Connecting flight outside of US after K1 entry but before advance parole

[oscillate.wildly 1]

Hi everyone,

I am looking for advice/experiences of anyone who has made a flight between the US and a US territory/commonwealth and made a connection in another country.

I am entering the US next week on a K1 visa, getting married and filing for AOS, AP and EAD within a week of that. A month later we will travel to Saipan where my fiancé is starting a new job.

I am allowed to travel to Saipan because it is under US immigration law and it is not counted as leaving the US. What I am unsure about is whether I can travel from the US to Saipan via a connecting flight in Japan. Although it is possible to fly via HI and Guam (both US), the majority of flights connect in Japan. It would be the same as e.g. flying between two states but connecting in Mexico or Canada on the way (not that this happens but it's the same principle)

Planning to speak to customs and border patrol on Monday but wondering if anyone has experience or knowledge of this?

Thanks!

[Boiler 45,517]

As long as you have AP, which seems a push.

Direct flight or go for Emergency AP.

[oscillate.wildly 1]

It's looking like I will have to do the info pass route and try for emergency AP...

By direct do you mean one flight or just stick within US territories/commonwealth? One flight isn't possible. Flights via Hawaii and Guam are possible, just reeeeeeeally expensive

Have you any knowledge of the likelihood of being granted an emergency AP?

Thanks again

[Boiler 45,517]

If you can fly without leaving the US and work is paying does it matter?

[Dashinka 24,499]

If you can fly without leaving the US and work is paying does it matter?

My thoughts exactly. If fiancé is moving to Saipan for work, I would assume they would be covering his travel expenses. I would look for routes that keep you in the US and find out if your fiances company will pay for it due to your immigration status.

Good Luck!

[oscillate.wildly 1]

Hi everyone,

Thanks for your responses and help! The issue with work is that, although they are paying, it clearly states that this has to be the most direct route. We're going to see what they say as I have managed to find a flight that does go through HI and Guam (as long as it is!)

To put the information out there, here is the reply from CBP (mirrors the phone call):

"Thank you for contacting the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) INFO Center.

Even if you are transiting another airport in another country and do not have your approved Advance Parole, your pending adjustment of status may be canceled and you can be denied reentry into the US. This travel is not recommended."

So that clarifies that. I always thought that airports were international/dead space before you crossed a border, but apparently not! I blame the movie 'The Terminal'!

[Lemonslice 4,841]

Hi everyone,

Thanks for your responses and help! The issue with work is that, although they are paying, it clearly states that this has to be the most direct route. We're going to see what they say as I have managed to find a flight that does go through HI and Guam (as long as it is!)

To put the information out there, here is the reply from CBP (mirrors the phone call):

"Thank you for contacting the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) INFO Center.

Even if you are transiting another airport in another country and do not have your approved Advance Parole, your pending adjustment of status may be canceled and you can be denied reentry into the US. This travel is not recommended."

So that clarifies that. I always thought that airports were international/dead space before you crossed a border, but apparently not! I blame the movie 'The Terminal'!

Well, even if you were to pay for your own flight yourself, it still seems cheaper and more convenient than starting from scratch and being separated.

ETA: look up https://matrix.itasoftware.com/ and http://www.airfarewatchdog.com/ if your dates are flexible, you might find a very similar price.

Edited February 21, 2016 by Boston~Montreal

[oscillate.wildly 1]

Yeah I agree. Thanks for the sites, looking now