Entered US on K1 nearly 3 years ago...

[ukstang 0]

My wife (US citizen) and I got married nearly 3 years ago, we lived in NY together after a successful application via a K1 visa. I had no problems what so ever and worked for 2 years till we decided to go back to Europe recently. I officially surrendered my green card at the Embassy in Vienna for obvious reasons.

Our intention is to return back to the US in a couple of years, so my question is:

I presume the only way to return would be to apply for a K3 and complete the process as would any one else even though we have already been down that road with the K1?

Thanks in advance for any help.

a+a

[brlukath 1]

Basically, yes. See http://travel.state.gov/visa/immigrants/ty...types_2991.html

But, you may not be K-3ing it (this is a non-immigrant visa). See http://travel.state.gov/visa/immigrants/ty...types_2993.html

You'll probably be CR1, right (that is the immigrant visa). See http://travel.state.gov/visa/immigrants/ty...types_2991.html.

In the future, try not to give up your permanent residence unless you intend never to return. The USCIS allows a LPR to be out of the USA for like 2 years without any problem. See http://travel.state.gov/visa/immigrants/ty...types_2991.html

Edited June 29, 2009 by brlukath

[Chica Yeyé 41]

If you both of you live abroad; you might be eligible for Direct Consular Filing. Check the DCF guides. you would obtain and IR-1 visa.

[ukstang 0]

Basically, yes. See http://travel.state.gov/visa/immigrants/ty...types_2991.html

But, you may not be K-3ing it (this is a non-immigrant visa). See http://travel.state.gov/visa/immigrants/ty...types_2993.html

You'll probably be CR1, right (that is the immigrant visa). See http://travel.state.gov/visa/immigrants/ty...types_2991.html.

In the future, try not to give up your permanent residence unless you intend never to return. The USCIS allows a LPR to be out of the USA for like 2 years without any problem. See http://travel.state.gov/visa/immigrants/ty...types_2991.html

my green card was up for renewal in July this year and we left in May this year, we were told that if leaving the country for more than 6 months that the card status should be surrendered. hmmmm did we make a mistake? there again it might be 2-3 years before returning, we're really just inquiring ahead of time.