Travelling to US after CR-1 visa

[pizzapancake 2]

Hello, I have my CR-1 visa interview in late August and will be travelling to the US in mid September and then going back to my home country at the end of October until around January 2024. I just wanted to check that this would be ok and that my visa would not be affected. Thanks!

[Vickys_Mom 184]

Make sure they stamp your visa when you enter the U.S.  What they stamp should be some variant of CR-1.  With that, you're good for 12 months.

 

They understand that you have to go home and get things packed up and closed out.  I can't see someone complaining about one trip.  Don't make a bunch of them in the next year.

 

You need to start paying attention to how many days you are in the United States.  You'll want to be ready for Naturalization when the time comes.

 

Regards,

Vicky's Mom

[Crazy Cat 39,284]

Shouldn't be a problem.  Your endorsed immigrant visa serves as a temporary Green Card for a year after entry into the US.. 

[Verrou 1,899]

as long as you get the ADIT stamp on ur passport when u enter USA. ADIT stamp is equal green card. it valid for 1 year. remember that as LPR u need to reside in the US at least 183 days / year. make sure to pay ELIS fee $220 before u enter US for the first time with ur immigrant visa.  so they will send the plastic GC to ur US address

Edited July 3, 2023 by HaroKitty

[Jsut78 5]

I suggest once you enter the US you need to wait about 1-2 months until you get the appointment for fingerprints from ASC where your domicile in the US once you receive your plastic GC you cN travel back to your country where you plan mentioned above. Still also maintain your residency to keep your GC alive.

[Crazy Cat 39,284]

1 hour ago, Jsut78 said:

I suggest once you enter the US you need to wait about 1-2 months until you get the appointment for fingerprints from ASC where your domicile in the US once you receive your plastic GC you cN travel back to your country where you plan mentioned above. Still also maintain your residency to keep your GC alive.

Huh?  There is no need to wait.  Exactly what ASC appointment are you talking about?  CR-1 Spousal visa holders are not normally required to give fingerprints until they apply for Removal of Conditions 2 years after entry (and those can be waived).  

Edited July 3, 2023 by Crazy Cat

[Mike E 11,723]

2 hours ago, pizzapancake said:

I just wanted to check that this would be ok

It will probably be ok. But you are starting off your life as an LPR by not living in the U.S. which is not a valid use of LPR status, and according to some CBP officers, not a valid use of an immigration visa.

 

See 

 

2 hours ago, pizzapancake said:

and that my visa would not be affected

If you are admitted to the U.S. on your visa, then note it is a one time use visa. Your visa  will be simultaneously canceled and converted to a temporary I-551 that is evidence of your LPR status. This evidence is good for one year.

 

 

[EM_Vandaveer 2,370]

1 hour ago, Jsut78 said:

I suggest once you enter the US you need to wait about 1-2 months until you get the appointment for fingerprints from ASC where your domicile in the US once you receive your plastic GC you cN travel back to your country where you plan mentioned above. Still also maintain your residency to keep your GC alive.

That's NOT a thing (having to take fingerprints after entering on an immigrant visa in order to get a physical GC). Where did you get the idea from?

[Mike E 11,723]

Finger printing of newly arrived LPRs at USCIS offices happens when:

 

* the LPR files I-131 to get a re-entry permit (recommended for U-turn LPRs like OP)

 

* USCIS has determined the biometrics taken for the immigration visa are not acceptable for a green card (which does have a photo and finger print). In this case USCIS will schedule biometrics. It is rare; have only seen one case on visa journey.

[Crazy Cat 39,284]

4 minutes ago, Mike E said:

It is rare; have only seen one case on visa journey.

Same here.  Only once.

[pizzapancake 2]

33 minutes ago, Mike E said:

It will probably be ok. But you are starting off your life as an LPR by not living in the U.S. which is not a valid use of LPR status, and according to some CBP officers, not a valid use of an immigration visa.

 

See 

 

If you are admitted to the U.S. on your visa, then note it is a one time use visa. Your visa  will be simultaneously canceled and converted to a temporary I-551 that is evidence of your LPR status. This evidence is good for one year.

 

 

yikes..hopefully that case was just an exception! I'm just visiting the US temporarily to attend a wedding and visit family and friends, and then I'll be going back to my home country to start the whole moving process.

[Crazy Cat 39,284]

1 minute ago, pizzapancake said:

hopefully that case was just an exception!

Very rare exception.

[Mike E 11,723]

1 minute ago, pizzapancake said:

I'm just visiting the US temporarily 

You should rehearse a different narrative before you arrive in front of a CBP officer.

 

Immigrants do not visit the U.S.  

5 minutes ago, pizzapancake said:

yikes..hopefully that case was just an exception

The only case I’ve seen.

[pizzapancake 2]

2 minutes ago, Mike E said:

You should rehearse a different narrative before you arrive in front of a CBP officer.

 

What's a better narrative? Is it better if I just say I'm starting the moving process? 

[Redro 4,600]

1 hour ago, pizzapancake said:

What's a better narrative? Is it better if I just say I'm starting the moving process? 

It is better to say "I am entering on a US immigrant visa, where should I go?"

You do not have to give them an entire life story... And I would definitely not say this at the interview in August.

If you read @Mike E's post you can see they gave too much information. 

No longer had a home in the US. Primary residence was in Canada. 

Where is your USC spouse during this process in US or Hong Kong? 

And is your home country the UK? 

Edited July 3, 2023 by Redro