Can I travel to US with K1 stamped in passport, but use the B1/B2 visa?

[disobedientavocad 6]

Hey guys!

So we are almost at the end of our K1 process and I have the medical and interview lined up for the next few weeks. We expect to have the visa done by late July at this point.
However, I don't plan on moving to the US until December this year due to work obligations. I work for an international company and while its not 100% sure, I might have to travel to the US for business before December. So, I was wondering, if I could travel to the US with my B1/B2 visa that I already have WITH the K1 stamped in my passport?

My assumption would be no but I just want to be sure. I know k1 is a single entry visa and I cannot re-enter so I don't want to have a situation where Im traveling there for business and my K1 is stamped.

Any insights would be very appreciated! Thanks!

[A'n'L 735]

Your B1/B2 visa will usually be cancelled when they print the K1.

 

Also, be aware that the validity of the K1 will be no longer than six months from the date of your medical exam.

[mallafri76 1,012]

Sorry, but no you can't.

[geowrian 22,337]

Nope. Once you have the K-1 in your passport, your next entry must be with this. Furthermore, they are likely to cancel the tourist visa when the K-1 gets approved anyway. It's not like a coupon where you can pick whichever one best suits your needs today.

[Roel 7,192]

Confirmed. They cancelled my tourist visa right there on the K1 interview. 

[disobedientavocad 6]

Thanks everyone for the responses!

[mytruelove18 608]

6 hours ago, disobedientavocad said:

Hey guys!

So we are almost at the end of our K1 process and I have the medical and interview lined up for the next few weeks. We expect to have the visa done by late July at this point.
However, I don't plan on moving to the US until December this year due to work obligations. I work for an international company and while its not 100% sure, I might have to travel to the US for business before December. So, I was wondering, if I could travel to the US with my B1/B2 visa that I already have WITH the K1 stamped in my passport?

My assumption would be no but I just want to be sure. I know k1 is a single entry visa and I cannot re-enter so I don't want to have a situation where Im traveling there for business and my K1 is stamped.

Any insights would be very appreciated! Thanks!

just change your medical and your consular appoinment, example schedule your intervie for november in that way you can travel before on your b2 to USA without problem

[geowrian 22,337]

17 minutes ago, mytruelove18 said:

just change your medical and your consular appoinment, example schedule your intervie for november in that way you can travel before on your b2 to USA without problem

That works, too. Just make sure they extend the petition until after the interview as well (so it doesn't expire).

Edited June 23, 2017 by geowrian

[Cryssiekins 976]

Just as info... I received a K1 visa in September 2016.  I entered the US on visa waiver after receiving the K1 but before my planned relocation date.  CBP at the border (Lewiston Bridge in NY from Ontario) asked if I wanted to use the K1, and I said no, and he waived me through. (I was fully prepared to turn around and drive the 45 mins back home if they didn't let me use VWP). 

[geowrian 22,337]

14 minutes ago, Cryssiekins said:

Just as info... I received a K1 visa in September 2016.  I entered the US on visa waiver after receiving the K1 but before my planned relocation date.  CBP at the border (Lewiston Bridge in NY from Ontario) asked if I wanted to use the K1, and I said no, and he waived me through. (I was fully prepared to turn around and drive the 45 mins back home if they didn't let me use VWP). 

Canada doesn't have VWP...they use a different program for entry (allows up to 6 month of status and permits extensions, which VWP doesn't allow and requires an ESTA). But either way, there was nothing for them to cancel upon the K-1 being issued.

Edit: And to clarify my earlier statement...somebody can hold 2 valid visas at the same time (i.e. B-2 and F-1), but only 1 status at a time. K-1 and IVs are treated a little differently in that other visas are (almost always) cancelled with it.

Edited June 24, 2017 by geowrian

[A'n'L 735]

7 hours ago, Cryssiekins said:

Just as info... I received a K1 visa in September 2016.  I entered the US on visa waiver after receiving the K1 but before my planned relocation date.  CBP at the border (Lewiston Bridge in NY from Ontario) asked if I wanted to use the K1, and I said no, and he waived me through. (I was fully prepared to turn around and drive the 45 mins back home if they didn't let me use VWP). 

Yes, there are other stories about this for Canadians entering by a land crossing. The OP's situation is completely different (B1/B2 visa that is most likely to be cancelled when the K1 is granted, and entering by air). CBP at airports are clearly instructed to activate the K1 if present in the passport of the immgrant.

[canadian_wife 1,822]

8 hours ago, Cryssiekins said:

Just as info... I received a K1 visa in September 2016.  I entered the US on visa waiver after receiving the K1 but before my planned relocation date.  CBP at the border (Lewiston Bridge in NY from Ontario) asked if I wanted to use the K1, and I said no, and he waived me through. (I was fully prepared to turn around and drive the 45 mins back home if they didn't let me use VWP). 

 

I am always hesitant to give border crossing experience to other because Canadians have a unique travel relationship with the U.S.  We do not travel on the VWP nor do we need a visa.  Although I am very happy you were able to cross without activating your K1 visa, this seems to be an experience exclusive to Canadians at land crossings.

 

OP - as others have said it has been common practice to cancel any B visas once the K1 visa is issued.

 

Good luck 

[Suss&Camm 2,213]

45 minutes ago, canadian_wife said:

 

I am always hesitant to give border crossing experience to other because Canadians have a unique travel relationship with the U.S.  We do not travel on the VWP nor do we need a visa.  Although I am very happy you were able to cross without activating your K1 visa, this seems to be an experience exclusive to Canadians at land crossings.

 

OP - as others have said it has been common practice to cancel any B visas once the K1 visa is issued.

 

Good luck 

Not exclusive. Read a thread a while back about a German girl asking could she travel in with vwp with K1 in passport - travel out for an early honeymoon, come back and activate the K1 on this entry.  Everyone told her no - she tried and it worked and came back to inform about it.

I agree that this is not the OP's situation though as they have a B1/B2 - and I'm in no way advising ppl to try this. 

[Cryssiekins 976]

3 hours ago, canadian_wife said:

 

I am always hesitant to give border crossing experience to other because Canadians have a unique travel relationship with the U.S.  We do not travel on the VWP nor do we need a visa.  Although I am very happy you were able to cross without activating your K1 visa, this seems to be an experience exclusive to Canadians at land crossings.

 

OP - as others have said it has been common practice to cancel any B visas once the K1 visa is issued.

 

Good luck 

I didn't mean it as advice per se.  I wouldn't have even tried if it involved purchasing a plane ticket.  I had an event to attend, and figured at most, if I was told I had to use the K1, I would be out only my drive time.

[audacieux89 256]

They will cancel the B1/B2 visa at interview when you are approved (even before they print the visa on your passport!)

 

If B1/B2 visa is on your old passport, you have to bring it with you to the interview.