US Immigration from Switzerland

When we were trying to figure out where to take our honeymoon, I struggled to find real experiences of couples who tried traveling to Puerto Rico with the K1 visa. The only comments were people warning against it, but none that had actually tried it, so I thought I would share my experience here in case it is helpful to others.

After our wedding, we took a direct flight from Baltimore, MD to San Juan, Puerto Rico. We had absolutely no issues and spent a wonderful vacation on the beach and in the rain forest. He travelled on his passport and I just used my driver's license as identification. The only time anyone looked at his passport was during the check-in (just to confirm identity and that the name on the luggage tags was correct) and when going through security, again to confirm identity. He says the TSA agent during the return from Puerto Rico to MD did flip to the visa page with his K1 visa, but asked no questions about it.

It was the same process as any other domestic US travel. The only difference was the agriculture check of bags when leaving Puerto Rico (no identity documents checked at this time).

The primary concerns I heard were that:

• Going to Puerto Rico would be considered leaving the US (it's not - it's definitely part of the US and a flies out of the domestic terminal at the airport)
• Immigration could stop him at the airport and give him a hard time (didn't happen and he had all his paper work in place)
• We could risk being out of status if the flight had to make an emergency stop in another country (I realized this risk would be no higher than the risk of emergency landing in Canada on a flight to Michigan and if we did, I don't think we would be sent through immigration - I didn't even have my passport with me to be able to pass immigration in another country myself).

Everyone has their own risk tolerance, but my personal conclusion is that this risk is extremely low. Would highly recommend Puerto Rico for anyone looking for a beautiful honeymoon destination!

Hi Everyone,

Has anyone recently had their case processed at the US embassy in Bern? How long did it take from you DQ-ing to your interview taking place? I just got off the phone to NVC and they said some embassies are backed up by 1.5 years due to COVID, but they could not give me country specific information. I am just trying to get a sense of how long I may have to wait.

Best

Heike

Hello everyone,

I have just had my Australian police certificate rejected (for a second time). The first time I picked code 35 instead of Code 33, so that is on me. Now I have submitted a code 33 Police certificate (immigration/citizenship). I did not send fingerprints. Is that where I went wrong?

Thanks for any help in advance,

Heike

Hello,

My fianc had his interview last Tuesday (the 18th) and was approved. He was told to return to pick up his passport/visa in person on Wednesday the 26th. After the regular status changes on CEAC, on Friday, the status changed to 'Issued'. It was again updated (same status) on Monday. This Tuesday, however, the embassy emailed saying that his visa would not be ready for pick-up on Wednesday and that they would let us know when it's ready, with no further information. Is this normal? What could be the possible reasons for this delay (especially since the mail system is not involved)? The status still says 'issued' online, but this is making us a little nervous.

Hello!

I am applying for a Peruvian police certificate from abroad and need support from a "proxy" in Peru to complete the Certificado de Antecedentes Policiales (Certificate of Police Record).

Can anyone recommend a lawyer or migration service who could serve as my proxy?

Many thanks in advance!

Heike