Travel after receiving k1

[Comrie89 0]

For any Canadians who are/ have gone through the process( or anyone that knows) I have 2 questions that I'm sure get asked all the time

1) once I get my k1 and passport back I understand that it is good for a 1 time entry to the states. My question is, can I enter and return from the states before using the K1, just as any Canadian would travel to the US.

Ex. Lets get my K1 and visa on sept 10. Can I travel to the US form sept 12-14 then make my final entry to the US using my K1 on sept 20?

I have a wedding to attend in the US and don't want to obtain my visa at a time that would not allow me to make this trip

2) what is a reasonable wait time for get the passport and visa back after the interview? I've read anywhere from 3 days to over 2 weeks.

Thanks for any insight

[rhuang21 0]

K1 is single entry only, so even though as a Canadian, you cannot re-enter the USA after having entered once on a K1 visa. (You would be abandoning the AOS process)

You would have to file for Advance parole in order to travel on a K1 Visa before your Conditional Green card arrives.

[Comrie89 0]

So once I have my K1 I must use it on my next entry to the US(and only one time) Even though I don't require a visa to enter the US temporarily?

I know that once in the states on my K1 I can't leave until I have my green card. I'm just wondering about pre planned travel to the US that may now end up falling after I have my K1

[newacct 688]

Theoretically you could visit the US as a visitor and not use the K-1 visa. However, there is a great risk of the immigration officer getting confused and admitting you on the K-1.

[Comrie89 0]

So in theory I could just not provide my K1 and enter with just my passport as I would if I was travelling normally? Sorry for all the questions, I just don't want to end up doing something that will negate this whole thing.

[canadian_wife 1,808]

It's not like you 'can't provide' your K1 visa. It will be in your passport. When you surrender your passport at border control, they'll see it. It will be up to them if you can travel as a tourist without 'activating' it of if they will require it.

It is a gamble, no guarantees. But it is possible.

Good luck

[Unlockable 7,314]

canadian_wife is right. The visa is attached/printed in your passport. You can't separate it from the passport. So when you get to the POE and the officer ask for it he will definitely see it. Then it will be up to them whether to use it for that entry.

I also agree that it is a gamble.

[Comrie89 0]

Okay thanks everyone. I didn't realize it was attached to the actual passport. It does sounds like a gamble, and definitely not one I want to lose, I just want my visa asap, but not if it stops me from going to my brothers wedding. May have to bite the bullet and just wait a little longer to do the interview. Thanks for all the responses