Restriction on time for entry

[richakn 0]

Hi,

I will be applying for residency via my wife's US citizenship (about to file the I-130)........ if my visa is ultimately approved, is there a period of time in which we have to enter the US? At the moment we don't know when we will relocate to the US but it would be nice to have the option at any point. Can I obtain a visa and then enter on that visa say a year or two years later or is there a period of time in which I have to enter?

Any help would be appreciated

Thank you

[Krikit 1,165]

Once issued, the visa is good for six months before it expires.

[Miss M 54]

Yes, the visa is valid for 6 months only, after which you would have to begin the process all over.

[Harsh_77 718]

Once issued, the visa is good for six months before it expires.

[pushbrk 13,036]

Six months is correct for the CR1 or IR1 spouse visa but not correct for the unobtainable K3 visa. The K3, if you could get one, would not expire until two years after issue and would be good for multiple entries. It's perfect for your circumstances but alas, unobtainable.

[skiptex 225]

when ever you get the VISA.. it will have a USE BY DATE

[richakn 0]

when ever you get the VISA.. it will have a USE BY DATE

Excellent, thank you all.

So I would be required to enter the USA within 6 months of issue. Once I've entered I assume I can leave and enter the country on the Visa without restrcition? I wouldn't be making regular trips, but holidays etc.

Also, what is the procedure towards a green card? Do I need to remain on a spouse visa for a set period of time before I can then apply for a green card and the equivalent of 'right to remain' (which is what we call it in the UK, which my wife has)

Rich

[Dave&Roza 748]

Excellent, thank you all.

So I would be required to enter the USA within 6 months of issue. Once I've entered I assume I can leave and enter the country on the Visa without restrcition? I wouldn't be making regular trips, but holidays etc.

Also, what is the procedure towards a green card? Do I need to remain on a spouse visa for a set period of time before I can then apply for a green card and the equivalent of 'right to remain' (which is what we call it in the UK, which my wife has)

Rich

The Cr-1/IR-1 visa takes a while to be issued because you are approved for the GC as well as the visa. After entry in to the US, the GC will arrive. You can travel using the GC, but must always remain aware of the requirements of maintaining your LPR status. Depending on how long you are married, you will receive a 2 yr GC or a 10 yr GC. It is the GC that alows you to re-enter the US not the Visa.

Dave

[pushbrk 13,036]

The Cr-1/IR-1 visa takes a while to be issued because you are approved for the GC as well as the visa. After entry in to the US, the GC will arrive. You can travel using the GC, but must always remain aware of the requirements of maintaining your LPR status. Depending on how long you are married, you will receive a 2 yr GC or a 10 yr GC. It is the GC that alows you to re-enter the US not the Visa.

Dave

Essentially the above is correct but it usually takes a few weeks for the Green Card to arrive. Until it does, the endorsement stamp on the visa itself (received at entry) serves as a temporary Green Card for a year. You are free to travel and re-enter the USA immediately, once you enter using the immigrant visa.