Can i still travel on ESTA(VWP) if in the midst of getting NOA2 for I-130?

[saramyshaanngbb 0]

Hi VS residents!

So, i am a Singaporean, and my husband recently petitioned I-130 in January which we have received our NOA1, and as of now, we are waiting for NOA2. Anyway, my question; can i still travel on my ESTA(VWP) to visit him, while waiting for our NOA2? He has bought my flight to come out over Thanksgiving since assuming the timeline till approval of IR-1/CR-1 will take quite sometime.

Sara

[Jack2107 46]

Yes you can still visit on esta.

[JFH 12,189]

Thanksgiving? That's November. If you filed in January you should be almost done with everything by then. Unless something terrible happens at the USCIS you will have NOA2 by then and by well in your way through the NVC, possibly even at the embassy by then unless you plan to slow down the NVC stage.

But travelling is no problem at all. In theory. I am going next month and not concerned about being denied entry. It all depends on the CBP officer on the day and whether, in his opinion, you are a genuine visitor. My concern would get that you will be very close to visa issuance by then that he might think you are trying to skip the embassy stage by entering as a tourist and staying.

[saramyshaanngbb 0]

Thanksgiving? That's November. If you filed in January you should be almost done with everything by then. Unless something terrible happens at the USCIS you will have NOA2 by then and by well in your way through the NVC, possibly even at the embassy by then unless you plan to slow down the NVC stage.

But travelling is no problem at all. In theory. I am going next month and not concerned about being denied entry. It all depends on the CBP officer on the day and whether, in his opinion, you are a genuine visitor. My concern would get that you will be very close to visa issuance by then that he might think you are trying to skip the embassy stage by entering as a tourist and staying.

Hi! Well, i've been looking at timelines, and have a hunch it'll probably take 12-16 months tops. Further, my husband currently in the Navy, so pretty much depending on how fast he can get the next steps done prior my action to take over here. But anyhow, if i do get things sorted before my planned travels, i will just get the flight re-validate to one way. Thanks for the heads up! Appreciate the reply.

Yes you can still visit on esta.

Awesome! That's good to know. Thank you.

[mallafri76 1,012]

Lots of people visit during the visa process. There's a whole sticky about at the top of the CR/IR-1 page.

If your husband's on active duty, they tend to be expedited so your process might be shorter than you think.

[saramyshaanngbb 0]

Lots of people visit during the visa process. There's a whole sticky about at the top of the CR/IR-1 page.

If your husband's on active duty, they tend to be expedited so your process might be shorter than you think.

Hi! Good to know that. Thank you so much for this additional information. Appreciate it!!

[saramyshaanngbb 0]

Hey guys! Another quick question; so, my husband filed the petition in Hawaii while i am back in Singapore, does he then need to be present at the Singapore consulate for when i'm scheduled for the interview?

[Wenche&Jason 8]

As far as I know, your husband does not need to be present at the interview.