Transiting the US to go to Mexico - Then going on holiday to the US one month later - how to apply?

[Econwatson 0]

Hi All!

My partner is a Malaysian citizen who lives in Australia and we are trying to work out the US visa system for some upcoming holidays. I have called the helplines but they have not been particularly helpful.

Here are our travel plans:
- Melbourne to Mexico City for a wedding, transiting via San Francisco for 6 hours on 16 November 2019.
- Mexico City to Melbourne transiting via San Francisco for 6 hours on 30 November 2019

then a 20 day gap where we are back to work in Melbourne then

- Melbourne to San Francisco on 21 December 2019 for a two week holiday in the USA with girlfriend's parents.
- San Francisco to Melbourne on 4 January 2020.

Does my partner need to apply for two transit visas to cover the Mexico trip and then a separate B1/B2 visa for our trip in December? Or could she apply for a B1/B2 that covers the whole period?

Obviously the second option would be simpler but would involve her entering and leaving the US three times on the same visa. I understand that multiple entries are allowed but the online form is really restrictive and we are finding it very difficult to explain what we plan to do and the duration of our stay. For example if I put the date of first entry in the form as 16th of November and then say I want the visa to last 2 weeks to cover the holiday, doesn't that mean it would expire before the actual trip to the US began? Is this the sort of thing you explain at the visa interview?

I'd really appreciate some advice on the best way to do go about getting her visa sorted. I want to do the right thing and avoid any headaches at the airport so we can enjoy our trips!

Thanks!

[Just Paul 4,591]

You can apply for a transit visa (C1) for Mexico.  Tourist VIsa is needed for the San Francisco Stay.

 

Don't purchase the tickets until you secure the VISA.

A b1/B2 would cover both 

Edited August 13, 2019 by Paul & Mary

[Econwatson 0]

1 hour ago, Paul & Mary said:

You can apply for a transit visa (C1) for Mexico.  Tourist VIsa is needed for the San Francisco Stay.

 

Don't purchase the tickets until you secure the VISA.

A b1/B2 would cover both 

Hi thanks for the quick reply.

 

Do you have any suggestions on what I would put on a B1/B2 visa to explain the situation? Or should I just get the application as close as possible to what we are intending to do and have my partner explain the situation in the interview?

 

Thanks again!

[SusieQQQ 11,585]

All she needs is a multiple entry B1/B2. Ask for it to cover the period for all the trips you plan to make. She can bring the planned itinerary to the interview if the CO wants an explanation. 

Edited August 14, 2019 by SusieQQQ