IR1/CR1 compatible with the ESTA?

[michcfr 0]

Hello,

I want to apply for the IR1/CR1 visa.

I saw on this forum that "The applicant will most likely not be able to enter the US while their IR1-CR-1 Visa is being processed."

 

During the application period, am I able to travel to the USA for tourism or for business reasons just for few days using the ESTA?

 

Regards,
Michel

[Dashinka 24,740]

Yes, one can use ESTA or a B2 to visit while a CR1/IR1 is being processed.  I am not sure where you saw otherwise, but just remember you need to keep evidence of your ties showing you will return upon each entry.  Of course there are people that have been turned away by CBP at times, but in general if you keep visits short and establish a good track record of not abusing or coming close to abusing the ability to use ESTA/B2 you should be fine.  

 

This is in the K1 Forum, but it applies for CR1/IR1 as well.

 

 

 

Edited January 13, 2021 by Dashinka

[michcfr 0]

Dashinka: thank you for the response 🙂

I saw it here (section: Spousal Visa (IR1 / CR1) under: Minuses)

 

 

[payxibka 10,047]

6 minutes ago, michcfr said:

Dashinka: thank you for the response 🙂

I saw it here (section: Spousal Visa (IR1 / CR1) under: Minuses)

 

 

Did you also see this?

 

 

[Dashinka 24,740]

Never saw that before.  Here is another thread in the CR1/IR1 Forum.  Like I said, there are always stories of people being turned away by CBP, but there are also many stories of people visiting often while processing is going on.

 

Good Luck!

 

 

[Sarah&Facundo 599]

My husband visited me as a tourist several times while we waited for our K1 visa to process (CR1 and K1 would work the same in this situation). If you have a B2 visa or an ESTA waiver, you can visit.