Advice on my fiance's travel into America

[Vann 0]

When it rains it pours, I tell you *Sighs*....

My fiance heard reports on the news about some filipinas being turned back once they land on US soil even though they had visas. Well, in this situation it was two women with tourist visas.

My fiance (and now I) is worried that she may be detained at the first US port of entry airport because of hearing all this news.

Does she have any reason to fear? Should she be fine? How do they generally look upon those who arrive with fiance visas?

I have something new to worry about now. *Sigh*....

This process can bring about such unbearable stress at times...

Also--I'm looking for the best flying method. Is there ANY website that would allow ME to purchase HER ticket so that all she would have to do is get an E-ticket from Manila airport or will she be required to buy a ticket from Manila airport herself?

I need advice on these urgent matters, please, as I trust those who went through the experiences much more than anything else.

I hope to put my worrying at ease.

[Vann 0]

I'm sorry--I forgot to make it clearer--given our time and money constraints, she would be flying into the US alone so I need to purchase her ticket. That's why I was asking the ticket question.

[Dan J 277]

Yes, you can be turned back on a tourist visa, but for the most part, the reasons why are not issues with a K-1 visa.

The issue with you purchasing her ticket is that they require the credit card used to purchase the ticket during check in. Which would be fine if you were traveling with her. But since you wont be, you may have to send her the money to purchase a ticket from the Philippines. Sometimes this is the cheapest option anyway.

[Dakine 26]

I'm sorry--I forgot to make it clearer--given our time and money constraints, she would be flying into the US alone so I need to purchase her ticket. That's why I was asking the ticket question.

You can buy the ticket from almost any travel agent or on line. Sometimes a bit cheaper if she buys in PI but not much. I bought thru a TA here in Hawaii and wife picked up the tickets at PAL office there.

She will have to pay P1620 travel fees to her local PTA office there. Also P750 terminal fees at the airport when she leaves.

Ask for a "First time immigrant" discount also. I got one for wife and anak. About 20% off.

Edited October 13, 2007 by Haole

[stinger157 0]

Yes, you can be turned back on a tourist visa, but for the most part, the reasons why are not issues with a K-1 visa.

The issue with you purchasing her ticket is that they require the credit card used to purchase the ticket during check in. Which would be fine if you were traveling with her. But since you wont be, you may have to send her the money to purchase a ticket from the Philippines. Sometimes this is the cheapest option anyway.

What you can do. Send her the money and tell her to book the ticket at www.kayak.com

They search other websites and so far that are the cheapest tickets I could find.

To the visa issue. Tourist visas are non-immigrant visas. A K1-Visa is a dual purpose visa. It is a non-immigrant visa with the intention to adjust status within the United States. The K1-Visa is one of a couple visa where you don't have to have binding ties to your home country. The tourist visa instead asks for binding ties to your home country!

So if your fiancee didn't break any laws and doesn't answer any question that is on the backside of the I-94 with yes she should have no problem in entering the United States. But she should be honest. If USCIS finds out later that she was dishonest and one of the questions should have been answered with yes she can face deportation and she could lose her citizenship after she got the american citizenship.

If you watched the news lately you have probably seen the news about this old guy who is about to get deported because of his past.

Edited October 13, 2007 by stinger157

[yassmine2878 1]

I purchased Ahmed's ticket online and he printed out the itenerary for the E-ticket. He encountered no problems with this. I used ww.cheapoair.com Good luck!

[Jasman0717 9]

Unless she have had a pervious problem on a visa to the U.S. there shouldn't be a problem entering with the fiancee visa.

I sent Claudeth money to buy her ticket in the Philippines, it saved us about $150 by buying it there.

Good luck

[Vann 0]

Thanks for the info, guys. Whew! You've really helped put my mind at ease!

[Vann 0]

I know this may or may not help me but would any of you mind posting the price of your fiance's ticket here? Ticket from Philippines that is.

My fiance will be flying into Nashville

[Paulily 0]

Hi Vann!

I bought my ticket from my travel agent in the Philippines last April and it cost us USD 895.00 plus Php 1620.00 travel tax. My route was MANILA to LAX then LAX to Jacksonville and I used Philippine Airlines and Delta. I entered with K1 Visa without any problem. LAX POE interview was very smooth. They usually asked same questions as the Manila USE interview. That's my experienced till my AOS interview.

I suggest let her buy the ticket in the Philippines because its much cheaper. Just tell her to search for at least 3 travel agents and compare the prices.

Relax her visa is good for 6 months so its ok you have lots of time to prepare for her homecoming.

God Bless

Lily

[Caladan 19]

Yes, you can be turned back on a tourist visa, but for the most part, the reasons why are not issues with a K-1 visa.

The issue with you purchasing her ticket is that they require the credit card used to purchase the ticket during check in. Which would be fine if you were traveling with her. But since you wont be, you may have to send her the money to purchase a ticket from the Philippines. Sometimes this is the cheapest option anyway.

Is this a Phillipines-specific problem? Because whenever I've flown with an e-ticket, they've used the credit card or the passport swipe to verify my ID, but there was no transaction at that point. Or I've headed to the counter and handed them my passport. I don't think the purchaser has to match the name of the passenger (or else children could never fly.)

In which case, as long as he books the ticket in her name and pays for it, when she shows ID to check in, she'll be fine. If it's cheaper for her to buy it there, that might make sense.

[Ashley und Alex 0]

About you buying your fiancee's ticket. I am currently trying to buy my fiance's ticket, and have discovered that many travel agencies will not let one buy an international flight from the foreign country to the US on a US .com web page. To purchase my ticket I have had to use the german page .de

You should have no problems upon entry, but I would recommend writing and signing a letter stating your situation and giving your contact information, and sending it to your fiancee in case of questioning.

[jc1b 0]

Hi try this website www.vayama.com . Goodluck

[spidergirl 0]

About buying a ticket i suggest that you should send her the money and let her purchase the ticket herself. Since she will be flying alone get her a direct flight (no layover, no plane transfer) as possible for her convenience. Check with Philippine Airlines(PAL) if they got a direct flight from Manila to your area.

[dj1206 0]

I saw the news last night. There were 2 young ladies (sisters) who had a hard time at POE Detroit and were grilled and accused that they'll be working eventhough they have tourist visas. The officers meticulously went thru their luggages to see if they have any resumes or records about getting a job in the US. They also grilled them separately. They were so scared bec the officers scared them that they will be put in jail so they let them sign a paper to be deported back to the Phils. They had no choice but to sign it. They also said there were lots of Filipinos who were asked to go to the room. This is all I can remember. I don't wanna scare you though.

Dont get worried. K1 visa already is considered like an immigrant visa. So I don't think they'll do that. They gave hard time to those filipinos who have tourist visas coz many of those who go to america as tourist, dont go home anymore