ONE WAY OR ROUND TRIP TICKET

[brnidokiegurl 0]

Aso MBP guy just arrived fr Morocco yesterday i believe and somewhere she spoke about getting the one way ticket

[Achromatic 0]

I travelled one way after asking this question of the Sydney consulate.

I got no grief from anyone but the travel agent (who said I should be prepared to show visa etc, fine).

Qantas Melbourne didn't even bat an eyelid, they checked my passport (but not my visa), and one way ticket. Essentially, "not their problem".

No issues with departure card, though I did say "leaving temporarily" (until I was sure everything worked out fine).

No issues on arrival. But at least LAX, you /will/ be sent to the visitor line at Immigration - you are not a new immigrant yet.

If the airline or such tries to tell you need a roundtrip ticket (which might not be a bad idea, depending on circumstance), either a) get it fullfare so you can at least adjust the flight if you want to use it effectively as credit, or two, show/tell them you have a visa that is valid for one way travel. They "cannot" refuse to sell you the ticket (beyond their 'right of refusal' anyway), as your NIV status, etc, is a matter between you and the US Government. If the USG takes issue with the one way ticket and excludes you (not that you want this to happen, it'll be a whole world of hurt if you try to get in again, even as a tourist), it's done at their expense, not the airline.

[ding 1]

Some countries have a tourist visa exemption agreement. Thailand has 'no-visa required' agreements with about 40 different counties and I don't need a visa to travel there, just a return (round trip) ticket and funds to live on for my stay there. The latter 2 aren't generally checked on at immigration but they can turn you back.

Thais have a very tough time visiting America despite the agreement. They need to show long term, considerable funds and/or property ownership, advanced degree, etc - or they won't get a visa to visit. There are likely exceptions, such as strong family ties like a child left back in Thailand. They also need round trip return tickets.

Other countries vary of course. But for me, I'd buy the return ticket if you can't find out for certain, you don't want that little rejection stamp in the back and having to check the box admitting you were denied entry to the USA.

Edited February 12, 2007 by ding

[Achromatic 0]

Some countries have a tourist visa exemption agreement. Thailand has 'no-visa required' agreements with about 40 different counties and I don't need a visa to travel there, just a return (round trip) ticket and funds to live on for my stay there. The latter 2 aren't generally checked on at immigration but they can turn you back.

True, to a degree. But you are not travelling on Visa Waiver, you have a specific visa. You should not be dinged for insufficient ties to a country, when the ultimate intention, be K1 technically a "non immigrant visa" is immigration (hence the 'adjustment of status' upon marriage).

[ding 1]

Some countries have a tourist visa exemption agreement. Thailand has 'no-visa required' agreements with about 40 different counties and I don't need a visa to travel there, just a return (round trip) ticket and funds to live on for my stay there. The latter 2 aren't generally checked on at immigration but they can turn you back.

True, to a degree. But you are not travelling on Visa Waiver, you have a specific visa. You should not be dinged for insufficient ties to a country, when the ultimate intention, be K1 technically a "non immigrant visa" is immigration (hence the 'adjustment of status' upon marriage).

I think my confusion is that, after checking the OP's timeline, the I-129F was merely sent & received. With no visa I figure it to be a tourist visit in hard terms, despite hoped for results from the I-129F.

Edited February 12, 2007 by ding