entering US on tourist visa during NVC review

[c_and_c 0]

Hello All,

My wife's IR1 application is currently with the NVC in its final review. She has a tourist visa to enter the US from before our marriage (that she did use in the last couple of years).

1. Will there be a problem at the US port of entry if she tries to enter now while she is still waiting to hear from the NVC and consulate?

2. Will there be an issue at consulate interview because of this visit?

Appreciate any info you can provide!

c_and_c

[riblet 0]

A visit shouldn't cause any problems at the NVC or Consulate.

The main issue is whether or not she will be permitted to enter. She must have as much evidence as possible to show strong ties to her country and that she will be actually returning. It is totally up to the discretion of the border official as to whether or not to believe her. In addition, some border officials seem confused and have been known to deny people entry after an approved petition because they think that that is the rule.

So basically, no harm in visiting, just be prepared for a chance that she will be denied entry no matter how convincing her evidence.

[meauxna 15]

It's been suggested that any international travel close to the interview may trigger a fresh round of security checks, but I don't have any concrete proof of that. Just one informed person's statement.

[riblet 0]

Interesting, I hadn't heard that.

It's been suggested that any international travel close to the interview may trigger a fresh round of security checks, but I don't have any concrete proof of that. Just one informed person's statement.

[payxibka 10,045]

Hello All,

My wife's IR1 application is currently with the NVC in its final review. She has a tourist visa to enter the US from before our marriage (that she did use in the last couple of years).

1. Will there be a problem at the US port of entry if she tries to enter now while she is still waiting to hear from the NVC and consulate?

2. Will there be an issue at consulate interview because of this visit?

Appreciate any info you can provide!

c_and_c

You may want to read http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=42769

Different visa but similiar potential situation ...

Edited November 22, 2006 by fwaguy

[alix 20]

I was almost denied entry when my I-130 was approved (and we didn't know it!). They let me in but had my passports confiscated, I was fingerprinted and photographed. I had an appointment at the nearest Immigration office a month later to get my passports (I have two, the visa is in my old one) and learn about my fate (yes, they terrorized me at the POE). I was allowed to stay another 6 months, because they saw that I didn't mean to stay illegally. But was told that once I left I could only come back in with my CR1 visa or they'd deport me and not allow me into the country for 5 years. I am now hoping that this incident won't cause any problems at the interview.

Anyways, it's a risk. I know people who managed to get in the US with no problems at all. Good luck!

[MPGGPM 0]

I'm in the same position as you..............case at the NVC......wife coming to visit in 2 and a half weeks.

I'm a bit nervous too (as always when she travels here), but then again, she has been here 3 times already and has had no problems. I am hoping the 4th (and final time) goes just as easy. The other times she has visited, were not when the paperwork was at the NVC. However, it was in the system and processing....but at USCIS at one of the service centers.

From what I have seen from posts before, it just varies, but there is no definitive answer with this.

I did read of one member who visited when her interview at the embassy was just over 2 weeks away. That person had no problem. I've read of others who have traveled during the NVC stage (but not as close to the interview), and things went fine.

But, no guarantee on this. So, just be like me when your spouse makes the trip to see you..................and keep your fingers VERY crossed

Good luck. I'll find out for myself what happens in just a short time, when my wife comes here.

Edited November 22, 2006 by MPGGPM

[c_and_c 0]

We're still waiting for her IR1 interview dates to be scheduled. But my wife entered the US today on her old visitor visa without any problems.

The officer asked the usual questions (duration, purpose of this visit, return ticket proof, duration/date of previous visit) and she's been stamped for a six month stay (as usual..)

So it does seem to be decided on a case-by-case basis...

Thanks for all your responses and good luck for people in similar situations.

[MPGGPM 0]

We're still waiting for her IR1 interview dates to be scheduled. But my wife entered the US today on her old visitor visa without any problems.

The officer asked the usual questions (duration, purpose of this visit, return ticket proof, duration/date of previous visit) and she's been stamped for a six month stay (as usual..)

So it does seem to be decided on a case-by-case basis...

Thanks for all your responses and good luck for people in similar situations.

Thought I'd add ....that my wife entered one and a half weeks ago. Did not have any problems at POE as well. (We are at the NVC stage like you....about halfway through the NVC stage and not too far from the interview date .)

Our 2 experiences should be reassurance for anyone else's spouse who is considering taking a trip to the USA....while paperwork is at the NVC.

Doesn't appear any more/less risky than at other times during the process.

[Rob and Melinda 0]

Don't fo it! we tried and it was a big dissapointment and huge hassle

Be patient, it wont be long

Rob and Melinda

[alix 20]

Just to add...I had no problems at the interview because of this incident...no one ever asked me about it! And this time had no problems at the POE (the same one, Chicago!).

Good luck for those of you waiting for the interview! It went really smoothly for us!

alix