I'm a little worried about getting searched and having to explain. I normally tell the IO that I'm visiting my boyfriend (now fiance, but have not said that) and have had no problems. However, if I am searched, it could look suspicious that I am bringing household items. I don't want them to think I am intending to settle now illeagally. I also don't want to give up a good opportunity to move items now.

Any advice? Thanks very much!

I did this on many of my trips over to visit my dh at the time.  I was never searched.  Whenever dh came over to visit me he always brought an empty suitcase and hardly anything else in the other so he could fill it up with my stuff and take it back too. When they queried it with him they actually answered their own question by stating "oh, going shopping,huh?"  Dh just smiled and laughed. I don't think you have anything to worry about.  I suppose it depends on what exactly you are bringing. I brought over clothes, baking items, make up, pictures, etc. I was never questioned about it. 

Baggage collection is after Immigration Control so I wouldn't worry too much about it. If you do get questioned just be honest.

Okay, you need to be prepared to be stopped and questioned.  If you are coming over as a visitor with the kitchen sink then the IO will certainly think something is amiss.  I have known of people being stopped for this, so it is possible.

Is there any evidence you can provide of your intentions, such as proof of a job in the US?

Vicky

Thanks for the reply Victoria. I will have my e-ticket, which shows I will return to the U.S. on Sunday, March 11th. I am also going to have my boss write a letter stating she is expecting me back at work on Monday, March 12th. I can also bring a copy of my wedding site contract to prove that we are indeed getting married in the U.S. in April.

One more question - should I be honest with the I.O. and tell he/she that I am visiting my fiance? If I do get searched after I have collected my bags (which has happened to me before, but in the U.S.) I am planning on telling the truth - I just think my story should match what I tell the I.O. I think I look pretty innocent, but you never know these days! I'd rather be safe than sorry.

One more note - I'm bringing two suitcases and a carry on - but one suitcase is significantly smaller than the other, so I don't think it will look too suspicious. I've definitely seen other passengers with way more luggage on international flights.

One more question - should I be honest with the I.O. and tell he/she that I am visiting my fiance? If I do get searched after I have collected my bags (which has happened to me before, but in the U.S.) I am planning on telling the truth - I just think my story should match what I tell the I.O. I think I look pretty innocent, but you never know these days! I'd rather be safe than sorry.

I always always told the truth from the very beginning. i always said my fiance, would get questioned but had the proof as back up but always proved to be so knowledgable that i never had any issues!

I did tell the truth at immigration. I got asked a few more questions than usual. The IO asked to see my return ticket. I told him I had a letter from my employer if he needed to see that, which he said, "Sure, might as well." He also asked where we were intending to marry and where we were intending to settle. I explained what we planned to do. He didn't seem to be too suspicious and was actually very polite. I think he was also training people - there were three people standing right behind him listening. That could have been another reason for a more thorough questioning.

All in all, it worked out just fine and I was never searched!

Hi Jenn,
I'm planning on doing a very similar thing when I go over to Atl in august to visit my boyfriend...we plan for me to bring some of his stuff back in my case (he's moving over end of yr/start of nxt yr)- I know it's not agreat deal, but a little less for him to worry about shipping over, I never thought about being questioned. I know I have nothing to hide, but a little worried they may think some of the items are a bit odd (not typical holiday stuff)...so, I shall just be honest....thanks for making me think a little more about what's ahead of me!

Vicky