N1cky

Sorry, I know I have seen this in the past but can't find the info when I search for it.

I am flying back to the UK in August with my daughter, and need to complete our passenger details with AA.

In the section: U.S. Resident Card, there are 3 choices, PR, Resident Alien, I do not have a Resident Alien Card.

We are L Visa holders.

I assume I do not have a Resident Alien Card is the correct option, as we don't have Green Cards. However, if I choose this option it says I need to complete an ESTA, which I know I don't need to do.

Help!

RICH

Huh. To me, PR =Permanent Resident =Green Card Holder. So you must be a Resident Alien, and they imply that comes with a card. Perhaps they mean the actual visa number? It also seems to imply that if you do not have the card, you are a visitor on VWP. Sorry, this is no help, but it seems odd.

Sally Redux

I'm not sure either, but I think it must be resident alien and use the resident alien number.

Bob

Most airlines are crap and you won't be able to do online checkin.

You'd be resident alien, for AA purposes. You don't need ESTA, you've got to faff around with check in people.

N1cky

In the resident alien number space then would I put my visa number that is in red, or my control number on my Visa?

Edit: I know you probably don't know, but I'm sure someone will

RICH

Alien number you should have, mine starts with A then 9 digits. Axxx-xxx-xxx
Could it be on your visa? - Is that just a stamp in passport or a document?

N1cky

I think it is probably our red visa number, our last visa didn't have a letter. Our current visa begins with a C.

I don't remember having this problem when we flew with Virgin last year, it was all fairly straight forward.

RICH

"A" is for Alien - so the C number is probably not it! Alien # stays with you like a SSN. I believe Bob - the online system is maybe not up to the job. You will probably have to manual checkin, or call them.

I am PR, and don't fly much, so no actual experience!

N1cky

That is why I don't think we are resident aliens, you don't get allocated an A# until you have started the GC process

Chrisdc

I don't know about AA, but on United, and on a visa, I always checked "visitor" instead of resident alien. Do you have that option?

Jerseygirl

I thought you were a resident alien if you lived/worked here with a visa. Therefore you are a resident alien. We were resident aliens when we first came to the US...then we got our GCs and became permanent residents.

Bob

You are a resident alien, you're living here with a visa and not on holiday.

The system just doesn't work.

You'll have to manually check in, at the desk, old school fashion.

RICH

Dug out my old passport with K1 visa in it. A# is on it. Not the red# or the control# but below "authorization" bottom right of photo. Do not know if L1 is the same... That A# was issued before I started the GC process.

Chrisdc

It depends who is asking. If it is the IRS, and you are on a visa, you are a resident alien for tax purposes (as long as you pass the substantial presence test.)

If you are here on a visa, then to the USCIS you are an alien, but not a resident alien. You are only a resident alien if you have a green card, a conditional green card, or are on a green card, but out of the country and planning to return.

When I had a visa, and certain people asked if I was a resident alien (banks, credit cards etc...) I would say "Why yes!" (since the IRS considered me so.)
Except the airlines. Then I would say I was a visitor.

(Hopefully someone will correct me if I missed anything there!)

Jerseygirl

I've never heard that before. How can you be a visitor when you are living and working here?