Transit Visa Question

[TechnoWeenie 0]

approved C1 visa for a trip from Manilla to Costa Rica. She is filipina. Question is this, HOW long can she set the 'lag' betwean flights? For example on the way HOME from San Jose Costa Rica, can she have a WEEK or more in San Fransico.. before the next hop of the journey.

Reading this below makes me ask this question:

5. What are the limitations of C-1 visa?

On C-1 visa, you must:

• Engage strictly in visiting, touring or shopping activities. Any exception to this requires an appropriate visa

• Apply for separate C-1 visa for each family member. There is nothing like dependent C-1 visa

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6. How long can I stay in the U.S. on C-1 visa?

You may stay for a maximum of 29 days in the U.S. on C-1 visa. You are required to leave the U.S. on the proposed flight or ship of departure, or within 29 days, whichever is earlier.

Thanks in advance..

tw

[ChristinaM 0]

My understanding of the C1 (as a C1/D holder myself) is that it is solely to be used as a transit visa and that those 29 days are only granted if you will be in transit to your onward trip. You don't automatically get 29 days and I would think your other half would have to prove that she will be "in transition" across the US - ie. she has a damn good reason for needing more than a one or two day stay to get to the onward part of her journey.

However, I can only speak from my personal experience, which is that I arrived on the C1 portion of my visa with a contract to sign onto a cruise ship the following day, and that's when my C1 entry expired.

It does say that one is allowed to be a "tourist" whilst one is in transit status however, so if I were you I'd give the embassy a call or make an InfoPass appointment and check it out!

Good luck!