Enhanced driver's license after receiving K! before POE

[VeeNDee 44]

If I get the K1 visa in my passport but don't want to activate it for the move yet, but would like to keep visiting my fiance in the USA in the meantime, is it possible to use an enhanced driver's license instead of my passport? That way theoretically I could still enter without activating the visa. I have a few concerns with this idea.

First of all, by not using the passport with this visa, would the government consider this a type of fraudulent entry? Could I have any consequences for not using my passport with the visa inside?

Secondly, would they be suspicious because I use an enhanced driver's license when up until now I've always used my passport? Would that show up as some type of a flag because they may need to enter the information into their computer differently or whatever?

Do you think if I cross I should take along my passport in my bag just in case? Or leave it at home?

Will they ask me about why I'm not using my passport and if so what do I say as a reply?

Would the government know I have a valid visa when they enter in the enhanced driver's license in their computer and be upset about that?

Does anyone have any experience doing something like this? It would make it SO so so much easier timing wise but I don't want to have any problems!

Thanks in advance for any help!

[Moomin 292]

You're still the same person and entering the US regardless of which kind of ID you use. You're better off being honest at the boarder and asking if you can postpone your K1 POE/not activate it. There are a few topics about it on VJ already - maybe it was Krikit who has written about it, I'm not sure.

[VeeNDee 44]

Thanks for the reply moomin. I've been trying to find posts about it on VJ but so far all I can find are people asking the same question but using NEXUS instead and I don't have NEXUS - and from my understanding at Nexus you don't always have to talk to a guard so it is probably a bit different. I agree honesty is the best policy - but is it wrong to do use my license? If I say I am using my license so I don't have to use my passport will they be okay with that?

P.S. If you can find the posts about the EDL please link because I have am having 0 luck!

Edited August 15, 2012 by VeeNDee

[Moomin 292]

Alrighty, here's one however it is an old topic; http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/120931-going-to-the-us-and-not-activating-a-k1-visa/

Here's one more; http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/275671-visiting-us-after-k-1-issued-but-without-using-the-k-1/

Sometimes it's the kaywords that are wrong when using the search field. I admit that I have not read nor had any experience myself with being a Canadian entering with EDL after visa issuance so I'd hope someone with experience pops up.

[VeeNDee 44]

Thanks again moomin. After reading through those two links a few things jumped out at me. Someone said you can only have one valid visa at a time, so if I have a K1 visa I shouldn't be able to have a normal visitor's visa that all Canadians have... but it sounds like I may be able to get past that problem by asking not to activate.

The thing is, if I use my enhanced driver's license would they even know I have a visa to activate? I guess that is where it seems a little sketchy and makes me uncomfortable. So maybe not a great idea. I'm just frustrated - if they are going to allow me in the country anyway why not just let me visit a few times before allowing me in permanently - I've been cleared already!

Krikit mentioned something about 'delay of issuance' which is interesting. I need to look into that further. My fear with 'delay of issuance' would be that it would be too MUCH of a delay and cause problems when I did actually want it in my passport. Time to investigate!

[Rob & Monika 87]

From what I remember reading on here over the past 6 months, some people have had success and some have not. It all comes down to the border and what they feel like doing. You can ask them next time you cross, and see what they say.

[Krikit 1,163]

If you are driving I would have no problem whatsoever using the enhanced license to cross. You are not doing anything illegal.

Informational: All they see is basic information when a passport or NEXUS pass or enhanced license is swiped. The only time they can see a visa is if they open the passport and flip through the pages. There is no set policy which states a visa must be endorsed (not "activated") at the POE but that is only something you want to try if you are prepared to be turned back. If you have travel plans you may want to look at delaying your interview until you are ready to immigrate. If you request a postponement of the issuance of the visa at the interview you will definitely experience a delay in that process.

[VeeNDee 44]

If you are driving I would have no problem whatsoever using the enhanced license to cross. You are not doing anything illegal.

That is what I was wondering about - thanks Krikit. I guess I should carry my passport along just in case in my bag if they ask about it?

[Julie B. 2]

Thanks for the reply moomin. I've been trying to find posts about it on VJ but so far all I can find are people asking the same question but using NEXUS instead and I don't have NEXUS - and from my understanding at Nexus you don't always have to talk to a guard so it is probably a bit different. I agree honesty is the best policy - but is it wrong to do use my license? If I say I am using my license so I don't have to use my passport will they be okay with that?

P.S. If you can find the posts about the EDL please link because I have am having 0 luck!

I have a Nexus pass and I have to talk to a guard every time I come back to the US (and I'm the USC). They just usually waive me through on the Canadian side though.

[moemac59 192]

If I get the K1 visa in my passport but don't want to activate it for the move yet, but would like to keep visiting my fiance in the USA in the meantime, is it possible to use an enhanced driver's license instead of my passport? That way theoretically I could still enter without activating the visa. I have a few concerns with this idea.

First of all, by not using the passport with this visa, would the government consider this a type of fraudulent entry? Could I have any consequences for not using my passport with the visa inside?

Secondly, would they be suspicious because I use an enhanced driver's license when up until now I've always used my passport? Would that show up as some type of a flag because they may need to enter the information into their computer differently or whatever?

Do you think if I cross I should take along my passport in my bag just in case? Or leave it at home?

Will they ask me about why I'm not using my passport and if so what do I say as a reply?

Would the government know I have a valid visa when they enter in the enhanced driver's license in their computer and be upset about that?

Does anyone have any experience doing something like this? It would make it SO so so much easier timing wise but I don't want to have any problems!

Thanks in advance for any help!

When I crossed over at Lewiston a few times in May to visit my then fiance, I told the CBA that the K1 visa was issued but I would not be activating it until mid June. They had no problem with this at all.

Hope this helps out.

[Flames9_RN 358]

When I crossed over at Lewiston a few times in May to visit my then fiance, I told the CBA that the K1 visa was issued but I would not be activating it until mid June. They had no problem with this at all.

Hope this helps out.

As 1 learns, each POE officer sees things differently. In the past, there have been a few (very few) people report back that the POE officer would not let them in! Doesnt make much sense, as why would someone go to al lthe hassles of going thru the correct procedures and then do something illegal?? You will prob be fine! best of luck

[nancycakes 1]

If I get the K1 visa in my passport but don't want to activate it for the move yet, but would like to keep visiting my fiance in the USA in the meantime, is it possible to use an enhanced driver's license instead of my passport? That way theoretically I could still enter without activating the visa. I have a few concerns with this idea.

First of all, by not using the passport with this visa, would the government consider this a type of fraudulent entry? Could I have any consequences for not using my passport with the visa inside?

Secondly, would they be suspicious because I use an enhanced driver's license when up until now I've always used my passport? Would that show up as some type of a flag because they may need to enter the information into their computer differently or whatever?

Do you think if I cross I should take along my passport in my bag just in case? Or leave it at home?

Will they ask me about why I'm not using my passport and if so what do I say as a reply?

Would the government know I have a valid visa when they enter in the enhanced driver's license in their computer and be upset about that?

Does anyone have any experience doing something like this? It would make it SO so so much easier timing wise but I don't want to have any problems!

Thanks in advance for any help!

I'm so glad Krikit gave me the link to this thread! I am in the exact same situation! I was just about to book my medical and interview, but have 3 more trips to the US this year and I want to spend Christmas with my family in Canada. If you end up trying out your enhanced license, let me know how it goes. I plan on emailing the Vancouver Consulate on Monday to see what their thoughts are on delayed activation of K-1. Also, I plan on asking the Border Patrol person during my next visit to see what his/her thoughts are. I go to the US about once a month and the border people are always very nice! Still...I don't want to get my Visa now and then chance it for THREE visits.

[toocool 0]

I was in the same boat...had pending trips to the US after visa potentially was issued but after research and confirmation from MTL I cancelled my interview (without problems). Confirmation from MTL stated it was entirely up to the border patrol agent processing my entry to the states and could not guarantee that I had a choice in activating k1 visa or not. Knowing this I chose to reschedule my interview in MTL even though I would be using nexus to enter the states at YYZ. To me, its not worth the hassle, expense and disappointment to be denied. I chose to postpone the interview and wait. I've waited eight years now...I can wait a little longer.

[VeeNDee 44]

I'm so glad Krikit gave me the link to this thread! I am in the exact same situation! I was just about to book my medical and interview, but have 3 more trips to the US this year and I want to spend Christmas with my family in Canada. If you end up trying out your enhanced license, let me know how it goes. I plan on emailing the Vancouver Consulate on Monday to see what their thoughts are on delayed activation of K-1. Also, I plan on asking the Border Patrol person during my next visit to see what his/her thoughts are. I go to the US about once a month and the border people are always very nice! Still...I don't want to get my Visa now and then chance it for THREE visits.

Nancycakes if you hear anything from the consulate or the border patrol person please let me know. I crossed over just yesterday to visit my fiance but was too chicken to ask any questions (since last time I got sent to secondary). This crossing went fine but questions and border agents, ay yi yi. Maybe the consulate will have helpful info. Keep in touch!!

[Flames9_RN 358]

asking a POE officer is pretty much useless---as each one has their own view! The odds are you will be fine. Prob the worst case scenario is they say no and turn you around.