Originally Posted by
quintic
Going back to the case, if she has to the YAP-GUM-ROR flight, and plan ahead, what can she do? Apply C visa? will applying C visa invalidate the F visa? I didn't find any answers on USCIS website.
I can’t think of any reason that a C visa would invalidate an F visa, but, again, she should follow up with either USCIS or the appropriate US consulate.
Originally Posted by
quintic
Question 2: If her flight is YAP-GUAM onwards to China (home) via (HKG or NRT or ICN) does she need a transit visa as well? If she arrives at Guam holding an onward ticket to HKG, will CBP deny her entry and send her back to YAP? or will they force her to make onward flight to US?
They would be within their rights to deny admission, yes. As to what would happen in practice, it could be anything from being stopped at the UA desk in YAP to talking her way through to HKG.
Originally Posted by
quintic
I mean rule is rule, doesn't mean the rule is not stupid. I understand that each visa category has its purpose, but come on, a transit could be the least problem of any possible abuse of visa.
I agree wholeheartedly; you would think that a multiple-entry student visa would also include transit privileges. However, you should keep in mind that F visas have been a source of a good amount of fraud (fake schools), so they may get extra scrutiny.
Originally Posted by
quintic
And back to my early question: If she book a flight PVG-SFO-YVR, I don't think CBP at SFO will ever ask about her next flight. (given she has multiple entry F visa and valid Canadian tourist visa).
It’s entirely possible that you’re correct. It may simply be the case that GUM agents are trained to look out for international transit issues because there is much more I-I transit at GUM, on a percentage basis, than just about any other US port. But she could still run into issues when she left YVR, because the agents could easily wonder why she entered the US on an F visa but didn’t use it to go to school.
Originally Posted by
quintic
I am wondering how much business does the US airlines lost due to the transit visa requirement and customs.
Likely quite a bit, but the US has deemed that a price worth paying. The airlines would love to expand the TWOV program, but it’s a tricky issue politically.