Changing planes/entering on K1 Visa

[KGSodie 0]

I have only just begun the K1 visa process for my fiancee, but it never hurts to think ahead. When we receive her interview date I will travel to Moscow and after she receives her visa we will return to the USA together. Because I live in the middle of nowhere (Nebraska) we will have to change planes (most likely in Atlanta). How long of a layover would be safe to allow for, to give her time to be processed into this country?

Thanks in advance!

[pushbrk 12,906]

I have only just begun the K1 visa process for my fiancee, but it never hurts to think ahead. When we receive her interview date I will travel to Moscow and after she receives her visa we will return to the USA together. Because I live in the middle of nowhere (Nebraska) we will have to change planes (most likely in Atlanta). How long of a layover would be safe to allow for, to give her time to be processed into this country?

Thanks in advance!

I recommend a minimum of three hours, generally for any POE. Two hours is the airline general guideline but your fiance will take somewhat longer going through immigration than a visitor would.

I'm sure there will be others along with specific experience with Atlanta.

[amrssnowangel 0]

I have only just begun the K1 visa process for my fiancee, but it never hurts to think ahead. When we receive her interview date I will travel to Moscow and after she receives her visa we will return to the USA together. Because I live in the middle of nowhere (Nebraska) we will have to change planes (most likely in Atlanta). How long of a layover would be safe to allow for, to give her time to be processed into this country?

Thanks in advance!

I recommend a minimum of three hours, generally for any POE. Two hours is the airline general guideline but your fiance will take somewhat longer going through immigration than a visitor would.

I'm sure there will be others along with specific experience with Atlanta.

I've been through the Atlanta airport on a layover. ITS HUGE. Allow 2 hours for immigration, customs and baggage. Then you will need an hour minimum to transfer comfortably. I'd suggest more like 4-5 hour layover. Get something to drink, use the restroom and not have to RUN to find where you need to be. Last thing you want is for her first day here to be rushed and chaotic. I'd leave 4-5 hours or even 6. Enjoy the airport. I do know when I transfered it was a rush and I almost missed my plane. My son DID miss his on a trip through there for not having enough transfer time. To much time is far better than not enough. (Take into consideration, late/lost luggage, additional lines in customs and immigration...be prepared for the unknown)

[KGSodie 0]

Thanks for the words of wisdom you guys, I appreciate them!

[TracyTN 237]

I'm convinced that the Atlanta airport is actually the gate to Hell in disguise.

I agree with amrsnowangel's assessment.

[nane1104 146]

I had a 2 hour layover in Dallas when I came to the US and it was tight, but I made it.

I had to rush out of the plane though to get to the Immigration as one of the firsts in line and had my brown envelope visible to the officers there, so they picked me up right away, took my fingerprints and sent me to secondary inspection.

My fiance was with me, he was allowed to wait with me and we sat there waiting for about 20 minutes, then I got called, got asked a few questions and then I got my stamps in my passport and the visa and was sent off to get my suitcases with a nice "Welcome to the USA!" Felt good!

Got our luggage (since we were delayed through Immigration, the suitcases were already off the belt), riushed through customs and then had to really hurry to catch the connection flight..Dallas is a big airport, so you have to walk long ways, but we made it.

So..3 hours would have beencomfortable, but maybe we were lucky too that I never had to wait really long.

I say 3-4 hours, but that should be more than enough.

[KGSodie 0]

You have already begun answering my next question - which would have been, will I be allowed to remain with her while she processes into this country! Thanks again everyone!

[nane1104 146]

My fiance was still in the line for the USCs when I was going to the secondary. So I asked the officer if I could stand outside the waiting room to let him know where I was and after a few seconds of thinking (did he think I was going to run away without my passport?) he agreed but told me to stay close. By then my now hubby was already there and we were able to wait together.

Just ask nicely and be polite, I am sure you won't have a problem.

[pushbrk 12,906]

You have already begun answering my next question - which would have been, will I be allowed to remain with her while she processes into this country! Thanks again everyone!

Either way. She can stay with you or you her. No need to go to different lines. Go to the short one.

[Buxton babe 0]

I have only just begun the K1 visa process for my fiancee, but it never hurts to think ahead. When we receive her interview date I will travel to Moscow and after she receives her visa we will return to the USA together. Because I live in the middle of nowhere (Nebraska) we will have to change planes (most likely in Atlanta). How long of a layover would be safe to allow for, to give her time to be processed into this country?

Thanks in advance!

I allowed myself more than twice the time I thought we would need when we came in at Newark. I then treated us to a few hours in the airlines executive lounge (Presidents Club). The drinks and snacks are free and the seats and computer acces made it all worth while.

[1HappyGuy 45]

You should consider the time of year that you will likely be flying. Based on your time line, if everything goes smoothly, you are still looking at flying close to or during winter. I would budget at least 5 hours between flights due to weather delays. It makes traveling a big rough but missing a flight puts you in worse position. It is worth considering what if you have to spend the night somewhere, what are hotel costs and availability.

Above all else, you need to insure the two of you will be together. I had the same anxiety with my fiancee (now wife) but I was able to insure her POE was where I would be waiting for her.

[pushbrk 12,906]

I have only just begun the K1 visa process for my fiancee, but it never hurts to think ahead. When we receive her interview date I will travel to Moscow and after she receives her visa we will return to the USA together. Because I live in the middle of nowhere (Nebraska) we will have to change planes (most likely in Atlanta). How long of a layover would be safe to allow for, to give her time to be processed into this country?

Thanks in advance!

Most of the flights I see that would route to say Omaha or even just to Atlanta, arrive first at JFK.

[payxibka 10,045]

I have only just begun the K1 visa process for my fiancee, but it never hurts to think ahead. When we receive her interview date I will travel to Moscow and after she receives her visa we will return to the USA together. Because I live in the middle of nowhere (Nebraska) we will have to change planes (most likely in Atlanta). How long of a layover would be safe to allow for, to give her time to be processed into this country?

Thanks in advance!

Most of the flights I see that would route to say Omaha or even just to Atlanta, arrive first at JFK.

Except Delta has a direct flight from Atlanta to Moscow...

[Saddle Bronc 124]

Some ideas: DFW, O'Hare, MSP and St. Louis are all far closer to Omaha than Hartsfield, JFK or Logan.

Another option is the Memphis-DTW route.

(all of the suggested airports except DFW and O'Hare are smaller and simpler than Hartsfield)

[KGSodie 0]

When I visited Natasha, I left on February 19 and flew on Delta through Atlanta to Moscow, and from Moscow back through Atlanta on my return to Omaha. I actually kind of liked the airport in Atlanta, although it was large.

I want to thank everyone for their words of wisdom. I will allow for plenty of time at whatever airport we fly through.

Be safe everyone!