US Entry/ Visa Expiration

[heathercita 0]

Hello all,

I am looking for some advice for my husband and I. We are looking at a January or February interview date in Bogota and my husband would like to finish out teaching next semester before coming to the US for good. The semester ends at the end of May which would be under the 6 month validity of the visa, however it would be cutting it pretty close especially if he gets his visa at the beginning of January. We were wondering if it would be possible for him to enter the US for about a week or so and then go back home to finish out his contract for next semester. Is there a minimum amount of time he is required to be here before he can leave again? Once he leaves can he only be gone for a certain amount of time (days, weeks?)? I will be living in Colombia with him also from January until his contract is through. Any info. would be greatly appreciated.

THANKS!

Heather

[pushbrk 12,882]

Hello all,

I am looking for some advice for my husband and I. We are looking at a January or February interview date in Bogota and my husband would like to finish out teaching next semester before coming to the US for good. The semester ends at the end of May which would be under the 6 month validity of the visa, however it would be cutting it pretty close especially if he gets his visa at the beginning of January. We were wondering if it would be possible for him to enter the US for about a week or so and then go back home to finish out his contract for next semester. Is there a minimum amount of time he is required to be here before he can leave again? Once he leaves can he only be gone for a certain amount of time (days, weeks?)? I will be living in Colombia with him also from January until his contract is through. Any info. would be greatly appreciated.

THANKS!

Heather

Sure, after entering with a CR1 or IR1 visa, he can turn around and leave the same day if he wants. The endorsement of his visa is a temporary green card good for a year. I would suggest simply delaying the interview though. Far less expensive.

He should not leave for more than six months but technically he could leave for up to a year.

Edited November 17, 2010 by pushbrk

[Wayne and Claudia 40]

Entering and then departing for an extended stay could cause flags to be raised. It is legal, just does not look good. The greencard will take anywhere from 4-8 weeks to receive, though you don't need it to travel. If you and your husband are worried about cutting the time close then once you receive your interview date contact the embassy and re-schedule for a later date. Only the initial interview for CR-1s are done at NVC. After that the embassy takes care of the case and from my experience they are accomadating. Good luck.

[pushbrk 12,882]

Entering and then departing for an extended stay could cause flags to be raised. It is legal, just does not look good. The greencard will take anywhere from 4-8 weeks to receive, though you don't need it to travel. If you and your husband are worried about cutting the time close then once you receive your interview date contact the embassy and re-schedule for a later date. Only the initial interview for CR-1s are done at NVC. After that the embassy takes care of the case and from my experience they are accomadating. Good luck.

Or, simply drag your feet sending the last set of documents to NVC. If you want a March interview, wait until about the middle of January to send the last package to NVC.

[heathercita 0]

Thanks so much for your replies! I can't believe I forgot about the possibility of rescheduling the interview date! Thanks again!

Heather