C-1 Visa layover at LAX

[wingtime 0]

Hello,

My girlfriend has received a C-1 transit visa to layover in LAX on her way to another country. How does this work? I know she is not supposed to leave the airport but how is this enforced? Her layover is for two days. I'm from the LA area and I would love for her to be able to visit my family etc. Can she simply walk out of the airport or will she be stuck behind customs like Tom Hanks in Terminal?

Thanks

[Boiler 45,993]

Sounds like a B2 would be a better bet.

2 day layover? Where is she coming from and going to?

[NigeriaorBust 4,087]

Checked the C1 rules and there is nothing that says she can't "enter" the US. It does say that there is absolutely no trying to change status with this visa. It says that she would get an I94 ( or whatever the electronic thing is if LAX is one of the early adaptors of the electronic I94 ) and her max stay is 29 days or her outbound flight.

[wingtime 0]

Thanks for the responses.

Since posting this I spoke to a customs agent at LAX on the phone and he said not to worry, she has 29 days. He said to make sure she doesn't say she's having a vacation in LA though. She will show the confirmation of her onward flight and she wont have any problems. I also spoke to an immigration attorney who said the same thing.

The thing is that the person at the embassy that issued the visa said she could not leave the airport. Anyway, I think that's the response the agent is required to give. Otherwise, the C-1 is almost a loophole in getting into the US for a few days.

BTW, crazy that it cost $160 to change plane in the US.