Married and Honeymoon travel out of country / unexpected surprise from USCIS

[jst 1]

Hello to all.

I want to thank all who helped build this web site and to all who assisted me and my fiance from Russia to process all the numerous lengthy and sometimes complex documents.

My fiance from Russia and I married two days ago. We are very happy!!!

I went to the Social Security administration to file for her SSN number and was surprised the lady was very familiar with USCIS requirements.

I mentioned we were traveling out of the USA to Europe for our honey moon and she said my wife will need a "Travel Out of County Authority" document from USCIS for her to leave the US. I called USCIS to verify and the lady said yes my wife will need this document for Customs to allow her to enter back into the USA. I was not aware of this requirement. I have already purchased tickets to depart on 3 June and return on 10 June. Now I have to file for an "expeditious" approval.

Has any one else heard of this "Travel Out of County Authority" document required before the Adjustment of Status application is approved in 6-9 months?

Thanks in advance

[aleful 1,905]

hi

as said many times on this forum, the K1 is an only one time entry visa, once she entered the country she cannot leave until you file the adjustment of status packet, including the i131 travel document

she cannot leave the country for 3 or 4 months that it might take to receive the said document

if you have been on this forum, you should have known by now that she can't travel abroad, if she leaves without the travel document, then she won't be able to return and you will have to file the i130 for the CR1 route

if you want a honeymoon abroad, then you will have to wait a few months

[Pitaya 2,577]

~Moved from K1 Process to Working & Traveling During US Immigration Forum~

~Inquiry about post-K1 travel~

~ It helps everyone that uses the forum. Additionally, it enables other members to make appropriate responses relative to your specific point in your immigration journey.~

(mod hat off)

Are you speaking about Form I-131 Advance Parole Document? https://www.uscis.gov/i-131 That is generally recommended to be filed concurrently with the AOS application (no fees if filed concurrently with I-485)). If so, you may want to re-think your travel plans.

Good luck on your immigration journey.

Pitaya

VJ Moderation

Edited April 2, 2016 by Pitaya

[Jack2107 46]

Yes it's very clear that the k1 visa is only good for a one time use. You will need travel authorisation from the uscis.

Unfortunately if you don't get it in time there's nothing you can do about your travel plans.

[Boiler 45,525]

if you have been on this forum, you should have known by now that she can't travel abroad, if she leaves without the travel document, then she won't be able to return and you will have to file the i130 for the CR1 route

Joined in 2014.

[JR loves JR 196]

As stated above, the K-1 is a one time entry and if an immigrant leaves the country without a green card or Advanced Parole document, they will NOT be allowed reentry. It is common for people to apply for a travel document (Advanced Parole) along with a work permit (Employment Authorization Document) when they file for their green card (Adjustment of Status). The first two documents take about 90 days to process and allow the immigrant to travel and work while the green card application is processed. Our green card took 8 months to process but it can take more than a year. So it's advised to file for AP and EAD when you file for AOS. AP and EAD are free if you file during AOS so there's no reason not to do it.

However, I don't believe it's possible for a K-1 recipient to just file for AP and/or EAD without applying for AOS. So get started on ALL those applications now. There's a guide on here if you need directions. There's no way to expedite something you haven't applied for yet. Unfortunately the USCIS doesn't think that honeymoons are normally a good reason to expedite. So you should call your airline and see if you can reschedule your flights for a later (like 6+ months later). You should also see about cancelling or rescheduling your other travel arrangements. Please note that things can cause your AP to be delayed and six months may not be enough time. So waiting a year for your "official" honeymoon wouldn't be a terrible idea. And the cancelation fees/losses will be much less than paying for the CR1, having to spend another year apart, and having to go through the visa application process again. Bottom line: DON'T leave the country without AP or a green card in hand!

[jst 1]

Joined in 2014.

Thank you Boiler for reminding people about how to respond in this forum.

I appreciate all the "objective" feedback folks gave me and my wife on the subject of this thread.

[Unlockable 7,314]

You need to file AOS immediately. Like last week immediately. Having the EAD/AP card before the 2nd week of June is extremely optimistic. To be safe it would be best to reschedule your trip because there are no "expeditious" approvals for already purchased tickets. You need to show something like extreme family or medical emergency for having to leave.

Your immigration journey did not stop after you got married. There is a LOT more to do.

File the AOS plus the EAD/AP ($1,070). You should get your EAD/AP combo card between 60 - 90 days. Then your wife can travel while you wait for the green card to be approved.

The green card should follow the combo card 1 - 6 months afterwards. (Additional Note: The green card is a 2 year conditional card. After your wife gets it there is still more that has to be done in about 2 years. Please research the steps)

And yes there are some members that will be a little curt with you because all of this information is readily available in this site and you failed to utilize it. Best not to take it too personal.

Edited April 2, 2016 by NuestraUnion

[Unlockable 7,314]

jst. You are off.

My response was informative.

And Boilers' comment was directed to you, not other members. "Read The Guides" refers to reading the guides steps in the immigration process. Not how to reply in threads.

But I agree this thread should be closed. You have your information.

Good luck

Edited April 2, 2016 by NuestraUnion

[Boiler 45,525]

My concern is that you are essentially half way through the process and do not seem to realise what else is required. People here have been kind enough to detail some of the issues but you really should read the Guides so you are fully aware of everything.

AP is just one small part of the process.

You mentioned applying for a SSN, that is the first thing you do after entering on a K1.

You were lucky, very lucky that somebody gave you a heads up about AP. Might be other issues you have missed.

[Lemonslice 4,850]

My concern is that you are essentially half way through the process and do not seem to realise what else is required. People here have been kind enough to detail some of the issues but you really should read the Guides so you are fully aware of everything.

AP is just one small part of the process.

You mentioned applying for a SSN, that is the first thing you do after entering on a K1.

You were lucky, very lucky that somebody gave you a heads up about AP. Might be other issues you have missed.

See posting history.

[Hypnos 6,576]

You're unlikely to receive AP by June.

[Bzegurl 41]

Maybe you can try to make an appointment with your local USCIS and maybe they can give you one. Nothing to try. Goodluck

[Ontarkie 14,226]

~~Inappropriate post removed. Thread also locked as requested.~~