Travelling within United States using K1 Visa

[ChaiLatte 1]

I just received my K1 Visa and I am now currently in the United States, I have a question.

I know I cannot travel internationally using my K1 Visa but can I travel throughout the United States anytime I want without any issues?

Thanks

[Ryan H 3,826]

Moved from K1 Progress Reports to Working & Traveling During US Immigration forum.

**Organizer hat off**

I know I cannot travel internationally using my K1 Visa but can I travel throughout the United States anytime I want without any issues?

Yes, but if you are planning go to some states where CBP has set up checkpoints near the southern border (Arizona and Texas are known have them), then you will want some form of documentation showing your status.

[KASH2011 382]

That's right !! You r ok to travel anywhere within the states!

[Angkorwat 0]

Bring your ID card with you when you travel inside our states.

[ChaiLatte 1]

Thank you so much.

[newacct 688]

A "visa" is only for entering the U.S. It is not for any other purpose. Once you entered, the "visa" doesn't mean anything.

Inside the U.S. it's only your status (given by your I-94) that matters. Also, travel within the U.S. generally does not care about immigration status, unless you go through one of those checkpoints.

[TBoneTX 45,966]

Important, especially if you're traveling within 100 miles of either U.S. border: If you're within the 90 days authorized by your I-94, but you haven't applied for AOS yet, take a copy (preferably a duplicate original) of your marriage certificate with you wherever you go.

If you've applied for AOS but haven't received your NOA1 yet, take a photocopy of your cover-letter for the AOS package (along with your marriage certificate). If you have your NOA1 for AOS, take that (along with your marriage certificate).

[dwinge 34]

Checkpoints in southern California also but typically they are just drive through.

[bigdog 376]

Hopefully you will get your AOS filed soon. Congratulations.

[yorubaqueen13 28]

Is it mandatory to file for AOS within the first 90 days of Entry to the US? Or can u file whenever as long as u married within the 90 days?

[Mela17 36]

Is it mandatory to file for AOS within the first 90 days of Entry to the US? Or can u file whenever as long as u married within the 90 days?

You will want to file for AOS as soon as you are married because, as I understand it, as soon as your 90 days expire on the K-1 you will be out of status, married or not. Filing the AOS paperwork puts you into a period of stay authorized by the Attorney General while you wait for your green card to be approved. Once approved, you are then authorized to stay for 2 years per the green card, but of course at 1 year and 9 months of having said green card you will file for ROC so you can extend your status another 10 years and so on.

[newacct 688]

Is it mandatory to file for AOS within the first 90 days of Entry to the US? Or can u file whenever as long as u married within the 90 days?

Depends on what you mean by "mandatory". The I-94 expires in 90 days, so you'll be out of status and technically deportable from that time until you file for AOS. So it would be good to file AOS within the first 90 days. On the other hand, unless you somehow get caught and deported during that time (which is highly unlikely), there is no other consequence for being out of status in terms of the AOS application (except just getting everything later), so in that sense, you could say it doesn't really matter.

[NikLR 13,232]

Is it mandatory to file for AOS within the first 90 days of Entry to the US? Or can u file whenever as long as u married within the 90 days?

No it's not mandatory but you're holding your new spouse essentially hostage. They can't work. They can't travel. If they're out of status they can't get an SSN, a driver's license, etc... You've just made it so the person you want to spend your whole life with, that you brought to the USA to marry, cannot do anything on their own. While they won't be deported while you're married, if you break up, they have no choice but to head home even if they've done everything they can to build a life in the USA including having children.