Travel after arrival in USA but before final Green card?

[malka 0]

I think that my fiance (then husband ) should be able to take a quick trip to Canada shortly after he arrives in the USA and activates his CR-1 visa (gets his temporary greencard in his passport) but before the final Green Card arrives in the mail. But does anyone have any actual experience with this? Or know where USCIS/immigration officially states this?

Thanks!

[Marilyn. 340]

yes, traveling with just the I-551 stamp in his passport should be ok... the stamp is valid for 1 year...

he should get his green card in about a month after activating his visa....

oops, I assumed your husband was from Canada... you might need to check the requirements to visit CAnada... he might need a visa depending on where he is from....

Edited March 15, 2007 by MarilynP

[riblet 0]

He should be able to visit with the stamp:

Visitor Visa Exemptions:

persons lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence who are in possession of their alien registration card (Green card) or can provide other evidence of permanent residence.

found at: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/visas.html (scroll to the bottom)

[milimelo 4,539]

I hope this will help to someone

During my interview, I asked about coming to the States firts for a visit with my hubby in June and activating my visa, then leaving and returning in December once my contract is up. The lady said it will not be a problem so long as I enter before a year passes, preferably within six months. Re: green card (as I had the same question) - she said I will probably get it during our visit and if not, that my mother in law can send it to me, otherwise just the stamp is ok in passport.

So, no worries.

[malka 0]

Thanks to all!

[simo-fati 0]

I think that my fiance (then husband ) should be able to take a quick trip to Canada shortly after he arrives in the USA and activates his CR-1 visa (gets his temporary greencard in his passport) but before the final Green Card arrives in the mail. But does anyone have any actual experience with this? Or know where USCIS/immigration officially states this?

Thanks!

well from my own experience YES he can but he needs to be careful not to stay longer than 6 months ...when I got my permanent residence I came to the states for 10 days went back and finished my studies and came back 5months and 26 days later NO PROBLEMS remmember he will eventually have to explain that trip while preparing for his citizenship

GOOD LUCK TO BOTH OF YOU

[doc_cute 0]

I think that my fiance (then husband ) should be able to take a quick trip to Canada shortly after he arrives in the USA and activates his CR-1 visa (gets his temporary greencard in his passport) but before the final Green Card arrives in the mail. But does anyone have any actual experience with this? Or know where USCIS/immigration officially states this?

Thanks!

he can but dont prolong the stay much he has too explainhis prexent stay later on

[pushbrk 13,043]

Thanks to all!

If there is any problem it will be with entering Canada, not returning to the US. If he is from a Country that needs a visa to enter Canada, you are at the mercy of the Canadian Border agent's familiarity with the meaning of the stamp in his passport. They understand "green card" but might not understand the stamp. Otherwise you're good to go.