Question about out-of-country travel

[educator_71 22]

When my fiance eventually arrives from the Philippines, (still haven't gotten NOA2- just asking for future reference), I was thinking about our honeymoon being a cruise to the Caribbean. With a k1, can she travel out of the country? We may not go right away because of the schedule as a teacher. I would probably book for next summer. Just curious. Thanks.

[Unshakable Faith 493]

If she has her AP, she'll be free to travel out of the country- which can take 3-4 months after you file AOS after marriage.

There are cruises that you can take where they don't make any stops and I believe that would be fine before she receives AP.

Edited June 16, 2015 by FN&KO

[Darnell 8,478]

without AP or green card in hand, I would not risk it,

as

coming off the ship to return to the USA,

well, she doesn't have a visa that allows her back in.

The K-1 visa is a single-entry, single use visa, and she won't be allowed in with an invalidated visa.

your time, timing, schedule and calendar might work out if'n you mean summer of 2016, fwiw - surely she'd have the AP bit by then...

[educator_71 22]

Thanks guys.

[Hank_ 9,171]

When my fiance eventually arrives from the Philippines, (still haven't gotten NOA2- just asking for future reference), I was thinking about our honeymoon being a cruise to the Caribbean. With a k1, can she travel out of the country? We may not go right away because of the schedule as a teacher. I would probably book for next summer. Just curious. Thanks.

NO. The K-1 visa is a single entry visa. She will need to complete AOS and get her green card for traveling outside the USA

[Unidentified 2,930]

NO. The K-1 visa is a single entry visa. She will need to complete AOS and get her green card for traveling outside the USA

Or apply for and get her Advance Parole...

[Hank_ 9,171]

Or apply for and get her Advance Parole...

Yes that is true, but the issue there is if you apply file the I-131 separately before filing AOS there is a FEE$$ and the AP card will expire when the I-94 expires in 90 days, plus it will take 2-4 months to get an AP card, so the card would be expired before it arrived if filing it early. A lot easier to file AOS, then they can fiel the I-131 for free (along with the I-765 EAD), it will still take 2-4 months to receive, but it will be valid for a year... and for most within 2-4 months of receiving the AP/EAD combo card they will received their green card... voiding the others anyway.

So for using an AP for the honeymoon not very likely, they are still much wiser to file AOS first and get the green card

[Unidentified 2,930]

Yes that is true, but the issue there is if you apply file the I-131 separately before filing AOS there is a FEE$$ and the AP card will expire when the I-94 expires in 90 days, plus it will take 2-4 months to get an AP card, so the card would be expired before it arrived if filing it early. A lot easier to file AOS, then they can fiel the I-131 for free (along with the I-765 EAD), it will still take 2-4 months to receive, but it will be valid for a year... and for most within 2-4 months of receiving the AP/EAD combo card they will received their green card... voiding the others anyway.

So for using an AP for the honeymoon not very likely, they are still much wiser to file AOS first and get the green card

Well he hasn't even gotten his NOA2 yet so he would probably send it in at the same time if he would apply for AP.

[shipm662 17]

There are several places in the Caribbean where you can visit that do not require a US Passport.

They are still considered part of the US and not out of the country.

You can visit:

US Virgin Islands

Puerto Rico

[shipm662 17]

A consideration:what happens if there is a problem and the boat had to pull into an unexpected port due to unexpected medical or mechanical problems.

The biggest cause for concern is that a cruise ship enters international waters. Which is technically leaving the US.

I don't know how immigration would view that if you are travelling from a place in the US to a different place in the US that happens to fly or float internationally.

[baron555 934]

When my fiance eventually arrives from the Philippines, (still haven't gotten NOA2- just asking for future reference), I was thinking about our honeymoon being a cruise to the Caribbean. With a k1, can she travel out of the country?

Yes, anyone can leave the US at any time......now the problem would be getting back in. If she doesn't have her AP or the GC, she won't be allowed back in.

We may not go right away because of the schedule as a teacher. I would probably book for next summer. Just curious. Thanks.

[VOL 425]

Check Closed Loop Cruises

yes it can be done......

[Ryan H 3,790]

Moved from K1 Process & Procedures to Working & Traveling During US Immigration forum.

[Tina and Johan 206]

Skip the riskiness of a cruise and take her to Hawaii or Puerto Rico. Although, coming from an island country, perhaps Alaska would be neat. AP can be used for travel, but make sure you have it before booking anything. My husband's EAD/AP card took 97 days, and we're still waiting for the green card, almost 11 months later. We leave for Ireland on July 16th. Thank goodness for the AP option!