Exiting the US just after entering it

[Erthwhile 0]

Hi,

I and my wife plan a short 4 days break to Puerto Rico, and we plan to do it after I enter the US. We are planning to leave exactly the day after I enter the country. One question. Will that be a problem?

thanks!

[CaptainPenguin 5]

Puerto Rico is part of the United States, it will be considered to be a domestic flight. You will not leave the country so no problems there.

[Erthwhile 0]

Puerto Rico is part of the United States, it will be considered to be a domestic flight. You will not leave the country so no problems there.

And what if we decide to go like to Panama or Jamaica? Or even Canada?

[trailmix 77]

I'm assuming you have a CR1 or IR1 visa, so that's also not a problem.

[Erthwhile 0]

I'm assuming you have a CR1 or IR1 visa, so that's also not a problem.

A green card is a CR1 IR1 right?

[gwenneh 7]

No, a green card is a green card. What you get after the DCF interview is an IR-1/CR-1 visa, which is valid for multiple entry.

If you have either of these, you'll be fine to leave and re-enter.

[Deputy Purple 1,294]

IR-1/CR-1 visa, which is valid for multiple entry.

WRONG! IR/CR Visa is a single entry Visa. At POE you will receive a stamp, I-551 which serve as your temporary Greencard (valid for up to 1 year).

If you have either of these, you'll be fine to leave and re-enter.

RIGHT! Because of the I-551 stamp received upon entry into the US using a IR/CR Visa.

Edited July 6, 2010 by Bob 4 Anna

[Erthwhile 0]

WRONG! IR/CR Visa is a single entry Visa. At POE you will receive a stamp, I-551 which serve as your temporary Greencard (valid for up to 1 year).

RIGHT! Because of the I-551 stamp received upon entry into the US using a IR/CR Visa.

So if through DCF I get my immigration visa based on marriage to a US citizen, when I get to the US I will get my I-551 stamp which works as a temporary green card and that allows me the day after to leave the country for a short holiday to Montego Bay in Jamaica right?

[Erthwhile 0]

Another thing. These are the requirements to enter Jamaica for US residents but not nationals:

U.S. Residents

Other nationals who are permanent residents of the United States may enter Jamaica as tourists without visas, but must travel with:

Alien Registration Cards (Green Cards) or

Valid US reentry permits (if applicable), and round-trip or onward tickets

Resident aliens in the US, visiting Jamaica as tourists for periods not exceeding six (6) months, and who possess return or round trip touring tickets showing that their journey began in the USA, Puerto Rico or the US Virgin Islands, and that they are entitled to return there, are not required to hold passports to enter Jamaica.

Jamaican who residents of the US and travelling on their alien Registration cards must have a return ticket to the United States of America.

So, will I be fine with just my I-551 stamp?

Also, I am Italian, and Italian passport holders can enter the country up to 90 days without a visa. Will it be ok then right?

[CaptainPenguin 5]

So, will I be fine with just my I-551 stamp?

YES. Once they stamp your visa with the I-551 stamp that will act as your proof of residency until you receive your green card in the mail. You need to start using your green card as soon as you get it, and also look out for any dates of time frame information they might put on your visa. A lot of times the I-551 stamp is only valid for 30, 60, 90 or 120 days !

Also, I am Italian, and Italian passport holders can enter the country up to 90 days without a visa. Will it be ok then right?

NO. You will become a permanent resident. Once you are a permanent resident you can absolutely not request entry under the visa waiver program.

[Erthwhile 0]

YES. Once they stamp your visa with the I-551 stamp that will act as your proof of residency until you receive your green card in the mail. You need to start using your green card as soon as you get it, and also look out for any dates of time frame information they might put on your visa. A lot of times the I-551 stamp is only valid for 30, 60, 90 or 120 days !

NO. You will become a permanent resident. Once you are a permanent resident you can absolutely not request entry under the visa waiver program.

Hi Captain! the 90 days entry was referred to jamaica for a holiday, not to the US I will enter the US on the 29th of this month, POE Boston, then the day after I will leave for Jamaica with my wife for a 7 days holiday b4 starting my new life with her here in the US

[CaptainPenguin 5]

Hi Captain! the 90 days entry was referred to jamaica for a holiday, not to the US I will enter the US on the 29th of this month, POE Boston, then the day after I will leave for Jamaica with my wife for a 7 days holiday b4 starting my new life with her here in the US

Understand, you should not have any problems with that whatsoever. Good luck with your journey !