C 1 Transit visa and VWP whilst I 130 pending

[Lou n Lee 0]

Hi all,

We are fairly new to this forum and this is my first posting. VJ has been most informative and great for our moral and keeping our spirits lifted.

My husband, a USC is currently visiting me in Australia and we are both due to leave next week and both have tickets through to Toronto for me to be able continue to be with him ( he lives 20 mins over the border and I will be staying in Canada for 6 weeks) and meet his 6 children and 5 grandchildren for the first time !! I can't wait !I have been talking to them everyday on Skype and they are just so excited too. He’s met 2 of my children, back in 1985 when we first dated and now 27 years later.... with 3 more children of my own and 2 beautiful grandchildren ! Just a little larger than the Brady Bunch LOL !! We married in November, 2011. We currently are awaiting our NOA 2. (2012 Feb 13 filer - Vermont) This will be my first visit overseas and I am so excited ! We have a 3 hour layover in LA. I applied for and was granted a C1 Transit Visa. Obviously, we do not want anything to interfere with this long and draining process....

My first question: Will this affect our pending I 130 ?

Secondly: Should I apply for the VWP too before I leave and try at the Canadian border ?

Thanks in advance

[Boiler 45,662]

Why did you need a C1 Transit Visa?

[JohnR! 5,495]

It depends on the grounds upon which you obtained you C visa.

If you are an Australian national you would not need a transit visa for the connection/layover in LA. You could used your VWP privileges for that purpose. That the consulate gave you a visa indicates you might not be eligible for VWP for any particular reason, in which case, chances are you will not be able to get an ESTA to enter the US from Canada.

[Lou n Lee 0]

It depends on the grounds upon which you obtained you C visa.

If you are an Australian national you would not need a transit visa for the connection/layover in LA. You could used your VWP privileges for that purpose. That the consulate gave you a visa indicates you might not be eligible for VWP for any particular reason, in which case, chances are you will not be able to get an ESTA to enter the US from Canada.

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I applied for a C 1 Transit visa, because I had read so many comments on here about people that were turned away at the border on a visa waver and we didn't want to take any chances. It is such a long way to travel and I am not the best at flying.

Thanks

Thanks

[Boiler 45,662]

That would make no difference, odd that they gave it to you.

[JohnR! 5,495]

1342755676[/url]' post='5540319']

I applied for a C 1 Transit visa, because I had read so many comments on here about people that were turned away at the border on a visa waver and we didn't want to take any chances. It is such a long way to travel and I am not the best at flying.

Thanks

Thanks

In that case if you have plans to enter the US after landing in Canada make sure you obtain an ESTA prior to doing so. Keep in mind the CBP officer at the border may be inclined to refuse your entry, so make sure you have return tickets on hand to produce in case you're asked.

I hope your visit is a success!

[Deb+Steve 13]

Weird, even if you're transiting for 5 mins at LAX you still need the ESTA authorisation. They'll ask you at the airport when you check-in and if you don't have it the airlines will do it for you (if you have time before boarding) but they will of course charge for the service.