returning to home country after marriage

[kafine 0]

I apologise if this is in the wrong place but I was not sure what best applied.

I have just been fortunate enough to have my K1 visa approved and we are now discussing wedding plans. We want to be able to celebrate in the UK with my family and had originally planned to do this before leaving for the US but the timeline is shorter than we had hoped. What's being suggested now is that we have that celebration after we are married.

But I don't feel that I'll be able to travel very soon afterwards, at least not untill I have been able to change my status. as I will still only have a UK passport and no current US visa. The Esta will no longer apply to me as I will be remaining permenantly in the US after returning from the trip.

Any advice on this? Is my presumption correct?

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

You will not be able to travel abroad until you have married, filed your big AOS packet, and received your Advance Parole Travel permission. This will be approved 70-90 days after you apply. Then you can travel freely.

If you leave before you have that you will be stuck outside the country and will have to start over with a spousal visa.

[ChicagoSarah 127]

Harpa Timsah is correct. Once you come in on the K-1, you cannot leave the country (well, you can leave, but you won't be allowed re-entry) until you get your Green Card or your EAD/AP (combo card for work and travel). Green card will take anywhere from 5-12 months after you submit AOS paperwork, and the EAD/AP card should take about 90 days from submission.

Work on your AOS and EAD/AP paperwork as early as you can so that you can complete and send the packet as soon as you are married and have your marriage certificate. This will minimize the time you cannot leave the US.

Good luck!

[kafine 0]

I thought so, thankyou for the clarification