thesuz

Hi,

My husband got his visa application approved this morning, so we're all set to move to the States in the next couple of months . One question. Return tickets for December are much cheaper than one way fares. Are we ok to book a return, and just not use the other half of it, or will this cause problems with immigration? We're worried they might question why we have a return ticket when we're saying we're immigrating, and also that if we don't board the return flight it might trigger some immigration issue.

Has anyone else travelled immigrated on a return ticket before and were there any problems as a result?

Thanks

Noorah101

Yes, you can have a return ticket, it's not a problem. I'm sure most people travel on return tickets, as the fare is cheaper. You might want to book the return portion as far out as you can, you never know, you might end up using it after all for a visit.

Rene

jeffreyhy

US immigration isn't going to know that you have round-trip tickets, unless for some strange reason you tell them.

Theoretically you could potentially have a problem with the airline if you do not use the return portion of the ticket.

Regards, JEff

rpjs

When we moved back in January we bought round-trip tix with BA as they were cheaper than one-way. I (the LPR) happened to use the return portion on a visit to the UK in March, and bought a one-way back to the US with Aer Lingus who happened to offer a cheap one-way at the time. My wife (the USC) never used her return portion. We have yet to have BA bomb us from any of their passing planes. US immigration haven't batted an eyelid.

ian-mstm

I'm curious to know why you think US immigration would even care how you get to the US? Their only concern is admitting you to the US (or not) once you arrive.

Ian

Moxie

Here's a story I'll pass on I read from the person it happened to. It was a crazy thing, but did happen.

They arrived on a round trip ticket and didn't bother to call the airlines before the return flight. At the adjustment of status interview the officer said he had abandoned his AOS because he left the US on [date]. Yes it was the date of the return ticket he didn't use. All the applicant could figure out was somebody else took that seat, maybe last minute, but the original ticket holder's name mistakenly remained on the airline manifest. It was a very huge hassle to prove he didn't leave the country and it delayed his greencard. Even though this is a crazy series of mistakes, it's easy enough to call and cancel. It's courteous too.