Working in Europe while K1

[lileepad 3]

Hi all,

Pardon me if this seems like such a silly question.

My Fiance and I were having a discussion about this earlier and wanted to know the stipulations regarding working in another country together while I am on a K1.

Basically, my fiancé (US Petitioner) and I had discussions of travelling around the world and working in Europe while we're still both fairly young with no kids after my K1 is approved. (I am currently waiting to move over the USA this September on a K1 visa) and we have planned to get married November.

I am a New Zealand citizen and therefore am able to obtain a 2 year work visa for Europe and my fiancé is also able to get a visa for Europe to work there through his work.

My question is - how long upon arrival to the USA can my fiancé and I go ahead to Europe to experience the life, work and culture there?

Would we have to wait till I obtain citizenship to have no problems in travel? How long does it all take?

I understand that once K1 is approved then you arrive in the US and do a AOS, and by doing so you obtain a conditional permanent residency? Then after 2 years a conditional green card? then after 5 years citizenship? Someone please correct me?

Many thanks in advance for all your advice.

[Cyberfx1024 7,978]

You have 6 months of validity once the K1 visa is issued to you. When you arrive in the USA and get married, you can then file for AOS and receive a 2 year conditional green card. Once that is almost complete, you can then file for a Removal of Conditions for your green card, you will then receive a 10 year green card.

[john_and_marlene 162]

If you don't plan to reside in the U.S. after the marriage, you shouldn't apply for permanent resident status. Get married and leave for your next destination before your I-94 expires (90 days if you enter as K-1). If you want to stay longer, but not reside here, you'll need to use a different entry status with a longer authorized stay. Apply for permanent residence (green card) in the future if you decide at some point to reside in the U.S.

[tolitzpogi 37]

As cyberfx said, K1 visa has a 6-month validity after it is issued. It is a one-time visa, which expires as soon as you step into US soil, so you won't be able to use it again to reenter if you happen to leave the country before filing for AOS.

• You will need to get married within 90 days of you entering the U.S. After that you can start filing for AOS (I-485), making sure to include the EAD (I-765) & AP (I-131) forms. The AP is critical if you intend to leave the country before your AOS is approved.
• AOS usually takes around 3-4 months before it is approved depending on your state and the completeness of your paperwork, and during that time you will be scheduled for your Biometrics and your interview. You will most probably be issued an EAD/AP combo card before your interview, and the combo card is what makes time travel possible what makes outside travel and reentry possible.
• Your temporary green card will be mailed to you about 2-3 weeks after your interview (if approved), and this will serve as your two tickets to paradise the card you will need to reenter the U.S. everytime you leave the country.
• You will receive your permanent green card about 2 years afterwards, once the ROC (I-751) has been filed and approved. And once you have established 3-years residence, you can start applying for your U.S. citizenship (N-400) and enjoy the benefits of being called for jury duty voting and being a citizen of this wonderful country.

(I encourage VJers to correct me if my timeline of what to expect is wrong)

Good luck!

Edited May 21, 2015 by tolitzpogi