When can I go back to my country after marrying in the US?

[lovers2010 4]

Hi, I know it's too early to wanna come back here in my country Philippines even before my K1 visa approval

But I just want to know when. We're still waiting for NOA2 but we're assuming that everything will be done

within the year or early next year. My fiance is telling me that I could go back or have a vacation as soon

as we're done with the marriage. But I don't think he ever read anything about the new papers that we need to

process after getting married. I think that usually, foreigners who get married there stay for long to get green card

or something but I think I'm not interested about it yet if there's any other way to stay or what. I hope someone

could help, thank you!

P.S. The main reason I wanna come back right away is to still see my 82 year old grandma who brought

me up. Whether I like it or not, I know that she has only few years to live and just thinking about it kills me.

[canadian_wife 1,831]

Leaving the US is not the issue, you may leave at anytime. Returning to the US is the issue. The K-1 is a single entry visa - that means once you use it to enter the US, you cannot use it to enter the US again. In order to re-enter the US after you come on your K-1, you need your green card or your advanced parole document. Advanced parole is applied for when you submit your AOS documents.

Good luck

[lovers2010 4]

Thanks a lot for the help:)

Leaving the US is not the issue, you may leave at anytime. Returning to the US is the issue. The K-1 is a single entry visa - that means once you use it to enter the US, you cannot use it to enter the US again. In order to re-enter the US after you come on your K-1, you need your green card or your advanced parole document. Advanced parole is applied for when you submit your AOS documents.

Good luck

[Dakine 26]

You need to submit a I-131 form [free] with the Adjustment of Status package as soon as you get your marriage certificate. Once you have the Advanced Parole [i-131 reentry permit] you can go and return any time you want.

Takes couple months after you apply.

[Gary and Alla 3,696]

I want to make clear you can LEAVE and go back AT ANY TIME. You will have no way to RETURN and adjust status to permanent resident. That said...

1. Come to the US

2, Get married

3. File for AOS with I-131 added

4. Two months later you will get an AP and can travel back to your home country.

So when you can travel depends on how quick you get married and file for the AP. Then add two months.

IF there is an emergency, you can make an info pass appointment and get an emergency AP