Visa Expires, waiting for AOS, can I travel w/in US

[amadeo 0]

Hello guys,

My visa is close to expiring, first week of March. I live in a border town in Texas, we have CBP checking people leaving the airport and the highway, Yes even just going to other states and cities within US. So I'm wondering can I travel within US? I have already sent my AOS to Chicago Box last week.

How long should it expect to hear something from AOS application?

[Ryan H 3,812]

My visa is close to expiring, first week of March.

Since you have already used the visa to enter the US, the expiration date on it no longer matters. As long as you married your petitioner within 90 days of your arrival (that date would be indicated on your I-94), then you fulfilled the terms of the visa.

You should receive your NOA1 for AOS sometime this week.

[bigdog 376]

Like Ryan said marrying in the 90 days is the key. Others will tell you no big deal but they don't live in a border state, When you get your I797 receipt use it to update your drivers license. I think that will work in the Republic of Texas. They should send it after they review. Carry your paperwork to CYA.

Edited February 27, 2012 by bigdog

[amadeo 0]

Thanks... Yes we got married last January... BTW whats CYA?

[TBoneTX 45,304]

Thanks... Yes we got married last January... BTW whats CYA?

CYA means "cover your behind."

We live in Texas, too, although not in the "de-Constitutionalized zone" near the border. Nevertheless, I had my wife carry EVERY possible paper: marriage certificate (a must); a photocopy of our cover-letter (& check) for AOS; then the NOA1 for AOS. In short, carry the marriage certificate at ALL times until you have your first green card.

When you get your green card, carry the ORIGINAL with you at all times. Ignore the perilous advice from some here about "Oh, the card is too expensive to lose, so lock it in a bank box and carry a photocopy." You'll be detained by CBP -- not only for not having the green card with you, but also possibly for photocopying an official governmental document (this last, from an attorney).

Word of warning to all here: If you're detained by CBP for not having your green card with you, you'll have to report it on your ROC application, and perhaps on your N-400 application for citizenship. This does NOT look good.

Also, Amadeo: If possible, try to avoid the CBP checkpoint south of Alpine, at all costs. They don't know (or choose to ignore) the limits of their authority. Happily, the checkpoint north of Laredo is much more professional. I haven't been through the others recently... except for Falfurrias, a few years ago.

If I ever go through the Alpine checkpoint again, they'll regret it if they hassle me. In their minds, somehow this is more their country than it is mine.

Edited February 28, 2012 by TBoneTX

[Leatherneck 693]

I concur with the advice regarding the actual GC being in your possession. You live in a border town, do not be caught dead without the GC once you receive it.

Yes you can travel within the U.S.