questions about visiting countries other than his home country

[Mirlan 0]

Hello everyone!

My husband is from Morocco. We were talking about filing for AP so we can visit his family, and maybe his sister in Switzerland. I imagine he'd have no problem getting into Morocco (still has his valid passport), and I'm guessing that his AP papers would allow him to leave Morocco (they were very careful to check for his visa before they would let him leave before). I understand that the AP (just like a green card) would allow him to return to the US.

The main question I have is, will he be allowed to enter and exit Switzerland with just AP? I checked, and I can get in with just my US passport. I assume he would use his Moroccan passport since it's the only one he has. I think I read somewhere that he isn't able to get a US passport yet (his AOS is pending, and I think he needs citizenship or maybe just permanent residence - without conditions - first). He told me that if he still lived in Morocco, he would need a visa to go to Switzerland, even for a short stay (say, a week). So, if he needs a visa, where would he get one? Does anyone know if there would be any problems with him getting one? It's very difficult (nearly impossible) to get visas from Morocco to go to other countries. I hope it's easier to get a visa now that he's in the US. Also, what about visiting any other country? It would be nice to maybe go see Niagara Falls (both sides) or something at some point.

Are the requirements different once he has his CPR card (mainly, maybe no visa required)? We can wait to travel to other parts of the country until then (I imagine it's easier than with just AP), but we would like to go to his sister's wedding this summer, and there's no guarantee he'll have his 'green card' by then.

Does anyone have any experience or knowledge about this situation?

Thank you for any advice you can give!

Mirlana

[Mirlan 0]

oops - I meant to write "other parts of the WORLD", not other parts of the country....

[jasper 0]

oops - I meant to write "other parts of the WORLD", not other parts of the country....

tell your husband (3la slama a jemi) he will need a GC to travel just a conditional GC to travel he cant travel with AP iam married too to USC and i have a GC .talk to ya later .

[Nancy2015 2]

He told me that if he still lived in Morocco, he would need a visa to go to Switzerland, even for a short stay (say, a week).

It's gonna be the same way until he becomes a US citizen. He will travel with his Moroccan passport, and he will need to apply for visas just like any Moroccan citizen would.

So, if he needs a visa, where would he get one?

Consulate general (or Embassy) of Switzerland.

Does anyone know if there would be any problems with him getting one?

Probably not. In my experience getting a visa is just a matter of paying a fee and submitting the paperwork the consulate needs. Sometimes they may ask you to appear for an interview at the Consulate. Now that he's living in the US, it should simplify things even more.

Are the requirements different once he has his CPR card (mainly, maybe no visa required)?

No, he will still have to use his Moroccan passport to travel. Therefore, all the same visa requirements will still apply.

[Killer_Clown_2009 0]

He will not be able to get a US Passport unless he is a US Citizen. He can travel to other countries using AP while his green card is pending. You need to check visa requirements for each country he wants to visit and apply at THAT country's embassy or consular office for the Visa if required. He might be able to enter Canada once he has his conditional Greencard, but I am not sure (if he doesn't have his greencard yet, for sure he will require a visa).

Edited April 14, 2007 by jane2005

[Nancy2015 2]

oops - I meant to write "other parts of the WORLD", not other parts of the country....

tell your husband (3la slama a jemi) he will need a GC to travel just a conditional GC to travel he cant travel with AP iam married too to USC and i have a GC .talk to ya later .

This is not correct. One can travel with a passport - that all that is needed. An AP is for someone who is waiting to be approved for permanent residency in the US to be able to return to the US after traveling somewhere else.

A green card itslef is useless for travelling to other parts of the world. It is only good for returning to the US.

[meauxna 15]

Try this handy tool that Yodrak shared with us: http://www.delta.com/planning_reservations...ation/index.jsp

He must travel on his Moroccan pp, and the AP is only for getting back into the US. By using the above tool, you can see if there is any difference once he has his Green Card.

Your husband is not eligible for US citizenship (passport) until he has been a Permanent Resident (Green Card) for at least 3 years.

[Kathryn41 3,205]

In addition to the above, once he has his green card he will be allowed to visit Canada with just his passport and his green card - he would no longer require a visa - so you might want to wait until he gets his green card before you visit both sides of Niagara Falls as it would be less complicated. Until then, he would require a visa.