Entering US for job interview without activating visa?

[antm88 0]

Hi,

I've just been granted my K1 visa (woooo!!!), BUT I've been looking for jobs, and have been invited to the US for a face-to-face interview - for a company I'm very keen to work for! I'm still working out my notice period in the UK, so I won't be able to move permanently until at least a month and a half's time.

The company is keen to do the interview as soon as possible, so I was wondering if it's possible to enter the US for a few days without activating the K1 visa. I've seen similar posts here before, but I've not seen anyone confirm.

Any information would be amazing. Thanks!

[EM_Vandaveer 2,448]

Unlikely. The only cases when I saw this work were Canadians doing land entry & convincing CBP not to activate their K1.

[canadian_wife 1,831]

Have you tried calling the CBP at the POE you'll be crossing at to see what they think? I've only seen this successful at land crossings for Canadians.

Does your potential future employer know the work restrictions with a K1 visa?

Good luck

[antm88 0]

Have you tried calling the CBP at the POE you'll be crossing at to see what they think? I've only seen this successful at land crossings for Canadians.

Does your potential future employer know the work restrictions with a K1 visa?

Good luck

That's a good idea - I'll try contacting the CBP. I've tried to contact the US embassy here in the UK but haven't yet heard anything back.

My potential future employer does know the situation as a whole, but I'm not sure if they're aware of the restriction on entering. I guess I'll have to let them know!

Thanks for your help

[JFH 12,196]

Why are they so keen to interview now, given that it will be at least 4.5 months until you can work for them? Even if you marry the day you arrive in 1.5 months time, and file for your EAD the next day, you still need to reckon on 3 months for it to be processed. Plus the 1.5 months before you even get there.

Why not do a video call on Skype? That's how our company interviews overseas potentials.

[LionessDeon 2,061]

Do they know you cannot work for several months upon your arrival pending EAD card being issued?

[Unlockable 7,322]

You are interviewing now???

There is still a few months left before you are actually able to work.

If the company is willing to hold that position for another 3 - 6 months then kudos to you for negotiating that.

[Nich-Nick 3,355]

People have successfully applied for expedited EAD based on having a valid job offer.

[cookiemonsta 9]

People have successfully applied for expedited EAD based on having a valid job offer.

Are there any threads around this 'expedited EAD'? i haven't been able to locate any, but i'm curious to see how this worked.

[KayDeeCee 4,903]

Some successful with expediting based on job offer. You can search for more here on VJ >

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/453753-how-to-request-to-expedite-your-ead-based-on-a-job-offer/

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/495278-i-765-ead-expedite-successful-experience-with-job-offer/

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/517032-sharing-on-how-to-expedite-ead-based-on-job-offer/