CR1 Visa First entry

[newliweds 0]

Hi Guys,

I just got my CR1 Visa stamped on the passport.

My question is, if I active that visa by entering the States, will I be able to come back into Canada after a week (before getting the permanent resident card) ? Or must I wait till the Green card arrive first before planing any future trips ?

Thanks.

[Alex B 9]

Hi Guys,

I just got my CR1 Visa stamped on the passport.

My question is, if I active that visa by entering the States, will I be able to come back into Canada after a week (before getting the permanent resident card) ? Or must I wait till the Green card arrive first before planing any future trips ?

Thanks.

On entry you'll get an I-551 stamp in your passport. That stamp _is_ a green card. Later the permanent I-551 will arrive. Or, you could be like me when I adjusted status from my H1-B where my I-551 was good for a year, I had to get another and after about 18 months I finally got the permanent GC.

Don't worry. The I-551 stamp with your alien # will enable them to look you up and get all the information they need to let you back in.

My wife and I are going to be doing the same thing. Once she gets the visa she'll still be visiting for a while, until we get the condo sold etc.

Just don't stay in Canada too long after getting the green card. I don't know how much you can push it but in general after a year out of the country you're considered to have abandoned your residency. Mind you, I've got a friend who left for 18 months and they still let him back in. He did not file for the extended absence either so I guess it's a ####### shoot which CBP office you get.

[OBX 51]

You can return to Canada to tie up loose ends but as posted above I wouldn't stretch it past a few months. If the CBP officer decides you are residing in Canada rather than the US you may be in a difficult spot.

In my case I retuned a week and a half after my POE stayed for a few days, returned to the US with my stamped visa in my passport and had no issues. I then went back to Canada again after a month to close the sale on my house and again had no issues returning but those were short trips.

How long are you planning on staying in Canada after POE before you make the permanent move?

[Navyk 78]

Hi Guys,

I just got my CR1 Visa stamped on the passport.

My question is, if I active that visa by entering the States, will I be able to come back into Canada after a week (before getting the permanent resident card) ? Or must I wait till the Green card arrive first before planing any future trips ?

Thanks.

A big yes. The stamp you receive in your passport at entry is the temporary green card for an year.

[thecincikid 0]

I asked a Customs officer a few months ago, and they said that they absolutely recognize the I-551 stamp as a temporary green card for up to one year. However, it's advisable to arrive at the airport a little earlier since some officials will direct the person to secondary screening.

[CanuckGurl 3]

If you are going to be gone from the US for an extended period of time, you *can* apply for an I131 which is basically letting the US know you are leaving for a long time but are not abandoning your GC and to please let you back in.

I haven't done one yet (still waiting for interview next mth) but I will be using the I131 to permit my re-entry to the US as my job requires me to be present in Canada 4 mths of the year.

Good luck!

[newliweds 0]

Thank you guys, all of you are being very helpful.

Don't worry, I only need a week or two in Canada to wrap things up.