Can applicant travel to US with B1/B2 (tourist) visa before obtaining the CR-1 visa?

[jt1001 0]

We just got married, and in the process of the CR-1 visa... Can my spouse come to visit me in the US and spend the holiday together using tourist visa?

[mallafri76 1,012]

Yes, as long as the purpose of the trip is for a visit only. Expect extra scrutiny at POE when coming with a tourist visa to visit spouse.

[jt1001 0]

Thanks.

[mallafri76 1,012]

Your welcome. Make sure she brings ties to her home country, in case POE officer wants to see these for reassurance. I always bring with me a letter from my employer and a letter from my bank confirming I have a home owner's loan/mortgage with them. I've never been asked to show this but better safe than sorry.

[Flora Lau Mendez 5]

Oh hi! It is really hard to find any members from Hong Kong!
I had actually applied for a tourist visa but was rejected and recommended to go for a CR1 instead.

You can, of course, apply for a travel visa while you are waiting your immigrant visa to be approved,
but I would have to say the chance is very little... and very risky as well.
You might be denied entry at POE like the previous member has said.

[Michael and Ganna 105]

Do you have the B-2 already? If so, bring NOA copy with you

[Ryan H 3,925]

Do you have the B-2 already? If so, bring NOA copy with you

A copy of a USCIS receipt notice is useless when trying to show ties to one's own country at a US POE.

[Michael and Ganna 105]

A copy of a USCIS receipt notice is useless when trying to show ties to one's own country at a US POE.

I guess we are one of the lucky ones......Wife has come to visit three times since filing in July. Just left Oct 23 and will return 3rd week in November.

Last POE with CO

CO - What is your nature of travel Wife - To spend birthday with husband

CO - Have you filed petition Wife - Yes, here is the scan

CO - Takes scan, goes into office....comes back

CO - Do you have alcohol, tobacco or food? Wife - Yes, Champagne

CO - Why of course champagne....(with a smile) Enjoy your stay Mrs. T

Time before that she came here to look at house to buy.....and now she has more ties to USA than Ukraine

Every time has been a cake walk for her to visit

[Miki28 91]

I Travel to The US every month, once a month for personal visit, 2-3 times a month for work. Never had an issue. I am always honest at The immigration and I have lot of stuff ready to prove that I am not Coming to immigrate. So as long as your spouse can show ties back to homecountry then it should be OK.

[Michael and Ganna 105]

I guess the saying is true.....Honesty is the best policy

We have been very honest through out......and we have been specific. And yet we have never been roasted or grilled yet.

Our journey to this point has been very long, so the USCIS process is just a thorn in the backside. Though I wish they moved a little faster

[Boiler 48,038]

It is the US Government that you are dealing with, surprisingly inefficient.