Working and Traveling

[jedinite 0]

I want to know if anyone is in the same boat as me or if anyone has a similar experience which they can help answer some questions I have about my new CR-1 Visa.

I received my packet last week but I have not yet crossed at a POE.

1) Am I required to activate my visa the first time I cross the POE after receiving my CR-1 Visa?

2) After activating my visa, what grace period am I allowed to continue to return to Canada to wrap up any unfinished business? Ex. Complete job contract, sell a home, etc.

3) I fully intend on stating myself as a US resident but if I must return to Canada in order to finish on a contract that I'm obligated to, what do I state when I am crossing the border? Do I say I'm returning from a visit or returning from business in Canada when re-entering the US? What do I say to Canadian customs when I enter?

I know there are a few people that live in "border" cities and have traveled back and forth on a daily basis, but I am unable to travel back and forth that often. At most it will be every few weeks, so if someone is in the same boat as me or something similar to share that would be great.

I am only trying to avoid having my visa revoked at a POE for being outside of the US for too long a period or for whatever reason that my circumstance might cause me to be turned back. Finally, I'm not intending on working in Canada permanently, just until I complete my contract and find a job State-side. Which I hope is sooner rather than later with this economy.

[YuAndDan 153]

1) Why not? The POE will stamp passport with I-551 stamp, this makes passport act as Green-card, allowing re-entries from future trips.

2) You can return any time, the I-551 stamp allows this, as well as green-card when you get it. Just dont stay away from USA for longer than 6 months (Affects future citizenship application) or 1 year with out a re-entry permit.

3) Entering Canada to take care of business, (Canada customs), Returning form taking care of business (US Customs)

[jedinite 0]

1) Why not? The POE will stamp passport with I-551 stamp, this makes passport act as Green-card, allowing re-entries from future trips.

2) You can return any time, the I-551 stamp allows this, as well as green-card when you get it. Just dont stay away from USA for longer than 6 months (Affects future citizenship application) or 1 year with out a re-entry permit.

3) Entering Canada to take care of business, (Canada customs), Returning form taking care of business (US Customs)

Thanks YuAndDan.

One last question, I am not planning on staying away from the US for longer than 6 months, but do you know if this is a cumulative time period like visiting the US or is it a periodic time (ex. don't stay out of the US for more than 6 months total within a year, or don't stay out of the US for more than 6 months at a time).

[YuAndDan 153]

1) Why not? The POE will stamp passport with I-551 stamp, this makes passport act as Green-card, allowing re-entries from future trips.

2) You can return any time, the I-551 stamp allows this, as well as green-card when you get it. Just dont stay away from USA for longer than 6 months (Affects future citizenship application) or 1 year with out a re-entry permit.

3) Entering Canada to take care of business, (Canada customs), Returning form taking care of business (US Customs)

Thanks YuAndDan.

One last question, I am not planning on staying away from the US for longer than 6 months, but do you know if this is a cumulative time period like visiting the US or is it a periodic time (ex. don't stay out of the US for more than 6 months total within a year, or don't stay out of the US for more than 6 months at a time).

6 months at a time, Citizenship requires 18 months physical presence in the USA over 3 years when married to a US Citizen, or 30 months of 5 years if not married.

[Flames9_RN 358]

As well keep TRACK (ie Dec 15-28) of the dates you were out of the USA as you will need all of them when you file the 751 to get ur 10 yr green card!!

[sly_wolf 199]

As well keep TRACK (ie Dec 15-28) of the dates you were out of the USA as you will need all of them when you file the 751 to get ur 10 yr green card!!

What does someone do if they commute regularly?

Sly

[Flames9_RN 358]

As well keep TRACK (ie Dec 15-28) of the dates you were out of the USA as you will need all of them when you file the 751 to get ur 10 yr green card!!

What does someone do if they commute regularly?

Sly

U got to keep track as when it comes time to hand in the 751 you have to LIST all trip of 24 hrs or longer! If you have spent to much time out of the USA,guess one can be denied! They dont provide much space, so one would just have to include the dates on another piece of paper,or write out a statement or both