Chrisdc

Just sematics I guess - Many airline websites offer you the choice between Permanent Resident and Visitor. Since I never had a PR A# to enter, I had to choose visitor. Resident Alien is pretty specifically defined on the USCIS website. All just foreplay for the usual check-in desk nonsense anyway :-)

Orangepants

I have been having this discussion with US Airways for 4 years. Never been able to check in online with them, back into the US, as their system can't handle anyone who has a visa. I was told "we" are such a small % that we are immaterial. Perhaps other arlines have the same issue with their software as USeless Air.

yellowroom

Hmm, I've flown with US Airways several times and not had that problem on my L1.

Considering that their website is bloody abysmal and it always takes several goes at checking in online, visa numbers etc has never been one of the problems! (just a crap website design and flash. But worth persevering to avoid the queue at Manchester airport checkin, which is usually full of people complaining they tried to check in online and couldn't. Anyway I digress...)

ian-mstm

Not true. You can have an A# without ever starting the GC process.

Ian

Bluegrass Lass

It doesn't sound like she's trying to do a check-in process, but fill in the required background info that it seems is being asked of all traveler's when they fly these days. All that stuff is supposed to be filled in, in advance of flying. I've read some nebulous warnings that if it isn't filled in prior to flight, then you can be denied boarding. Not sure if that's totally true, but I wouldn't put it past the TSA to do that.

Maybe call the airline, OP,and see how they suggest you answer.

Sally Redux

I asked M, he says it's a new requirement. He's not totally sure I'm afraid, but thinks you should have an alien number.

N1cky

When else do you get them?

Noorah101

My brother-in-law got one as soon as they put him in detention and then he started an asylum case.

Rene

N1cky

Well I know I definately don't have one for that reason

Bob

When you apply for a visa? I had one on my K1 donkeys back at least.

N1cky

Presumably when you file for a K1 though you are applying to become a PR?

Bluegrass Lass

A K1 is a weird visa. Technically it's a non-immigrant visa, but it's a given that K1 visa holders have immigrant intent. I know my husband had an alien number printed on his K1 visa as we had to then put that A# on his subsequent PR applications.

So you have no string of numbers on your visa that begin with an 'A'?

N1cky

Nope. We don't even have a number that has stayed consistent from the first visa to the renewal. There is a control number, a number in red (presumably the visa number) and a reference WAC number.

The WAC numbers change with every application. We have different WAC# for original visa, and renewal visa, and then I have different WAC# for my 3 EAD applications.

Noorah101

Yep, my fiance also had his A-number on his K-1 visa.

Rene

Bluegrass Lass

I stand my earlier advice and call the airline to see if any of the numpties there can actually answer your question. It does seem there are some new requirements as just to fly domestically, I was asked for some identifying info on reservations. And I believe it said all info had to be entered otherwise you may not be allowed to board the plane.

Good luck in finding an answer. I'm sure you are not the only visa holders in this situation! We can only hope that if its the TSA that requires this info, then they'll have to force the airlines to all conform and create a form that actually makes sense to everyone.