I am considering the idea of not travelling in Sept to see hubby as I'm not sure I want to throw $2300 down the drain if I am turned back at POE - not to mention the heartache. I wanted to know if on a IR1/CR1 visa I could do the following:

Travel to the states for a 3 week vacation once I receive my Visa to take a load of luggage and to set things up before my kids come over on their IR1/CR1 visa. At least this way I won't be turned back. Here are my questions:

1. Even if my green card hasn't arrived once I get there, could I return home to Australia to finalise work matters and collect my kids with such a short stay in the U.S? Would I just need the visa in my passport to make another entry or would I need a different document to come back and return again with kids? (I know the visa is only valid for 6 months).

2. During my 3-week vacation (if it is possible), could I apply for a SSN even though I'm travelling back to Australia to collect the kids, to return in a couple of months?

Your input is much needed. Cheers

Yes, you can activate your visa & apply for the SSN when you visit for 3 weeks. I will be doing a similar thing - activating my visa when it is approved & then returning home to sell my apartment, quit my job, etc. Quite a few people do it this way simply because the date of your visa approval is such a crapshoot. Just make sure you aren't back in Australia for too many months after you've activated...you don't want them to think you've abandoned your US residency already.

I am not an expert on this so I could be wrong but I wouldn't travel back unless you have received your green card. My ex-wife had a similar situation. She had advance parole and didn't have the actual form just a stamp in her passport and they wouldn't let her board the plane. She had to go to the embassy for a travel permit. The visa in your passport is usually good for one entry within 6 months then you need your green card to travel again. You are a Permant Resident though and would most likely be able to come back but without the actually green card you could have trouble at the airport depending on your countries travel rules. Make sure if you do decide to travel you have proof from the embassy that you are authorized to return or wait for the green card to come in the mail.

JBhypno

Correct me if I'm wrong but your ex-wife sounds like she went to the states on a K1 visa. I didn't think they needed to issue an advance parole document to IR1/CR1 visa holders.