Regarding should you be mention a boyfriend or girlfriend in the United States on the application form for B1/B2 visa. This is a very common and the most difficult question to answer because of the higher refusal rates when this declared. Adding these details on his/her application, it will surely raise red flags on the visa applicant as a possible Immigrant with intent to settle in the US. The advice given is often widespread, but the reality is more nuanced.

The short answer in my opinion is: You must be truthful, but you must present your case in the strongest possible way to overcome the presumption of immigrant intent.

So you can make an informed decision, let's break down the "why" behind the common advice and what you should actually do.

Why People Say "Don't Mention Him".

The core principle of a U.S. tourist visa (B1/2) is that you must convince the consular officer that you are a genuine temporary visitor. You must prove you have strong ties to your home country that will compel you to return after your visit.

Mentioning a romantic partner in the U.S. immediately raises a red flag because it suggests a potential motive for overstaying your visa, getting married, and adjusting your status to remain in the U.S. permanently which often happens. So this is the single biggest concern for consular officers.

People who say "don't mention him or her" are trying to avoid triggering this red flag entirely.

Also, countries like Russia and Iran are not the flavour of the month at the moment. Trump is clamping down hard motivating some people not to be transparent. Basically the immigration rules often make people lie just to make things easier at the onset.

Why hiding him or her is a VERY Bad Idea

Do NOT lie or omit this information. The risks are far too high and can come back to bite you in the ass later:

1. Discovery is Likely at some point either during the application process, the interview for the visa, on arrival at the border on future visits, on social media posts or on a future application, for example after marriage: It will be obvious from your application or at the interview. when later asked "Who are you visiting?" or "What is the purpose of your trip?" Lying is immediate grounds for refusal.

2. Permanent or long term ban for Misrepresentation: If you are caught lying (not being transparent or being evasive), you could be found to have committed fraud or wilful misrepresentation. This comes with a permanent or long term ban from the United States. It will ruin any future chances for a visa, even if you marry later and apply for a spousal visa, this will probably have a negative influence.

3. It Looks Suspicious: If they find evidence about you, it will look like you have something to hide, guaranteeing a refusal.

So in my opinion, The Correct Strategy Is: Be Truthful but Strategic.

Your goal is not to hide the relationship, but to frame it within the context of your strong ties to your home country. You need to prove that even though you have a boyfriend in the U.S, your life is firmly rooted in your home country. The problem is, will the entry clearance officers give your girlfriend /boyfriend the time to get her /his point across at the interview and even take the time to look at the documentation.

Here’s how to prepare and present your case:

1. Before the Interview: Gather Evidence of Strong Ties.

This is the most critical part. You need documented proof of what brings you back home.

Employment: A letter from your employer stating your position, salary, and that you are on approved leave. Pay stubs, employment contract etc.
Property: Deeds, mortgage statements, or rental leases in your name.
Financial Ties: Bank statements showing a healthy balance, investments, or business ownership.
Family Ties: Evidence of close family members, for example children from a former relationship or aging parents who depend on you and live in your home country.
Social Ties: Proof of ongoing studies (enrolment in university), community involvement, or a career you are building.

2. During the Interview: How to Talk About Your partner based on the short history of the relationship that you have had.

When the officer asks the purpose of her trip, she /he must be honest, confident, and concise. (we always prepare clients with mock interviews to better prepare them).

Do NOT say: "I'm going to see if we're compatible for marriage" or "I'm going to stay with him for a few months."

DO say something like this (and be prepared to back it up):

Your girlfriend /boyfriend: "I am planning a short vacation to visit my boyfriend /girlfriend for [e.g., two weeks over the holidays]. I have taken approved leave from my job as a [Your Job] at [Company Name], and I will be returning to my job on [specific date]. I also return to my apartment and my family here."

The key is to immediately pivot from "visiting my boyfriend" to "here is why I am absolutely coming back."

3. Anticipate Follow-Up Questions

If he can be bothered to ask them (((. The entry clearance officer will likely drill down. We need to be prepared for:

· "How long have you been dating?"
· "How did you meet?"
· "Has he met your family?"
· "What does your boyfriend do in the U.S.?" (If he is on a temporary visa like a student or work visa himself, this can sometimes help, as it shows he is also a temporary resident).
· "What are your long-term plans with him?"

For the long-term plans question, have a plausible answer that shows you are not planning to immigrate imminently. For example: "We are enjoying dating for now and focusing on our careers (mention she is a CFO) in our respective countries. We are not making any permanent plans like marriage at this time."

Summary: To Mention or Not to Mention?

Strategy Pros Cons Verdict

Don't mention him /her Avoids the initial red flag. A low risk of being caught out lying but a single lady /man traveling alone also raises a red flag. This can lead to a permanent ban for fraud. The cons are catastrophic albeit initially small chance to get caught out.

Mention your partner Truthfully & Strategically.

I recommend being honest, declare your partner to avoid any possible bans later down the line. If she /he is given a chance to make her /his case. You must try ad overcome the presumption of immigrant intent with strong evidence. The refusal rate is quite high for this profile of applicant so I understand the concerns people have (to declare or not to declare). THE ONLY ACCEPTABLE STRATEGY in my opinion, tell the truth. This is your only legal path.

Final Recommendation

Yes, she must mention your partner in the United States. The U.S. immigration system values honesty above all else. Your application will be scrutinised more heavily, but a refusal for failing to prove "non-immigrant intent" is far better than a permanent ban for not being transparent.

You must Focus 90% of your energy on gathering irrefutable evidence of your ties to her home country. Your story should be: "I have a high standard of living and established life in Russia. I am only visiting my friend for a short, specific period, and I have every reason to return."

Initially it is the more difficult path, but it is the correct one in the long run.

Other things to consider.

1. Entering the USA, they can quite easily bring up his /her old application. Would that also have any negative consequences for the sponsor that you were never mentioned (I doubt unless it was said that my sponsor told me to not mention him /her under questioning)
2. Why the need to keep visiting the US. This will be an issue for future visits. On the 2nd visit, the entry clearance officers will ask about previous visits in much greater detail.
3. You don’t mention the inviting party and you are refused anyway for other grounds. It will be harder for you to invite her /him later as she /he was not mentioned.
4. If you want to get married later and both settle in the USA, you can not declare the past history casting doubt on the genuineness of the relationship because it will now in theory be far shorter.