Can I cross the border without activating my K1?

[iampatricias 17]

Little background: I'm a permanent resident in Canada and I get a new I-94W in my Dutch passport every couple of months since I cross the border pretty regularly. Since my most recent I-94W expires soon, I'm going to get a new one (valid for 90 days) before I have my K1 interview. After the interview, I will get my passport back with a K1 inside, and (hopefully) my old I-94W.

Now, my fiance is flying into Buffalo in May. I'd like to pick him up at the airport, come back to Canada, and finish packing my things, and then activate the K1 by crossing a few days later.

Is it possible to request the CBP allow entry based on one visa and not another? Has anyone succeeded in crossing the border with a K1 in their passports, but not activating it until a subsequent trip at a later time?

[Flames9_RN 358]

Others have done it, BUT---it all comes down to 1 thing----the PORT of ENTRY Officer!!!

[Inky 1,111]

Its possible to request entry without activation of the K-1, you would just ask them not to activate it. The likely hood of getting someone that says ok is 50/50. If they say no you have to activate it, snatch the passport back and turn around before they start trying to activate it!

(I wouldn't risk it after all the initial waiting and payments for it!)

[VanessaTony 3,567]

I've never heard of anyone doing it successfully. The question is this, if they DO activate it (and you don't realise) how would you feel knowing you have voided your K1 and have to do the process over again?

On another note.. I believe your "other" visa is deactivated. In fact, I recall several threads where people with a B2 have their B2 visa voided there and then at the interview with a note "cancelled without prejudice" on it. That would indicate to me that you CANNOT enter on anything but the K1 (as apparently the Canadian special visit thingy is similar to a B2 visa with rules and stuff).

I wouldn't risk it. It is most definitely not worth it.

[Krikit 1,164]

Call the Peace Bridge and ask them. I was able to successfully cross at that POE with the K-1 in my passport and not having to use it. I just explained to them that I planned on using it at a later date and they were fine with that. I know some others have done so also. Since you have different circumstances (you're not a Canadian citizen), I would imagine it could be problematic. Worst case scenario is that you withdraw your application to enter and your fiance meets you in Fort Erie.

The Peace Bridge

[iampatricias 17]

Krikit, I thought I had heard about this before... I'm planning on going through the Peace Bridge with a friend next week (for wedding prep) and will go into secondary (try for a fresh I-94W) so I plan to ask them about their policy to clarify. Of course I don't want to get stuck in the States too early or even worse, get stuck OUTSIDE the States! It would be a disaster!!

Do you think there's much difference in CBP attitudes at each of the crossings?

[Krikit 1,164]

Attitudes.... not really. Immigration process.... yes. The Peace Bridge seems to have the most knowledgeable officers. Plus they are very used to Canadians crossing there just for the airport. The Rainbow Bridge is definitely a no-go zone. That's for tourists only. Queenston/Lewiston is so-so. Just emphasize to them, when you're asking, that you're only doing a pickup at the airport. You can even offer to stop back in to let them know you're departing. When you're honest and forthcoming, they're usually quite understanding. Good luck.