conflicting information

[fresnel 0]

Hello, I recently (yesterday) discovered this site and find it most interesting! If someone could provide some clarity I'd very much appreciate it.

Background: I'm a Canadian who intends to marry a US citizen. Being so damn smart (just ask me!) I thought I could figure this whole process out... hmmm apparently not.

I'm going for my interview at the consulate in Montreal next week.

Questions: If successful I assume they mail me K1 status sometime after the interview. (is that correct?)

I know I must marry within 90 days and intend to but I must travel back to Canada right away (affairs to clear up ie banking, put in my last two weeks at work, house etc)

Do I need a travel document (I-131)?

Am I considered "abandoned" or the like if I leave

Can I apply for a travel document from Canada?

What is the general time in approval for the above?

Thanks very much

Not sure why it says I'm in Cambodia... I thought I selected Canada, opps

Edited July 30, 2008 by fresnel

[Cloudy9 11]

I'm sure someone can correct me if I'm wrong here but I believe the K1 Visa will be valid for 4-6 months when you get it. The 90 day requirement from USCIS is that you marry within 90 days of arriving into the states. So you could deal with your banks, put in your 2 week notice first and then come to the states.

Also the K-1 is a one way Visa. If you need to go back to Canada afterwards you would need to apply for a advance parole I-131 which takes a few months to get.

[pushbrk 13,118]

I'm sure someone can correct me if I'm wrong here but I believe the K1 Visa will be valid for 4-6 months when you get it. The 90 day requirement from USCIS is that you marry within 90 days of arriving into the states. So you could deal with your banks, put in your 2 week notice first and then come to the states.

Also the K-1 is a one way Visa. If you need to go back to Canada afterwards you would need to apply for a advance parole I-131 which takes a few months to get.

That's correct. K1 isn't a "status". It's a "visa". You get it back in your passport and have six months to use it. Once you use it, you have 90 days to marry. From the time you enter the USA using the visa until you have advance parole, you stay in the US or start all over again.

[victor+natasha 0]

I'm sure someone can correct me if I'm wrong here but I believe the K1 Visa will be valid for 4-6 months when you get it. The 90 day requirement from USCIS is that you marry within 90 days of arriving into the states. So you could deal with your banks, put in your 2 week notice first and then come to the states.

Also the K-1 is a one way Visa. If you need to go back to Canada afterwards you would need to apply for a advance parole I-131 which takes a few months to get.

That's correct. K1 isn't a "status". It's a "visa". You get it back in your passport and have six months to use it. Once you use it, you have 90 days to marry. From the time you enter the USA using the visa until you have advance parole, you stay in the US or start all over again.

However I am wondering if you are Canadian and just drive back you might just use your citizenship card to enter Canada and USA and they just might let you in and out, I would call US embassy and see if you might travel to and from Canada while adjusting status without advanced parole.

[Carlawarla 1]

I've asked that this thread be moved to the Canada forum where you'll get loads of information specific to using the visa after Montreal sends it to you.

Firstly you have six months to use it. It's a one time entry, so once you've used it, the countdown begins and you must get married within 90 days. After married, you apply to adjust your status, and advanced parole, and only when you receive that document can you safely leave the country prior to getting your GC.

HOWEVER!! In Canada, there are some exceptions. First you need to know that you can get your visa, and then work your two weeks, take care of your banking needs etc. Get everything done before you even leave. That's the nice thing about having 6 months to use the visa!

Secondly, if you absolutely have to go down immediately, arrangements can be made to either...have your visa placed in your passport just prior to your moving and not the day after your interview...or, to make arrangements to not activate your visa for a short visit to the US prior to moving there. Again, hopefully this will be moved, and those that specifically have done this will advise.

Best of luck in whatever you decide!

[BH45 0]

I went for my interview in February but did not have them put the K-1 visa into my passport until May. I had some things that needed taking care of and it was no problem.

[thetreble 19]

I'm sure someone can correct me if I'm wrong here but I believe the K1 Visa will be valid for 4-6 months when you get it. The 90 day requirement from USCIS is that you marry within 90 days of arriving into the states. So you could deal with your banks, put in your 2 week notice first and then come to the states.

Also the K-1 is a one way Visa. If you need to go back to Canada afterwards you would need to apply for a advance parole I-131 which takes a few months to get.

That's correct. K1 isn't a "status". It's a "visa". You get it back in your passport and have six months to use it. Once you use it, you have 90 days to marry. From the time you enter the USA using the visa until you have advance parole, you stay in the US or start all over again.

However I am wondering if you are Canadian and just drive back you might just use your citizenship card to enter Canada and USA and they just might let you in and out, I would call US embassy and see if you might travel to and from Canada while adjusting status without advanced parole.