Activating CR-1 & Traveling outside without greencard

[MiloPinkman 23]

Hi Everyone, 

 

I am trying to figure out what to do as my CR-1 is approved and I have bunch of questions, hopefully I get some clarity without spending money on legal fees

 

1). How does the activation work? I have canadian passport and sometime I just drive to states to eat at Cheesecake factory. Do I have to specifically tell them that I have a visa and I want to activate it? 

2). I have lot to wrap up in Canada before I am fully move, is it legal to activate and come back within a week? Do I disclose this at the border? 

3). I can activate it from border? including the rainbow bridge? Do I need to get out of my car?

4). If I move on my last month, and for some delays I don't get my greencard by Nov. Can I still fly to india and come back to usa? without greencard? (I have Canadian passport and OCI) 

 

thank you in advance everyone

 

Cheers,

Edited May 7, 2022 by MiloPinkman

[Crazy Cat 41,298]

When you cross into the US with a valid CR-1 visa, notify CBP of that fact.  They will then "stamp" your passport with an endorsement.  You are then a legal resident of the US, and you can immediately exit the US if you wish.  Your endorsed passport becomes a temporary green card until the plastic one arrives.  You can then use your passport as you would a plastic green card.  

[Garrett_L 4]

I spoke with border officials at the Queenston/Lewiston bridge and asked two similar questions to two different customs officers and received two different answers.  I sincerely think you are best to consult an immigration lawyer and save up a bunch of questions you will have.  There is a guy in Burlington who charged $400 for an hour, however his information was worth every cent.

[S9471 60]

11 minutes ago, Garrett_L said:

I spoke with border officials at the Queenston/Lewiston bridge and asked two similar questions to two different customs officers and received two different answers.  I sincerely think you are best to consult an immigration lawyer and save up a bunch of questions you will have.  There is a guy in Burlington who charged $400 for an hour, however his information was worth every cent.

you don't need to consult lawyers on this - waste of money...

 

endorsed immigrant visa means you can use it for re-entry as you would a plastic card for a year after endorsement. it says so on the visa.

 

you can exit and re-enter, but prepare to talk why you were gone (depending on how long you were gone)

 

Quote

3). I can activate it from border? including the rainbow bridge? Do I need to get out of my car?

Yes - you will be sent to secondary

Edited May 7, 2022 by S9471

[JeanneAdil 6,400]

congratulations on the visa approval (interview may 4th)

please write an embassy review

Thank u

[Kai G. Llewellyn 829]

Hello!

 

I cross the border 2/3 times a week, the endorsed (stamped) immigrant visa serves as an actual green card for 1 year. I used mine extensively for crossing, it's absolutely fine.

 

1 hour ago, Garrett_L said:

I spoke with border officials at the Queenston/Lewiston bridge and asked two similar questions to two different customs officers and received two different answers.  I sincerely think you are best to consult an immigration lawyer and save up a bunch of questions you will have.  There is a guy in Burlington who charged $400 for an hour, however his information was worth every cent.

 

This isn't a good use of money for this particular matter.

Edited May 7, 2022 by Kai G. Llewellyn

[Loren Y 2,753]

Save the 400 dollars for more dinners at the cheesecake factory. It would be a waste to spend that type of money on this question as others have said. I have seen people arrive on a CR-1, spend 2 hours coming thru secondary to activate their CR-1, then 2 hours later get on a return flight to another country and continue on, no issues. If possible make sure you have a US address to give them for delivery of the green card, granted it won't be showing up for a while, but it would be good to have an address to send it to.

Edited May 8, 2022 by Loren Y

[Crazy Cat 41,298]

17 hours ago, Garrett_L said:

I spoke with border officials at the Queenston/Lewiston bridge and asked two similar questions to two different customs officers and received two different answers.  I sincerely think you are best to consult an immigration lawyer and save up a bunch of questions you will have.  There is a guy in Burlington who charged $400 for an hour, however his information was worth every cent.

The OP asked very basic questions........with very simple answers. No need for an attorney.  

Edited May 8, 2022 by Crazy Cat