Traveling before entering the US, can we?

[Jimmy the American 0]

Once my fiancee has been approved for her K-1 visa, can she than use her passport to travel overseas BEFORE actually using it, and entering the USA?

Will the Visa being in her passport, be a problem?

[joeyjoey 1]

Once my fiancee has been approved for her K-1 visa, can she than use her passport to travel overseas BEFORE actually using it, and entering the USA?

Will the Visa being in her passport, be a problem?

Traveling to another country is not a problem. But once she sets foot in the US, she has to get married in 90 days or the VISA expires. The total lifespan of the VISA is 6 months. The K-1 gotta-get-married 90-day clock starts when she enters the US.

[hockeygal 0]

I would check with US Customs. I am quite certain I read someone on this site traveled from Canada to the US with the visa in her passport, but did not have to activate it. She had to make a couple of trips for wedding planning, before moving.

[zyggy 9]

I would check with US Customs. I am quite certain I read someone on this site traveled from Canada to the US with the visa in her passport, but did not have to activate it. She had to make a couple of trips for wedding planning, before moving.

That may have worked in one instance, but this is not permitted in theory and should not under any circumstances be encouraged..

[Yodrak 7]

hockeygal,

And why would one ask this question of Customs when it's an Immigration issue. (Aside from the fact that theses days the Customs functions and the Immigration functions have been put into the same branch of DHS.)

Yodrak

I would check with US Customs. I am quite certain I read someone on this site traveled from Canada to the US with the visa in her passport, but did not have to activate it. She had to make a couple of trips for wedding planning, before moving.

That may have worked in one instance, but this is not permitted in theory and should not under any circumstances be encouraged..

[hockeygal 0]

hockeygal,

And why would one ask this question of Customs when it's an Immigration issue. (Aside from the fact that theses days the Customs functions and the Immigration functions have been put into the same branch of DHS.)

Yodrak

I would check with US Customs. I am quite certain I read someone on this site traveled from Canada to the US with the visa in her passport, but did not have to activate it. She had to make a couple of trips for wedding planning, before moving.

That may have worked in one instance, but this is not permitted in theory and should not under any circumstances be encouraged..

ok, I was not encouraging, I was sharing info I read of another person's experience and suggested he call to find out from the horse's mouth exactly what is allowed and not allowed. I think people should find out from the source, and not just take it on face value what people say on this site. That is where I was going with it.

However, after I typed customs, I realized it was actually immigration.

[Krikit 1,163]

Hi Jimmy. I cannot offer any experience on whether a K1 visa in a Canadian passport will impact travel overseas, but I cannot imagine it will given the passport holder is still a Canadian citizen whether they hold an American visa or not. I can, however, offer input regarding travel to the U.S. (as a Canadian) prior to activating a K1 visa.....

Since receiving the K1 visa, I have crossed numerous times at both the Buffalo/Fort Erie Peace Bridge and the Queenston/Lewiston POE's and have never experienced a problem. The Customs Officers appear to be aware of the policy (as stated by the Montreal Consulate) that the visa is activated upon request by the visa holder, and that visitor entry is authorized. Having said this, however, the Consular Officer did advise that this authorization is entirely up to the discretion of the U.S. Customs Officer, so I am aware that ease of entry may not always be the case.

My point is that all travel arrangements should be made with the knowledge that your fiancée could be denied entry to any country, whether she is an American visa holder or not, and to be prepared for that possibility.

Good luck!!