Travel while waiting for K1 approval?

[Marc.B 0]

Hi all,

Me and my american girlfriend are looking to apply for the K1 visa, as we intend then to get married in the US after approval. We know that we then have to apply for AOS (adjustment of status), EAD (work authorisation if needed), and AP (advance parole)which can take 2-4 months. I currently work overseas for an American oil and gas company on a 5 week on, 5 week off shift rotation. The job and salary are fantastic and i intend to continue working for the company once i move to the US. Are there any exceptions so i could get the AP when i first arrive to continue working overseas? The company have told me they would not be willing to wait for me for months until i get travel authority. It would be harsh if i had to give up a great career, to wait around for the AP and then start all over again looking for employment.

Any help would be much appreciated.

Marc

[C-ma'am 684]

Good morning. I moved your post to Work & Traveling during US Immigration as your question is actually about the possibility to get an earlier AP after marriage to work overseas.

[del-2-5-2014 1,339]

I think a k1 is not for you, maybe a cr1?

[Marc.B 0]

Good morning. I moved your post to Work & Traveling during US Immigration as your question is actually about the possibility to get an earlier AP after marriage to work overseas.

Good morning to you too, and thanks!

I think a k1 is not for you, maybe a cr1?

Thanks and i'll look into the cr1.

[Marc.B 0]

Good morning to you too, and thanks!

If i choose the cr1 visa to get married outside the US. Can i still visit my wife on the visa waiver program, while waiting for the approval? As long as i show i have ties to the UK, and carry evidence if asked at the port of entry i should be ok?

[Nich-Nick 3,353]

Thanks and i'll look into the cr1.

That's your best option. You can go to the US and marry with a judge in a simple ceremony, then return to the UK and your work. Your new wife will file an I-130 instead of I-129F. When you get your spouse visa, you move to the US and are allowed to work and travel immediately as an LPR. There is no AOS filing after you arrive because it's basically done as part of the immigrant visa process. It's less expensive too.

[Marc.B 0]

That's your best option. You can go to the US and marry with a judge in a simple ceremony, then return to the UK and your work. Your new wife will file an I-130 instead of I-129F. When you get your spouse visa, you move to the US and are allowed to work and travel immediately as an LPR. There is no AOS filing after you arrive because it's basically done as part of the immigrant visa process. It's less expensive too.

Thanks for the great advice! Much appreciated!

[cathy2904 97]

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Edited September 25, 2012 by cathy2904

[cathy2904 97]

Good morning to you too, and thanks!

If i choose the cr1 visa to get married outside the US. Can i still visit my wife on the visa waiver program, while waiting for the approval? As long as i show i have ties to the UK, and carry evidence if asked at the port of entry i should be ok?

No-one can guarantee that you will be ok because it is up to the CBP officer on the day but with proof of ties and a return ticket you should be absolutely fine. Plenty of people do it multiple times with no problems.

I support what others are saying about the CR1 as well. Mine took under eight months.

[Marc.B 0]

Thanks Cathy!