Visiting once K1 visa is approved

[Lizzie And Zach 8]

Hi,

 

Sorry if this has been asked/ answered before.

 

We are in the process of planning our wedding and obtaining a K1 visa.  We were wondering if you are allowed to enter the US on a different visa (eg. ESTA or B1/B2) once your K1 visa has been approved?

We have seen lots of information about visiting DURING the K1 visa process but nothing about visiting once it has been approved.  We're I'm trying to find out if you can choose when to use your K1 for entry (for the actual wedding time) and use a tourist visa in the meantime (for planning and visits).

 

I hope that makes sense and I hope someone will help us!

 

Thank you!

Lizzie & Zach

[payxibka 10,044]

1 minute ago, LizzieR said:

Hi,

 

Sorry if this has been asked/ answered before.

 

We are in the process of planning our wedding and obtaining a K1 visa.  We were wondering if you are allowed to enter the US on a different visa (eg. ESTA or B1/B2) once your K1 visa has been approved?

We have seen lots of information about visiting DURING the K1 visa process but nothing about visiting once it has been approved.  We're I'm trying to find out if you can choose when to use your K1 for entry (for the actual wedding time) and use a tourist visa in the meantime (for planning and visits).

 

I hope that makes sense and I hope someone will help us!

 

Thank you!

Lizzie & Zach

No.  K1 in the passport trumps everything else.   Most likely if you have a b1/2 it will be cancelled upon issuance of the k1 

[geowrian 22,335]

Generally, any other non-immigrant visa is cancelled when they issue the K-1 visa. But more practically, CBP usually uses the K-1 visa at POE to admit you. The visa is single use.

 

I will say that there are cases where people have been lucky. But don't rely on it...the expectation is that they will admit you with K-1 status and then your 90 days to marry & AOS start.

[Cryssiekins 976]

As an example of what @geowrian just stated:  when I arrived at POE, in a truck with most of my belongings (land border at Lewiston, NY), the CBP Officer asked if I would be using my K-1 that day, or just a regular crossing.  I was a little surprised that he was serious because I had no idea that was an option.  I’m guessing it’s likely bc I’m Canadian and the relationship and reciprocity with record sharing, but I would most definitely not count on being able to do so.  

Edited April 12, 2019 by Cryssiekins
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[Wuozopo 4,285]

49 minutes ago, LizzieR said:

Hi,

 

Sorry if this has been asked/ answered before.

 

We are in the process of planning our wedding and obtaining a K1 visa.  We were wondering if you are allowed to enter the US on a different visa (eg. ESTA or B1/B2) once your K1 visa has been approved?

We have seen lots of information about visiting DURING the K1 visa process but nothing about visiting once it has been approved.  We're I'm trying to find out if you can choose when to use your K1 for entry (for the actual wedding time) and use a tourist visa in the meantime (for planning and visits).

 

I hope that makes sense and I hope someone will help us!

 

Thank you!

Lizzie & Zach

 

Do you already have your visa in your passport?  You could make a trip just before your interview. But you could save that money and just plan and visit during your 90 days if needed.

[Illiria 980]

1 hour ago, Cryssiekins said:

I’m guessing it’s likely bc I’m Canadian and the relationship and reciprocity with record sharing, but I would most definitely not count on being able to do so.  

Yep I’ve only seen this with Canadians and only in the land border 

[Sarah&Facundo 576]

Yes, we did this. We asked them during our interview in October if they could set this up and not cancel his visa to visit me for Thanksgiving. They said yes. When I flew home to the US after the interview, I asked the CBP during my layover in Dallas if my then-fiance could do this. He also said yes. The officer just said make sure he goes into the B2 visa line.

 

He came over in November and no one even asked him about the K1 at JFK even though it was in his passport. He moved on the K1 in March. But I wouldn't do it without getting permission from your local consulate first. 

Edited April 12, 2019 by Sarah&Facundo