Questions about what happens after the interview

[ktb 15]

We have our interview date (finally!!!). But I have a few questions about what happens next.

1. We applied for a CR-1 but the process took longer then we thought and our interview is april, our 2 year anniversary is in june and we plan to make the move in august. Since our entrance to the US will be after our 2 year anniversary I believe my husband will automatically receive the IR-1, which is valid for 10 years (i.e. no more paperwork!!!). Is this correct? If so, what happens after the 10 years is up?

2. I have heard about this $165 fee that must be paid after we are approved but before we enter the US. So does this mean that we can pay at the interview or does it depend on if they approve us that day or not? I only ask because as we are both living abroad and don't have a US bank account, do we need to have someone in the US pay it? Do we pay online like the IV and AOS fees?

3. What restrictions are placed on the green card in regards to international travel? For example, are we not allowed to leave for the first month, six months, etc. Must we stay in the US for a certain amount of time every year? Not that we are planning to leave, but our work may take us to other countries for maybe 6 months at a time.

4. Any tips on making the big move? How have you shipped your belongings to US from your home country? Has anyone used unaccompanied luggage to ship their stuff over?

Thanks in advance for your help!!

[N-o-l-a 7,167]

We have our interview date (finally!!!). But I have a few questions about what happens next.

1. We applied for a CR-1 but the process took longer then we thought and our interview is april, our 2 year anniversary is in june and we plan to make the move in august. Since our entrance to the US will be after our 2 year anniversary I believe my husband will automatically receive the IR-1, which is valid for 10 years (i.e. no more paperwork!!!). Is this correct? If so, what happens after the 10 years is up? Yes, you get an IR-1, which you can renew at 10 years or go for citizenship before then

2. I have heard about this $165 fee that must be paid after we are approved but before we enter the US. So does this mean that we can pay at the interview or does it depend on if they approve us that day or not? I only ask because as we are both living abroad and don't have a US bank account, do we need to have someone in the US pay it? Do we pay online like the IV and AOS fees? It gets paid online here http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=3a2bb75e8109b310VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD&vgnextchannel=fe529c7755cb9010VgnVCM10000045f3d6a1RCRD

3. What restrictions are placed on the green card in regards to international travel? For example, are we not allowed to leave for the first month, six months, etc. Must we stay in the US for a certain amount of time every year? Not that we are planning to leave, but our work may take us to other countries for maybe 6 months at a time. You can leave right away with the I-551 that is in your passport. You can leave for up to a year without being considered to have abandoned the greencard. Be careful how much time you spend outside the country if you are going for naturalization.

4. Any tips on making the big move? How have you shipped your belongings to US from your home country? Has anyone used unaccompanied luggage to ship their stuff over? It is very expensive to ship things from Denmark, so we are flying Iceland Air which allows two suitcases per person and a reasonable extra baggage and sports equipment fee. I'd shop around for a luggage friendly airline if you are planning on taking extra baggage.

Thanks in advance for your help!!

[ktb 15]

Thanks Nola for your help!!!

It is really expensive for us to ship from Cyprus as well, so that's why we are looking for the best option. Hopefully we can find a ticket with a good baggage allowance. I will look into Iceland Air, we've flown to the US with them before. Thanks for that!

[The Mean Lady 604]

When you POE, note to the officer that you should have an IR1 visa since you're past your 2 year mark. That's where they will change it.