AOS/AP and Travel outside the US

[BuvRahl 3]

Hey gang,

Just thinking ahead about international travel. My wife (k1), and son (k2), are from Ukraine, and we are sending out all the paperwork for AOS in the next week. I'm just curious about AP, and where it will allow them to travel. I know that it will allow them back into the US, after traveling abroad, but does it grant them the same freedom to travel to international destinations like a US citizen? For example, if we want to travel to the southern Caribbean on a cruise and go to St. Kitts, or go to Europe and visit Spain, will they need a Visa specific to Ukrainian citizenship?

Sorry if this is confusing, hopefully you understand what I'm asking.

Thanks for the info,

Lee and Mariana

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

No, it definitely does not allow them to travel like a US Citizen or under USC rules. Neither does a Greencard. They will travel as Ukraine citizens, and will need the appropriate visas for Ukraine citizens to travel abroad.

There are two exceptions, Greencard holders of the US can travel visa-free to Canada and Mexico. Not the same for AP, though.

[BuvRahl 3]

Thanks for the reply, Harpa.

Do you know if being married to a US citizen makes obtaining Visa's to certain countries easier? For example, I know that for a single woman from Ukraine to get a Shengen Visa, it is considered difficult to obtain (at least from my wife's point of view). Just wondering if that changes any, now that we're married.

We both love to travel, and haven't had the opportunity for a honeymoon yet, with 2 children, school, work, etc. Just trying to think ahead.

Thanks

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

The Greencard especially should make it easier; I am not sure if the marriage without the US Permanent Residence would help too much.

I have seen trouble for people getting visas when they only have AP, because the issuing country isn't totally convinced that the person can return to the US on it, and worries that the person would be stuck in their country.

[BuvRahl 3]

Thanks for the info, Harpa.

If anyone else has experience in this area, feel free to add your input.

Thanks again.