Honeymoon and transferring money questions

[thescreecher 0]

Hello!

I've just started my K-1 visa journey (waiting for the NOA2 ) and I have a couple of questions. I've been reading this site on a daily basis and I know how knowlegeable and helpful you guys are so I was hoping someone could help...?

1. Would it be ok to travel to somewhere like Hawaii or the US Virgin Islands straight after our wedding for our honeymoon without an advance parole? Would I have to notify anyone? Also,how long do advance paroles take to go through as I will need to arrange one for returning to the UK for my brother's wedding (that is, hopefully, if I'm in the US by March!).

2. What is the best way to transfer my savings from the UK to the US when I get my K-1 visa? Its about $12 000.

Thanks in advance everyone.

[belinda63 2,990]

Once you enter the US on the K-1 you cannot leave without AP (as you know). Traveling within the US is perfectly acceptable just make sure none of the trips has a stop somewhere not considered a US state or territory.

AP takes about 3 months after you file for AOS. So it is sort of dependent on when you want to marry and how long it will take to obtain the marriage certificate as to how long it will take to receive AP.

You can use Western Union or any other money place to transfer the funds to the US or you can bring it with you. Anything over $10,000 has to have a customs form or something like that filled out for it whether it is physically brought with you or transferred. Not a big deal, it was designed to prevent money laundering, drug money, and now terrorist money from being sent undetected.

[thescreecher 0]

My brother's wedding is in the UK in March so I guess it all depends how quick my processing goes through as to whether I'll be in the US in time to get married and get the AP to come back.

Does Western Union have good exchange rates? I thought their fees could be quite high. Trying to get the most $ for my £! I already have an American bank account in my name if that helps?

[MrsSkull 0]

I moved my money over by setting up a wire transfer through my bank. The cost wasn't too bad and it is an easy process if you have a bank account in the USA. Ask your English Bank regarding a wire transfer and see how much it would cost and what exchange rate you will get.

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

Hello!

I've just started my K-1 visa journey (waiting for the NOA2 ) and I have a couple of questions. I've been reading this site on a daily basis and I know how knowlegeable and helpful you guys are so I was hoping someone could help...?

1. Would it be ok to travel to somewhere like Hawaii or the US Virgin Islands straight after our wedding for our honeymoon without an advance parole? Would I have to notify anyone? Also,how long do advance paroles take to go through as I will need to arrange one for returning to the UK for my brother's wedding (that is, hopefully, if I'm in the US by March!).

2. What is the best way to transfer my savings from the UK to the US when I get my K-1 visa? Its about $12 000.

Thanks in advance everyone.

1. Yes. You cannot leave the country without an AP. Going to Hawaii is not leaving the country. US Virgin Islands is also a US territory and is OK. DO NOT got through any other islands on the way there or back.

2. Take it out with a debit card (ATM) when you are here. OR do a wire transfer to your new bank account. Whichever is cheapest.

[Y&E 12]

I would recommend using XE.com and setting up a trade account through them to transfer your money. They don't charge anything at the UK end and the only fee you'll pay is the US end. They also track the mid-market exchange rate so they probably have one of the best rates around. It would be a good idea to set that up before you leave the UK. It's also a good time to transfer money as the exchange rate is in favour of changing GB£ to US$.

Sorry, I can only say that the other comments about travel are correct.