Booked!

I just booked my flight from Boston to Heathrow for not even two months from now, and I'm soooo excited and soooo nervous. Decided to throw the Dublin idea out the window since I found a cheaper price via Hotwire through British Airways. I am getting all kinds of evidence and ties to the US in order and I think I'm just gonna (attempt to) chill about this. Gonna have a folder with my documents of ties so I'll be prepared for the IO.

After using this site I am so much more prepared for my visit this time. My question is, my boyfriend said he had to fill out some visa paperwork before he got on the plane to America..? He said he had to do it at the airport. I'm confused by this, will I have to do the same? I didn't require any kind of visa last time, did something change since 2010 when I was there? :/ Also, I'm going to be attending GED classes when I return to the US, I know they give you a card to fill out when you land, should I put "student" as my occupation?

It's called a 'Landing Card'. If you've visited the UK previously you've filled out one of these.

Don't confuse UK & US Immigration. They're completely different animals.

Well, excuse me, I meant a landing card then. I was not questioning US and UK immigration, I was asking a question if I'd have to fill out something similar before I got on the plane, like he had to do. Things change very frequently as I've read on this website when it comes to flying, so that's why I asked. That isn't confusing one for the other, it's simply asking a question.

I was asking a question if I'd have to fill out something similar before I got on the plane, like he had to do. 

The answer is no - you will have the landing card to fill out on the plane, but I don't think there's anything to do in the airport before you leave.

US immigration is a bit different because before visitors travel, they have to apply for ESTA online, which costs $14 and allows them to travel to the US without a visa on the Visa Waiver Program.

However, the UK doesn't have a Visa Waiver Program - instead you are granted a visitor visa when you go through immigration after you land in the UK... so unless you applied for a visitor visa before you go, everything is done after you land in the UK.

I don't think WebyJ was saying you were being silly - just concerned that you were using your boyfriend's experience of US immigration as a proxy for how UK immigration will be for you, when actually they're quite different.

Enjoy your trip!

The answer is no - you will have the landing card to fill out on the plane, but I don't think there's anything to do in the airport before you leave.

US immigration is a bit different because before visitors travel, they have to apply for ESTA online, which costs $14 and allows them to travel to the US without a visa on the Visa Waiver Program.

However, the UK doesn't have a Visa Waiver Program - instead you are granted a visitor visa when you go through immigration after you land in the UK... so unless you applied for a visitor visa before you go, everything is done after you land in the UK.

I have to say you are basically my favorite person to get a response from. Your answers are very detailed, thanks so much for the clear answer.

I don't think WebyJ was saying you were being silly - just concerned that you were using your boyfriend's experience of US immigration as a proxy for how UK immigration will be for you, when actually they're quite different.

Enjoy your trip!

Ch'yeaaahhh, I guess so. =/ Things change so often. Thanks so much!