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LightSear

Tourist Visa Then Immigrate

By LightSear in Tourist Visas

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LightSear Contributor

LightSear   8

Posted
Filed: IR-1/CR-1 Visa (DCF) Country: China
 Timeline
Posted

Hello All!

My wife and I have been married for two years now. We plan to immigrate June 15th, 2015 (or a little later in the summer most likely) after my teaching position has ended. We will file directly at the Guangzhou consulate. However, my brother is getting married March 30th, and we have tickets to go see his wedding. Is it a problem for us to apply for a tourist visa now, and then apply for the immigrant visa in mid February when we get her passport back?

I was nervous that if a immigration officer saw a tourist visa on her passport, they would less likely accept her to immigrate. She has studied in Australia for 1.5 years, and visited my family two summers ago. Both times she came back to China.

LightSear

Basics

January 10, 2011 Began Dating

January 20, 2012 Engaged

January 19, 2013 Married

Living in China

Process

Feb 19, 2019  I-130 Filed in Beijing

April 16, 2019   I-130 Approved

Awaiting Interview Information

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Hypnos Grand Master

Hypnos   6,576

Posted
Filed: Citizen (apr) Country: United Kingdom
 Timeline
Posted

She can apply for a tourist visa now, but her chances of actually receiving it are slim, since she is married to a US citizen.

Widow/er AoS Guide | Have AoS questions? Read (some) answers here

 

AoS

Day 0 (4/23/12) Petitions mailed (I-360, I-485, I-765)
2 (4/25/12) Petitions delivered to Chicago Lockbox
11 (5/3/12) Received 3 paper NOAs
13 (5/5/12) Received biometrics appointment for 5/23
15 (5/7/12) Did an unpleasant walk-in biometrics in Fort Worth, TX
45 (6/7/12) Received email & text notification of an interview on 7/10
67 (6/29/12) EAD production ordered
77 (7/9/12) Received EAD
78 (7/10/12) Interview
100 (8/1/12) I-485 transferred to Vermont Service Centre
143 (9/13/12) Contacted DHS Ombudsman
268 (1/16/13) I-360, I-485 consolidated and transferred to Dallas
299 (2/16/13) Received second interview letter for 3/8
319 (3/8/13) Approved at interview
345 (4/3/13) I-360, I-485 formally approved; green card production ordered
353 (4/11/13) Received green card

 

Naturalisation

Day 0 (1/3/18) N-400 filed online

Day 6 (1/9/18) Walk-in biometrics in Fort Worth, TX

Day 341 (12/10/18) Interview was scheduled for 1/14/19

Day 376 (1/14/19) Interview

Day 385 (1/23/19) Denied

Day 400 (2/7/19) Denial revoked; N-400 approved; oath ceremony set for 2/14/19

Day 407 (2/14/19) Oath ceremony in Dallas, TX

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LightSear Contributor

LightSear   8

Posted
Filed: IR-1/CR-1 Visa (DCF) Country: China
 Timeline
  • Author
Posted

I'm surprised to hear that. She received her last tourist visa after we were married granted she applied in Australia and not in China. Because we have proved we will come back that should certainly help, right?

My greatest concern is that the tourist visa will have an effect on her immigration. All thoughts are welcome.

Basics

January 10, 2011 Began Dating

January 20, 2012 Engaged

January 19, 2013 Married

Living in China

Process

Feb 19, 2019  I-130 Filed in Beijing

April 16, 2019   I-130 Approved

Awaiting Interview Information

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Boiler Grand Master

Boiler   43,636

Posted
Filed: K-1 Visa Country: Wales
 Timeline
Posted

Tourist visa will not impact immigration.

Having had one helps.

“If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles. If you know yourself but not the enemy, for every victory gained you will also suffer a defeat. If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle.”

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Hypnos Grand Master

Hypnos   6,576

Posted
Filed: Citizen (apr) Country: United Kingdom
 Timeline
Posted

If she's received one previously then that will help. I still think it's more likely than not she will be denied this time around, but you will only find out for sure by applying.

Any potential denial will have no effect on an immigrant visa application.

Widow/er AoS Guide | Have AoS questions? Read (some) answers here

 

AoS

Day 0 (4/23/12) Petitions mailed (I-360, I-485, I-765)
2 (4/25/12) Petitions delivered to Chicago Lockbox
11 (5/3/12) Received 3 paper NOAs
13 (5/5/12) Received biometrics appointment for 5/23
15 (5/7/12) Did an unpleasant walk-in biometrics in Fort Worth, TX
45 (6/7/12) Received email & text notification of an interview on 7/10
67 (6/29/12) EAD production ordered
77 (7/9/12) Received EAD
78 (7/10/12) Interview
100 (8/1/12) I-485 transferred to Vermont Service Centre
143 (9/13/12) Contacted DHS Ombudsman
268 (1/16/13) I-360, I-485 consolidated and transferred to Dallas
299 (2/16/13) Received second interview letter for 3/8
319 (3/8/13) Approved at interview
345 (4/3/13) I-360, I-485 formally approved; green card production ordered
353 (4/11/13) Received green card

 

Naturalisation

Day 0 (1/3/18) N-400 filed online

Day 6 (1/9/18) Walk-in biometrics in Fort Worth, TX

Day 341 (12/10/18) Interview was scheduled for 1/14/19

Day 376 (1/14/19) Interview

Day 385 (1/23/19) Denied

Day 400 (2/7/19) Denial revoked; N-400 approved; oath ceremony set for 2/14/19

Day 407 (2/14/19) Oath ceremony in Dallas, TX

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TBoneTX Grand Master

TBoneTX   43,373

Posted
Filed: Citizen (apr) Country: Ecuador
 Timeline
Posted

*** Thread moved from DCF forum to the Tourist Visas forum, on basis of query. ***

06-04-2007 = TSC stamps postal return-receipt for I-129f.

06-11-2007 = NOA1 date (unknown to me).

07-20-2007 = Phoned Immigration Officer; got WAC#; where's NOA1?

09-25-2007 = Touch (first-ever).

09-28-2007 = NOA1, 23 days after their 45-day promise to send it (grrrr).

10-20 & 11-14-2007 = Phoned ImmOffs; "still pending."

12-11-2007 = 180 days; file is "between workstations, may be early Jan."; touches 12/11 & 12/12.

12-18-2007 = Call; file is with Division 9 ofcr. (bckgrnd check); e-prompt to shake it; touch.

12-19-2007 = NOA2 by e-mail & web, dated 12-18-07 (187 days; 201 per VJ); in mail 12/24/07.

01-09-2008 = File from USCIS to NVC, 1-4-08; NVC creates file, 1/15/08; to consulate 1/16/08.

01-23-2008 = Consulate gets file; outdated Packet 4 mailed to fiancee 1/27/08; rec'd 3/3/08.

04-29-2008 = Fiancee's 4-min. consular interview, 8:30 a.m.; much evidence brought but not allowed to be presented (consul: "More proof! Second interview! Bring your fiance!").

05-05-2008 = Infuriating $12 call to non-English-speaking consulate appointment-setter.

05-06-2008 = Better $12 call to English-speaker; "joint" interview date 6/30/08 (my selection).

06-30-2008 = Stokes Interrogations w/Ecuadorian (not USC); "wait 2 weeks; we'll mail her."

07-2008 = Daily calls to DOS: "currently processing"; 8/05 = Phoned consulate, got Section Chief; wrote him.

08-07-08 = E-mail from consulate, promising to issue visa "as soon as we get her passport" (on 8/12, per DHL).

08-27-08 = Phoned consulate (they "couldn't find" our file); visa DHL'd 8/28; in hand 9/1; through POE on 10/9 with NO hassles(!).

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MacUK Proficient

MacUK   983

Posted
Filed: Other Country: United Kingdom
 Timeline
Posted

I'm surprised to hear that. She received her last tourist visa after we were married granted she applied in Australia and not in China. Because we have proved we will come back that should certainly help, right?

My greatest concern is that the tourist visa will have an effect on her immigration. All thoughts are welcome.

Did she not get a 10 year B2 last time?

August 2000: We start e-mailing. I'm in Bosnia, she's in Florida

October 29th 2000: She sends me e-mail asking if I would marry her

October 29th 2000(5 seconds later): I say yes

November 2000: She sends me tickets to Orlando for when I get back

December 6th 2000: Return from Bos

December 11th 2000: Fly to Orlando, she meets me at airport

December 22nd 2000: I fly back to UK

January 3rd 2001: She flies to UK (Good times)

Mid February 2001: Pregnancy test Positive

Mid February 2001: She flies back to US

March 2001: Miscarriage, I fly to US on first flight I can get

May 2001: I leave US before my 90 days are up

June 2001: I fly back to US, stopped at airport for questioning as I had only just left

September 2001: Pregnancy test Positive again

September 2001: She falls sick, I make decision to stay to look after her as I am afraid I may have problems getting back in.

April 16th 2002: Our son is born, we start getting stuff together for his passport

March 6th 2003: We leave US for UK as family

Early April 2003: Family troubles make her return to US, I ask Embassy in London about possibilities of returning to US

April 16th 2003: London Embassy informs me that I will be banned from the Visa Waiver Program for 10 years, my little boys first birthday

June 13th 2006: I-129f sent

August 11th 2006: NOA1 Recieved

After our relationship breaks down she admits to me that she had never bothered to start the application process

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Boiler Grand Master

Boiler   43,636

Posted
Filed: K-1 Visa Country: Wales
 Timeline
Posted

do not think that is normal in china, but she did get it in Australia.

“If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles. If you know yourself but not the enemy, for every victory gained you will also suffer a defeat. If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle.”

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LightSear Contributor

LightSear   8

Posted
Filed: IR-1/CR-1 Visa (DCF) Country: China
 Timeline
  • Author
Posted

We got our last one two years ago. It was a 1 year B-2. We are applying for the tourist visa today.

LightSear

Basics

January 10, 2011 Began Dating

January 20, 2012 Engaged

January 19, 2013 Married

Living in China

Process

Feb 19, 2019  I-130 Filed in Beijing

April 16, 2019   I-130 Approved

Awaiting Interview Information

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LightSear Contributor

LightSear   8

Posted
Filed: IR-1/CR-1 Visa (DCF) Country: China
 Timeline
  • Author
Posted

While we have been applying for a Tourist visa, one question is

"have you ever had someone file a petition to immigrate?" I'm guessing if we would have filed to immigrate first that may raise some flags.

Basics

January 10, 2011 Began Dating

January 20, 2012 Engaged

January 19, 2013 Married

Living in China

Process

Feb 19, 2019  I-130 Filed in Beijing

April 16, 2019   I-130 Approved

Awaiting Interview Information

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Boiler Grand Master

Boiler   43,636

Posted
Filed: K-1 Visa Country: Wales
 Timeline
Posted

And having a US husband.

“If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles. If you know yourself but not the enemy, for every victory gained you will also suffer a defeat. If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle.”

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richardkorea2010 Explorer

richardkorea2010   15

Posted
Filed: Citizen (apr) Country: South Africa
 Timeline
Posted

I applied for a B2 tourist visa in South Korea, while I was teaching there. My wife is a US citizen. Since we haven't had any intention to immigrate at that point, I just applied for a B2 visa. I am from South Africa. I received a 10 year multiple entry B2 visa, that I used to enter the US for our summer holiday. That was way back in 2011. They just checked my paperwork, and the interview was very simple and straight forward. At the port of entry, it was not a big deal either.

in 2012, we decided to move to America. We applied(filed the I-130). Everything got approved and I got my CR1 visa and entered, and succesfully removed my conditions last year. I now am eligible for US citzenship in just under 2 months., and I have had a great experience with USCIS througout my journey.

Good luck!

04-04-2012- I-130 filed at Seoul US embassy $420
04-19-2012- I-130 Approved(15 days)!!! Receive Case number and Packet 3.
05-03-2012 - Medical examination at Seoul St.Mary's Hospital(Passed) $170
05-05-2012 - Set Interview date for June 15
06-15-2012 - Interview (Approved) Case completed in 74 days! Could have been shorter!
06-18-2012 - Receive visa + brown envelope.
07-19-2012 - POE(Honolulu, Hawaii)
07-24-2012 - Receive SSN
07-29-2012 - Receive 2 year conditional Green card
08-02-2012 - Apply for State ID: Get 6-year Tennessee state ID.
03-22-2013 - Do written test at DMV for drivers license. Get 1-year Learner permit.
03-28-2013 - Pass drivers license test. Get 5 year drivers license. Done with the DMV until 2018!

Next step - Removal of conditions on green card: May 2014.

04-30-2014 Filed I-751 to remove conditions

05-05-2014 NOA1 receipt and extension of green card for 1 more year while it processes.

06-12-2014 Biometric Appointment

12-29-2014 Approval letter from USCIS with no interview needed! Done with USCIS till 2024 or when I apply for US citizenship. 

12-30-2014 Receives 10 year permanent green card.

 

Naturalization Process: 

06-29-2017 N400 filed 

07-05-2017 Check cashed 

07-11-2017 Received biometric appointment

07-12-2017 NOA 1 receipt 

07-26-2017 Biometric appointment 

09-13-2017 Case in line for interview 

04-23-2018 Interview (Memphis, N 400)  Passed!  Recommended for approval. 

05-24-2018 Oath ceremony notice was mailed. 

05-29-2018 Oath letter received. Date set: June 21st, 2018

06-21-2018 Oath ceremony: I am a US citizen. Done with USCIS (Day 332) 

 

Passport application:

06-22-2018 Apply for US passport and passport card 

06-27-2018 Passport application received and in progress. (Day 5)

07-11-2018 Passport and passport card mailed out. Expecting it by 7-17-2018. (Day 18)

07-13-2018 Passport book received.  (Day 20)

07-16-2018 Passport card and naturalization certificate received. (Day 23). 


Process complete: Time to start traveling.

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LightSear Contributor

LightSear   8

Posted
Filed: IR-1/CR-1 Visa (DCF) Country: China
 Timeline
  • Author
Posted

That's really great! We told ourselves we would keep looking for jobs in China before we immigrated to America. If we don't find anything, then that's a sign. A job is what we are looking for more than anything.

Michael

Basics

January 10, 2011 Began Dating

January 20, 2012 Engaged

January 19, 2013 Married

Living in China

Process

Feb 19, 2019  I-130 Filed in Beijing

April 16, 2019   I-130 Approved

Awaiting Interview Information

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