Travel After CR-1 Entry to US while waiting for Green Card

[CFR44 0]

My spouse will enter the US on CR-1 from the UK.  Is she allowed to travel back and forth to the UK to see her mother while waiting for her Green Card?

[SteveInBostonI130 3,467]

Yes.

 

When she get to CBP, they will stamp, initial and date her CR-1 visa.  That transforms the visa into a temporary I-551 for one year, with all associated privileges.  Basically, she is a LPR as soon as she is processed through CBP.

 

Having said that, I would suggest to wait for the SSN and greencard if she can.  The SSN can take up to 3 weeks, but some have reported never receiving it - I was one of them.  In that case call the local SSA office to check the status, and if need be, apply for one directly with them.  Don't send in the passport/GC through the mail - your wife will need it because by law she is require to carry proof of status with her at all times.  Press SSA to schedule an in-person appointment, and get your congressman involved if they refuse.

 

The GC seems to take 8+ weeks nowadays, but there is a chance she will get it sooner.

[CFR44 0]

thank you