Traveling to US after interview without using K1 (split thread)

[djicet 1]

Hello, I'm from Montreal and I am currently in the process of scheduling my K1 interview online, having received the packet 4 instructions letter by email today. I have many choices, the earliest being July 28, and then there are spots almost everyday in August. I planned to be in the US for my engagement party the weekend of Aug 8, so my question is as follows:

1. If I choose the July 28 interview date, and get approved, there's only about 1 week before I want to travel, so maybe that's not enough time to receive the passport with visa package? (they will send it to Loomis courrier in Lachine, and I pick it up from there). If I go this route, would they take my Canadian passport away and mail it back with the visa or will they issue a new US passport with the visa in it? (All the photos I give them are US passport standards, so I was wondering about that).

2. If I choose an interview date some time in August, after the engagement party of Aug 8, I will still be able to travel using my Canadian passport and come back before the interview date? (Most answers found in the forums suggest yes)

Obviously option 1 is preferable, then I won't have to buy a return flight ticket to come back, but timing is just too tight. I will check the online visa scheduling system several times a day to hopefully find a sooner date, in case someone cancels an appointment or something..

Thank you!

[djicet 1]

Adding to my question for Option 1, what if I go to the US now and only come back before the Interview?

I will still be employed (as vacation),

[Hypnos 6,576]

You may need to reconsider your timeline.

You will not receive a US passport because you are not a US citizen or national. The embassy would normally retain your passport and affix your K-1 visa into it; this may take longer than 10 days though.

There should be no issue with visiting the US for a month or two as a Canadian visitor prior to your visa issuance.

[milimelo 4,487]

Choose the date after you're back to Canada.

[djicet 1]

you're right, one week is too generous. And if they take away my passport, I won't even be able to travel at all. I guess I'll book the interview after I come back.

Then I'll have to book the medical exam accordingly

[D.Ba 85]

Yes, they will keep your passport. I had mine back in a week, but don't count on it.

[NikLR 13,227]

The consulates are being unusually slow about returning passports. Go with a later date.

[djicet 1]

Thanks for your replies everyone!

[Trenz 52]

Just to reaffirm the general sentiment here: Definitely go with the later date so you can retain your Canadian passport for travel.

I had my K1 interview in Montreal May 14th and have yet to receive my passport and/or visa via Loomis. One week is far too short of a time line, especially considering how slow they have been as of late.

Best of luck going forward!

Edited June 8, 2015 by Trenz

[djicet 1]

Does our port of entry have to be Montreal if we did our K1 process with the Montreal Consulate?

Or can I use Toronto as port of entry?

[Flames9_RN 358]

Does our port of entry have to be Montreal if we did our K1 process with the Montreal Consulate?

Or can I use Toronto as port of entry?

Can use ANY port of entry you wish..head to Saskatchewan if u want and head in via N. Dakota.............good luyck

Edited June 22, 2015 by Flames9_RN