Once you have a Visa, how much time can you spend out of the US?

[l1nners 0]

Hi all:

 

I have my visa interview in March, and the plan had been to move to the US as soon as possible.

 

Given the pandemic, we may need to stagger our full move over to the US over a slightly longer time frame than previously expected. Moving home, changing my employment between my UK and US offices could all take much longer than normal.

 

My company has offices in the UK and US, but initially I would be retaining my UK employment, while I look to transfer to our US office at a later date. I can do my current job from the US, so it won't affect my salary, but I will need to travel back to the UK for business stays too.

 

I was wondering if there is a specific amount of time that I am not allowed to be out of the US once my Visa has been approved. For instance, would I be able to be in the US for a few months, and then the UK for a few months. And continue to alternate like that until everything is in place?

 

Cheers;

 

Lin.

 

 

 

 

[Boiler 45,579]

Is this a CR1/IR1? Well that is where you have posted now I see.

 

They tend to fairly lenient initially, takes time, make sure your Company pays the Accountants costs, that is likely to be your bigger issue.

Edited February 16, 2021 by Boiler

[SteveInBostonI130 3,465]

Hi,

 

After you get your Visa you have about 6 months to enter the US.  The actual time limit is based on the date of the medical exam.

 

Once you enter the visa turns into a temporary I-551 (LPR card).  You can techically go back to the UK right away.  But practically you'd want to stay a couple of months at least to get your SSN, driver's licence and pbsycal greencard.

 

As an LPR you can travel back to the UK as often as you wish, but the requirement is to reside in the US and "visit" the UK.  Your plan is fine as long as you complete your move to the US within a year or so.

[aaron2020 11,651]

With a green card, you will legally reside in the US and can travel to work in the UK.  

Be aware that while most of the world taxes people on where they earn their income, the US taxes people based on their status.  As a US LPR, you will need to report income earned in the UK on your US tax return.  The tax treaty will eliminate any double taxation.  You will need a qualified accountant to help you with US tax filings.  Not a DIY.  

[pushbrk 12,911]

The short answer is you must spend more time in the US than out, and absences of more than six months CAN BE problematic.

[millefleur 5,046]

**Moved from IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures to Working & Traveling During US Immigration**

[l1nners 0]

Thank you all.

 

Can anyone point me to the right forum to ask some questions on finances and work status?

 

As technically I will still be working for my UK office and being paid by my UK office for the first 6 months at least.

 

I'd also like  to ask some questions regarding the affidavit of support.

 

Thanks.

[unsmiley 111]

On 2/16/2021 at 5:44 PM, pushbrk said:

The short answer is you must spend more time in the US than out, and absences of more than six months CAN BE problematic.

Have any allowances been made - is there any flexibility - for the duration of the pandemic regarding this six month "policy"?

Edited February 19, 2021 by unsmiley
error

[Ptitchou 117]

On 2/18/2021 at 10:41 PM, unsmiley said:

Have any allowances been made - is there any flexibility - for the duration of the pandemic regarding this six month "policy"?

Nope.