Delaying use of K-1 visa and making another visit under VWP/ESTA

[simonschus 58]

Hi all,

I am applying for a K-1 visa. I am aware the K-1 visa is a one-use visa and don’t want to risk abandoning the application by leaving again before having AP.

If I am approved and have the K-1 visa in hand, do I have to use that visa on my next visit to the US? Or could I instead enter on my ESTA/VWP on my next visit to the US and delay using the K-1 visa on the visit after that? I’d return home after entering on the ESTA/VWP a few days later as it'd only be for a short holiday before the final move and before my employment finished in my home country.

As an aside, if I were able to enter using under the VWP then I would likely be entering using Global Entry

Simon.

Edited February 1, 2016 by simonschus

[mallafri76 1,012]

I asked this very question in a thread a week ago or so and the answers were divided. No one could say for certain but I emailed CBP and I'm waiting on a response from them. I can let you know once I hear something.

[simonschus 58]

Thanks mallafri76! I hope that we're able to find out. I am going to be going through CBP late next week but I'm unsure whether I should ask them face-to-face or not.

[Kastrs 723]

There have been a few cases of Canadians crossing the border and not having to use their K1, but in the majority of all other cases I have seen, once you have the K1 foil in your passport, you are required to enter using the K1