I Got my IR1 Visa but I can't travel in the given time period

[mayarelshahat 0]

Hello,

I got my IR1 immigrant visa and they issued that the deadline of entering the country in 8-12-2019, however, I can't travel in this period of time.

I'm wondering what are the consequences of getting this visa and not entering the country, I heard that I'll be blocked for 4 or 5 years from reapplying, is that true? and what is the best thing I can do in my case? should I contact them or what should I do?

Thanks so much.

[Lemonslice 4,859]

August 12, or December 8?

 

If December, then you can fly, get your visa stamped and fly back home the same day... Then move on a couple of months.

[mayarelshahat 0]

Just now, Lemonslice said:

August 12, or December 8?

 

If December, then you can fly, get your visa stamped and fly back home the same day... Then move on a couple of months.

after stamping my visa, it will be available for how long?

[Lemonslice 4,859]

When are you planning to move to the US?

[mayarelshahat 0]

Late February 

[Lemonslice 4,859]

1 minute ago, mayarelshahat said:

Late February 

Once stamped, it's good for one year (but make sure you have an address to get your card delivered). 

[mayarelshahat 0]

so the date they issued (08-12-2019) is for stamping the visa, then it will be available for a year, and i can make all the other procedures after travelling to the USA during this year, right?

[Lemonslice 4,859]

1 minute ago, mayarelshahat said:

so the date they issued (08-12-2019) is for stamping the visa, then it will be available for a year, and i can make all the other procedures after travelling to the USA during this year, right?

No. What's the expiration date on your visa?

 

08-12-2019 is August 12, so already expired.

[mayarelshahat 0]

no no, 8th of December 

[Lemonslice 4,859]

Ok, so you have to travel no later than that date. 

If you travel on November 15, the stamp will be say: "UPON ENDORSEMENT SERVES AS TEMPORARY I-551 EVIDENCING PERMANENT RESIDENCE FOR 1 YEAR.”

 

So, November 15 2019 + 1 year brings you to November 2020.

Edited August 17, 2019 by Lemonslice

[Just Paul 4,595]

1 hour ago, mayarelshahat said:

no no, 8th of December 

Do NOT wait until the last day to enter.   Flights get cancelled or delayed all the time.  Plan to arrive a few days before the VISA expires.  

[LilyJ 1,258]

You must at least travel to activate your visa before it expires or else you will have to start the process over. Travel to the US before the expiration date like others have said, get it stamped, and go back. But do not let it expire before you travel to the US or you will have to start from step 1 all over again

[JFH 12,190]

You can fly here and get your passport stamped and take the next flight back again, if you really have to. 

[nastra30 2,287]

Travel to USA and your passport with the visa will be endorsed as permanent resident for 1 year. Then you can fly back to your country. If you let your visa expire you may have to go through the whole petition process again.

[AstroCanada 206]

24 minutes ago, nastra30 said:

Travel to USA and your passport with the visa will be endorsed as permanent resident for 1 year. Then you can fly back to your country. If you let your visa expire you may have to go through the whole petition process again.

Just to be clear, you will have to go through the whole process again with all the fees, paperwork, and waiting.  There is no ban as you worried about in your original post, but not using the visa may invite further scrutiny the second time around.