CR1 - likehood of getting denied entry on B1

[kzielu 1,149]

What's is the likehood of being denied entry at POE when travelling on B-1/B-2 during I-130 processing ? Is it any greater than in case of I-129F processing ? We are kind of debating which way to go and VJ guide in case of CR-1 says "The applicant will most likely not be able to enter the US while their IR1-CR-1 Visa is being processed."

I know there is a risk in case of I-129F, just trying to find out than if for any of these it is any greater than for the other one - because I will be trying to travel (with no intent to stay of course) anyway. And BTW - have 10 years of B-1 of perfect travel history - always left way ahead of time stamped into the passport.

[Done--Really 331]

As with so many things, it comes down to the individual CBP officer at the POE. If you have tons of evidence showing strong ties to your home country, then your odds go up if probed. But you will also see many experiences here where folks were let in with not a question.

The last time I came in thru Newark, I asked the CBP officer his opinion, and he laughed and said that he grilled everyone, but let most in if they had plenty of evidence, but he also said that most of his fellow officers just waved almost everyone through. Even with that positive view, we have chosen to not risk the $$ of her coming here and being turned back, so I go to Costa Rica every couple of months. I know that's not possible for everyone since CR is only a 5-hour flight for me versus much longer trips for many others, but it works for us.

Almost forgot--she also has a B1/B2 visa and has a perfect record of several trips and never overstaying, but we still have decided to not risk the $$$.

Edited May 8, 2011 by magical

[Gosia & John 0]

One of my VJ friends is going to visit her husband this month and she's in the process with the I-130 visa. I don't think there should be any problems, but then again someone might have a different information to give you.

[debz 0]

What's is the likehood of being denied entry at POE when travelling on B-1/B-2 during I-130 processing ? Is it any greater than in case of I-129F processing ? We are kind of debating which way to go and VJ guide in case of CR-1 says "The applicant will most likely not be able to enter the US while their IR1-CR-1 Visa is being processed."

I know there is a risk in case of I-129F, just trying to find out than if for any of these it is any greater than for the other one - because I will be trying to travel (with no intent to stay of course) anyway. And BTW - have 10 years of B-1 of perfect travel history - always left way ahead of time stamped into the passport.

I had no problems visiting

[kzielu 1,149]

Thanks a lot for answers - turns out no real difference here.