Entering US with K-1

[fernasdaman 0]

Hi! As you can tell, I'm new here, but I've been browsing this site since I started my process. I am hoping someone more experienced than me can help!

As the title implies, I was granted a K-1 visa and am going to be entering the US within the next 3-4 weeks. However, I have a doubt that has been plaging me!

My final destination is Chicago, however, there are no direct flights from my country and, so, I'm having a layover in Boston. However, I could not find a flight bundle at an acceptable price and so I decided to make separate bookings - 1 flight to Boston and then another from there to Chicago.

That will involve me having to pick up my checked luggage in between flights, as well as going to the check in counter of the second airline. This, in turn, means I will need to leave the 'secure' area of the airport, meaning I will need to go through border control, right?

With my Visa obviously only valid for 1 entry, how will this work? Will they understand and let me through, keeping my Visa for Chicago? Or will this be a problem?

Does anyone have any idea how this works? I didn't originally think of this possible issue, so now I'm kinda freaking out about it!

Thanks!

[A'n'L 735]

First of all, don't worry! This is very common!

Your K1 is for one entry to the US, regardless of where that entry takes place. Your US entry will be in Boston, and that is where your visa will be activated. For your domestic flight between Boston and Chicago, you don't need a visa.

Everybody goes through border control and customs at the first airport they arrive at in the US, regardless how their tickets were booked.

Hopefully you left ample time between your flights?

Edited May 23, 2016 by A'n'L

[fernasdaman 0]

Oh, I see. I guess that makes sense. Thank you for the speedy response!

Now all the worrying I have to go through will be regarding the time I allowed in between flights. I hope 3 hours is enough!

Thank you and cheers!

[A'n'L 735]

No problem :-)

3 hours should be sufficient if you don't run into delays or very long lines.

[fernasdaman 0]

I sure hope so! It was either that or 18 hours, so I didn't have much of a choice.

Again, thank you for your help!

[Schlaire 2]

With the current problems with the TSA (airport security), the three hours MIGHT not be enough!

I'm not trying to scare you, but if there's an option to change and your fiance(e) can meet you in Boston, it might be worth the eighteen hours to not miss your flight to Chicago.

[A'n'L 735]

With the current problems with the TSA (airport security)...

What are the current problems with TSA? Curious!

[jxn 86]

You may have to go through the security line again depending on the layout of the airport and its terminals, but you won't ever be exiting the U.S. and therefore you won't have to go through immigration again.

[fernasdaman 0]

@Schlaire

Unfortunately, that won't be an option, my fiancee can't travel to Boston at that time. I'll just have to risk it, run, and wish for the best!

Thanks to everyone else who replied!

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

What are the current problems with TSA? Curious!

Budget problems have led to crazy long lines for security in the last few weeks. Like 3 hour long lines.

[TBoneTX 45,468]

*** Thread is moved from the K-1 Process forum to the "Moving to the US" forum. ***

[Almaviva 1]

I entered JFK a couple of weeks ago on a K1 visa. I had to wait for about 45-60 minutes in line to see the CBP officer. He checked my envelope from the embassy and sent me to second screening. I waited for 10-15 minutes there, they called my name and gave me my passport back.

All the process didn't take longer than 1-1.5 hours. But like other people said, it all depends on the airport, the lines and the CBP officers.

Best of luck to you!!

[fernasdaman 0]

@Almaviva That sounds pretty long! I didn't expect it to take that long. Hopefully, it'll take a little less at Boston, which shouldn't be as busy as JFK!

Thanks for the reply!