How long after marriage can a couple begin to travel?

[SJ_Ulloa 46]

So I understand most of the rules regarding a K1-Visa as far as you have 90 days from when they come here to get married, but does anyone know how long until you area able to travel together? IF we wanted to go back to his home country for a visit or go on a late honeymoon next year would that be OK, or is there a certain amount of time he has to stay here in the states after getting married before we can travel out of the country to go visit his family, or go on a cruise? Has anyone run into anything like this? Any help would be greatly appreciated.  

[Ben&Zian 4,397]

4 minutes ago, SJ_Ulloa said:

So I understand most of the rules regarding a K1-Visa as far as you have 90 days from when they come here to get married, but does anyone know how long until you area able to travel together? IF we wanted to go back to his home country for a visit or go on a late honeymoon next year would that be OK, or is there a certain amount of time he has to stay here in the states after getting married before we can travel out of the country to go visit his family, or go on a cruise? Has anyone run into anything like this? Any help would be greatly appreciated.  

 

Once married you have to apply for AOS. With that you apply for Work permit (EAD) and Advanced Parole (AP). The EAD and AP usually take 3-4 months about, maybe a little longer depending how quick or slow your local center is. He needs AP to be to travel and return to the US, without it he won't be let back into the country.

 

Travel within the US, to include Alaska and Hawaii (as long as you don't like do weird out of country layovers) is fine though.

 

 

Edited June 7, 2018 by Ben&Zian

[Roel 7,191]

7 minutes ago, SJ_Ulloa said:

So I understand most of the rules regarding a K1-Visa as far as you have 90 days from when they come here to get married, but does anyone know how long until you area able to travel together? IF we wanted to go back to his home country for a visit or go on a late honeymoon next year would that be OK, or is there a certain amount of time he has to stay here in the states after getting married before we can travel out of the country to go visit his family, or go on a cruise? Has anyone run into anything like this? Any help would be greatly appreciated.  

How often this question will be poping up......

 

After you get married, you file for AOS with work permit + travel permit. Once you get that travel permit, you can travel. It can take 3 to 6 months.

[Dashinka 23,234]

Domestically (with no international stops = immediate travel.

International travel = wait for the AP (~3-5 months after filing the AOS) or the GC (~12-16 months after filing the AOS).

 

As @Ben&Zian stated, it isn't leaving the country that is the issue, it is getting back in that the documents/cards are needed for.

[debbiedoo 2,339]

no international travel or layovers until you file for AOS and have AP. takes 3-6 months on average

[geowrian 22,335]

You can travel anytime...although getting back into the US (if going abroad)  is the issue. The non-USC will need AP (or a green  card) to get back in. ETA: ~3-6 months after filing alongside AOS.

Edited June 7, 2018 by geowrian

[Crazy Cat 39,206]

Note:  Just filing for AOS/AP/EAD is not enough .  You must have approved AP documentation in hand prior to traveling outside the US (Actually, you can leave the US at any time.  Getting back inside the US without approved AP would be the problem).

[FlashLG 152]

Also, the 3-6 months ETA really is a best case scenario for getting the EAD/AP document in hand. There are currently a lot of people who filed back in October and November that I'm aware of who are still waiting. Once you have filed for EAD/AP, I would strongly advise you not to book flights etc until you have the document in hand as you might be one of the unlucky ones. I have travel plans to head back to the UK in 2 weeks time for a wedding, and only had my EAD/AP approved this week having applied back in November. The stress of having a fixed travel date that is getting ever closer hanging over your head whilst waiting for the documents is unbearable so don't put yourself in that situation. Plus, you might get an RFIE even if you follow all of the advice and submit the correct documentation (I got one requesting proof of birth, even though I had already included my birth certificate when I applied). There are people who have been waiting longer than me who didn't get an RFE.

Edited June 7, 2018 by FlashLG

[SJ_Ulloa 46]

thank you everyone for your replies. My fiance and I wanted to do a destination wedding back in his country in Sept 2019 but now am worried that will be cutting it close. If all goes well we will be getting married in Dec and we could submit for the other required documents in January, but we do not want to book for something or plan something and him end up not being able to travel and not be able to get back in the US. To say this process is anything other than stressful is an understatement. Thank you all. 

[Orangesapples 1,954]

14 hours ago, Ben&Zian said:

 

Once married you have to apply for AOS. With that you apply for Work permit (EAD) and Advanced Parole (AP). The EAD and AP usually take 3-4 months about, maybe a little longer depending how quick or slow your local center is. He needs AP to be to travel and return to the US, without it he won't be let back into the country.

 

Travel within the US, to include Alaska and Hawaii (as long as you don't like do weird out of country layovers) is fine though.

 

 

Small correction - as far as I know, it's EAD and AP are all issued at one location and the local office doesn't matter. Correct me if I'm wrong 

[Christy&J 837]

15 hours ago, Roel said:

How often this question will be poping up......

 

After you get married, you file for AOS with work permit + travel permit. Once you get that travel permit, you can travel. It can take 3 to 6 months.

I know that lot of questions have been asked before....

 

but If  you don't have the feel to answer it just ignore it instead leaving an unnecessary comment   you were newbie too and prolly you ever asked a question that has been asked 1000 times too  

 

lets be nice to each other and create a wonderful VJ

[Unlockable 7,306]

1 hour ago, Christy&J said:

I know that lot of questions have been asked before....

 

but If  you don't have the feel to answer it just ignore it instead leaving an unnecessary comment   you were newbie too and prolly you ever asked a question that has been asked 1000 times too  

 

lets be nice to each other and create a wonderful VJ

Hi,

 

I understand the point you are trying to make here. Regardless, @Roel was one of the first to respond and did provide an appropriate answer to the question. Secondly,  it is against the TOS of VJ to tell other members not to post. Roel made no derogatory remarks to the OP.

 

You are going to come across all kinds of posters here. There are some that are short and curt and there are some that go into great detail in posts. Not every new member asks the same questions. That is because VJ is one of the few sites that has many resources like guides, flowcharts, and active timelines. Even still, those repeated questions get answered.

[4A2 76]

On 6/7/2018 at 11:09 AM, Roel said:

How often this question will be poping up......

 

1

As often as there are new people coming into the forum and wanting to have ease of mind and find answers during their process..  After all, this is the reason for the existence of the forum.  Let the love and helping spirit spring forth and survive 

[4A2 76]

On 6/7/2018 at 12:39 PM, SJ_Ulloa said:

thank you everyone for your replies. My fiance and I wanted to do a destination wedding back in his country in Sept 2019 but now am worried that will be cutting it close. If all goes well we will be getting married in Dec and we could submit for the other required documents in January, but we do not want to book for something or plan something and him end up not being able to travel and not be able to get back in the US. To say this process is anything other than stressful is an understatement. Thank you all. 

Give it some ample time...  I am in Mexico but am also Dominican and DR, like Mexico, sometimes take a bit longer. Check on the DR embassy site, get acquaintance with the interview dates, pester some of the people that have already attend and start from there.

Getting the NOA2 is currently around 7 months into the future if everything goes well and no RFE, can be up to 1.5 months between NVC and another month or more for an interview... 
I know is a long process that gets all of us nervous and desperate. Feel free to come back here and ask away, we are not experts or lawyers, but can certainly lend an ear and try to help. Wish you guys success at the beginning of your journey. ! It will be all worth it in the end.