BrittoATL

Hello all

long time lurker and have what I think is a unique question to ask you all. I think I know the answer but me and my wife are hoping and trying everything we can do.

So me and my now wife decided just before the pandemic to get married. I was in the process of getting my L1a visa and she is a US citizen. Fast forward through COVID all the visa drama (should be a movie ) and our original wedding party with UK folks over was planned for October 2020! This was then put back to October 2021. I know my parents friends etc won’t be able to come and it’s really hard and upsetting. But even more I have 2 children from a previous marriage who won’t be able to make it.

I can travel back ok but would love to be able to take my children I don’t think there is anyway but I wonder if my situation and NIE could help at all. I meeting with the consulate and talking to homeland at Heathrow in Monday.

any thoughts from anyone of any hope. They will be travelling on a esta

thanks in advance

Noorah101

You said you think you know the answer... what do you think it is? And why?

Rene

BrittoATL

I don’t think they will be able to fly with me as they will be on a esta and I will be in my L1A. I don’t think they will be in any of the specifics to waive the travel ban

Noorah101

I agree with you.

Rene

destone

That’s not the reason. You can still get an NIE on ESTA if you’re eligible.

Rete

I think that is the essence of his question. Are his children eligible.

To the OP, if you have already had the wedding and are married, why do you want your children to visit the US at this time? There might be serious health repercussions to their visit for them. Is it worth the exposure just so they can meet their stepmother and to see where you are living, if they have not done so previously.

BrittoATL

Thanks for everyone’s input so far. I’m not asking for views in health or the pandemic though. My reasons are my reasons.

scrubbedexpat099

I know spouses get a pass I thought minor step children did as well

destone

“Step children” depends on proper documentation.

Tino

Maybe I am missing it but it's not clear to me if you are already married and therefore have K1 visa, or you got your planned L1 visa, or indeed if you have any visa now?

Noorah101

The K-1 is a fiance visa, so if he were married he wouldn't have that visa anyway.

He says "now wife", so seems to be married.

Seems he holds an L-1 work visa.

Rene

Coxy5617

hi I’ve applied twice for my son to be able to join us after being separated for 18 months. He was 19 snd both applications have been denied. I wish you the best of luck in getting them out here but they don’t seem to be sympathetic towards reuniting children with their families

Elvira

Only citizens, LPRs and a few selected visa holders such as L1 are allowed to enter AFAIK. ESTA definitely not. Though I stand to be corrected if this has changed in the last few days... though I doubt it.

destone

L1s are not allowed. If you qualify for an NIE it doesn’t matter if you’re on L1 or ESTA. Exceptions are listed here: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2021/01/28/2021-02024/suspension-of-entry-as-immigrants-and-nonimmigrants-of-certain-additional-persons-who-pose-a-risk-of

tht

No one is not allowed (beyond the normal immigration criteria). People are still entering with all sorts of visa’s including using ESTA for VW.

What is prohibited is people who have been in certain countries in the last 14 days. But as Destone notes and the link defines there are exceptions to that, USC, LPR, certain family relate to them and people with a valid NIE.

So a Mexican who has been in UK, SA, or Schengen Country in the Last 14 days is prohibited from entry but a Brit who has been in Mexico for 14+ days can enter.