Flying through the US for interview

[Marvin 0]

I'm hoping that someone can answer this question. We have filed for an I-129F and she's an Irish citizen. I know that my fiancée cannot enter through US immigration until all the paperwork has been approved. My question is that because she lives in the Cayman Islands and there is no US Embassy there the flights through the US are sometimes cheaper than a British Airlines flight direct to London then Dublin. Is she allowed to get connecting flights through the US or will she be stopped by US Immigration in violation of I-129F application? Just trying to keep cheaper options open if we can.

[mox 298]

Yes, she can connect through any international airport, she just (obviously) can't pass through immigrations. The international and domestic sides of airports are kept very tightly controlled, and while you're transitioning through the international side you're not really considered to be in-country.

[RosemarieL 0]

I visited while my K1 was in process. I think there is only a problem when the K1 is in the passport and you have to be careful that is is not activated before you are ready.

[payxibka 10,045]

I'm hoping that someone can answer this question. We have filed for an I-129F and she's an Irish citizen. I know that my fiancée cannot enter through US immigration until all the paperwork has been approved. My question is that because she lives in the Cayman Islands and there is no US Embassy there the flights through the US are sometimes cheaper than a British Airlines flight direct to London then Dublin. Is she allowed to get connecting flights through the US or will she be stopped by US Immigration in violation of I-129F application? Just trying to keep cheaper options open if we can.

If you believe passing through US immigaration will possess a problem for you then you will need to avoid any connecting flight in the USA because ALL passengers pass via US immigration as there is no such thing as a transit visa or international transit halls at any US airport.

[*julez* 124]

I'm hoping that someone can answer this question. We have filed for an I-129F and she's an Irish citizen. I know that my fiancée cannot enter through US immigration until all the paperwork has been approved. My question is that because she lives in the Cayman Islands and there is no US Embassy there the flights through the US are sometimes cheaper than a British Airlines flight direct to London then Dublin. Is she allowed to get connecting flights through the US or will she be stopped by US Immigration in violation of I-129F application? Just trying to keep cheaper options open if we can.

How do you know that she can't come in to the US while the I129f is processing? Is she banned? If not, then she can come to the US. I don't see how a connecting flight through the US would be an issue, particularly since she is not staying, but heading to London.

[Marvin 0]

I'm hoping that someone can answer this question. We have filed for an I-129F and she's an Irish citizen. I know that my fiancée cannot enter through US immigration until all the paperwork has been approved. My question is that because she lives in the Cayman Islands and there is no US Embassy there the flights through the US are sometimes cheaper than a British Airlines flight direct to London then Dublin. Is she allowed to get connecting flights through the US or will she be stopped by US Immigration in violation of I-129F application? Just trying to keep cheaper options open if we can.

How do you know that she can't come in to the US while the I129f is processing? Is she banned? If not, then she can come to the US. I don't see how a connecting flight through the US would be an issue, particularly since she is not staying, but heading to London.

"Many couples wish that they could take a quick trip to the United States while waiting for the fiancé visa to be granted. Unfortunately, once you’ve submitted any part of your fiancé visa application, you’re unlikely to be granted a tourist visa. This is because the consulate will likely believe that your real intention in using the tourist visa is to get married and then apply for your green card in the United States, which is an inappropriate use of the tourist visa and could be considered visa fraud." - Fiancé & Marriage Visas A Couple’s Guide to U.S. Immigration

Edited September 13, 2007 by Marvin

[*julez* 124]

I'm hoping that someone can answer this question. We have filed for an I-129F and she's an Irish citizen. I know that my fiancée cannot enter through US immigration until all the paperwork has been approved. My question is that because she lives in the Cayman Islands and there is no US Embassy there the flights through the US are sometimes cheaper than a British Airlines flight direct to London then Dublin. Is she allowed to get connecting flights through the US or will she be stopped by US Immigration in violation of I-129F application? Just trying to keep cheaper options open if we can.

How do you know that she can't come in to the US while the I129f is processing? Is she banned? If not, then she can come to the US. I don't see how a connecting flight through the US would be an issue, particularly since she is not staying, but heading to London.

"Many couples wish that they could take a quick trip to the United States while waiting for the fiancé visa to be granted. Unfortunately, once you’ve submitted any part of your fiancé visa application, you’re unlikely to be granted a tourist visa. This is because the consulate will likely believe that your real intention in using the tourist visa is to get married and then apply for your green card in the United States, which is an inappropriate use of the tourist visa and could be considered visa fraud." - Fiancé & Marriage Visas A Couple’s Guide to U.S. Immigration

That is a guide, not USCIS law. Besides, your fiancee is from Ireland and should be able to travel here on the Visa Waiver Program. If you search these forums and read personal experiences, you will learn that many VWP finces have visited successfully whilst a K1 is pending.