Problems entering the US for the second time

[wobblyal 1]

Hi All

I have just entered the US for the second time since obtaining my Visa (to collect my Green card); the initial visa pasted into my passport expired in early July 2015. Upon my first entry in late June 2015, my passport was stamped to indicate that the visa was valid until the end of June 2016.

When I arrived at Heathrow a week ago, none of the automated machines would allow me to check in; upon speaking to a “real person” at the check in desks I was told that my visa had expired. After I pointed out that the passport was stamped with an extension, the guy told me that the system had no way to enter that information since the date on the original visa had passed and as a result I was not being allowed to check in for the flight.

To cut a long story short, I ended up having to have an interview with the Homeland Security personnel based at Heathrow; they confirmed that my visa was in order, but stated that they did not know anything about the UK systems and could not advise on how to get me checked in.

In the end the check in guy figured out that he had to prefix my visa number with the code for a US permanent resident (or something like that) and I was finally allowed to check in.

I would recommend that anyone in the same situation allow extra time when travelling in case of similar issues; it took me almost 2 hours to get this sorted out; alternatively if you have the Green Card, ensure that you have it on you when flying.

[Hypnos 6,578]

That's correct.

Once you have activated your immigrant visa you are a permanent resident and should identify yourself as such. Your endorsed immigrant visa serves as temporary proof of LPR status for all purposes for one year from the date of activation.

[SusieQQQ 11,587]

I'm surprised this happened at heathrow, where they have much more experience with this kind of thing - I have heard of it happening in more far-flung countries. Just to clarify from your thread title - the problem is not entering the US but dealing with the airline's lack of knowledge. It's the first I've heard of a workaround like you did though - as it sounds like you were being treated as though you needed a visa, which as a LPR you don't. You should have entered your info on the airline's advance info system as a permanent resident with your A-number - did you do that? With that, the system/airline should have been looking for proof of permanent residence (which your endorsed visa is, as it is no longer a visa but a temporary green card now) rather than a visa.

[upkilo 6]

interesting! good for you some smart guy was there.

[wobblyal 1]

I'm surprised this happened at heathrow, where they have much more experience with this kind of thing - I have heard of it happening in more far-flung countries. Just to clarify from your thread title - the problem is not entering the US but dealing with the airline's lack of knowledge. It's the first I've heard of a workaround like you did though - as it sounds like you were being treated as though you needed a visa, which as a LPR you don't. You should have entered your info on the airline's advance info system as a permanent resident with your A-number - did you do that? With that, the system/airline should have been looking for proof of permanent residence (which your endorsed visa is, as it is no longer a visa but a temporary green card now) rather than a visa.

Hi Susie

It was lack of knowledge which was the issue (United Airlines); I probably had 3-4 people from the airline trying to help; none of them had even heard of the Diversity Lottery / Green Card Lottery.

The number which was being entered into the system was the "J" number from the visa which had expired, this is the only number they were interested in and I had not yet collected the green card to show as proof of residence. The Homeland Security people had no issue with the visa whatsoever.

[SusieQQQ 11,587]

Hi Susie

It was lack of knowledge which was the issue (United Airlines); I probably had 3-4 people from the airline trying to help; none of them had even heard of the Diversity Lottery / Green Card Lottery.

The number which was being entered into the system was the "J" number from the visa which had expired, this is the only number they were interested in and I had not yet collected the green card to show as proof of residence. The Homeland Security people had no issue with the visa whatsoever.

Ok, lots of confusion here. The lottery had nothing to do with it, all immigrant visas and green cards are the same once issued regardless of how you got there. So it doesn't matter if they heard of it or not. But... The main confusion is thinking you needed a visa at all. You don't. That's why there was a problem with the expired visa number. You/they should have entered your A number (alien number also known as USCIS number) on the passenger info which would have identified you as a permanent resident and not in need of a visa. Then, you and they should have been focusing on the line at the bottom of the visa stamp saying it is evidence of permanent residence for 12 months after endorsement. That means it is a temporary green card and that is what they should have been looking at. Hopefully this will clarify it for future use and other people reading this.

[locutorio 0]

Hello wobblyal. Thank you for posting your experience.

I will be in a similar situation soon. Due to this post and other post in a similar forum I believe I will be ready to face check in when I come to Heathrow.

Can you tell us exactly what code the check in guy used to finally check you in? That is the 1 million dollar detail.

For those who are boarding a plane to the US carrying only your passport with the endorsement stamp, my advice is:

1. Check-in at least 4 hours before your flight, if possible. So try not to fly very early in the morning.
2. Bring a copy of the "carrier information guide" http://www.cbp.gov/sites/default/files/documents/Carrier Information Guide- English.pdf . Either bring it on your cell phone or print page 40. Page 40 shows that the endorsed visa is a valid boarding id

[SusieQQQ 11,587]

Hello wobblyal. Thank you for posting your experience.

I will be in a similar situation soon. Due to this post and other post in a similar forum I believe I will be ready to face check in when I come to Heathrow.

Can you tell us exactly what code the check in guy used to finally check you in? That is the 1 million dollar detail.

For those who are boarding a plane to the US carrying only your passport with the endorsement stamp, my advice is:

1. Check-in at least 4 hours before your flight, if possible. So try not to fly very early in the morning.
2. Bring a copy of the "carrier information guide" http://www.cbp.gov/sites/default/files/documents/Carrier Information Guide- English.pdf . Either bring it on your cell phone or print page 40. Page 40 shows that the endorsed visa is a valid boarding id

You left out #3, which is don't claim that you have a valid visa... you don't, and this will lead to massive confusion as has been seen. What you have is temporary proof of permanent residence.

[wobblyal 1]

You left out #3, which is don't claim that you have a valid visa... you don't, and this will lead to massive confusion as has been seen. What you have is temporary proof of permanent residence.

locutorio, what Susie says above is key...I told them I had a Visa, whereas it is actually permanent residence...and give yourself enough time for them to validate this. I would arrive 3 hours prior to the flight just to play safe, but I have no doubt you will get on the flight.