Got our CR-1 Visa! Can we fly somewhere else?

[xzsca10 33]

25 minutes ago, mushroomspore said:

Yeah that info you got was totally incorrect. I'm nor sure where people get that kind of misinformation but USCIS.gov should be your primary go-to for official info. Visajourney should be the only other source you consult as we are people who post in real-time about our experiences. What is the exact expiry date on your CR1 visa?? The only thing that matters is that you enter BEFORE the CR1 visa expires, obviously. So if you have the room to wait and enter on Dec 26 and your visa is still valid, then you can enter Dec 26 and you will get the 10 year GC. At CBP, make sure to point this out to them. The 10 year unconditional green card category is IR1 ("Immediate Relative") while the 2 year conditional green card category is "CR1" ("Conditional Resident"). I believe they mark your passport with the category when you enter so make sure all info is correct BEFORE you walk away.

Thanks for the info. I will go on USCIS right now, even call them tomorrow to double check or speak with their support.

 

The visa sticker in my wife's German passport says "CR-1" category, not IR1. I assume you mean that the officer will change it to IR-1 upon entry after our 2 year anniversary. Her CR-1 expires in Jan 10 2023, so we have some leeway time. Thank you everyone again, saved us a lot of headache. 

Edited July 17, 2022 by xzsca10

[mushroomspore 3,044]

12 minutes ago, xzsca10 said:

Thanks for the info. I will go on USCIS right now, even call them tomorrow to double check or speak with their support.

 

The visa sticker in my wife's German passport says "CR-1" category, not IR1. I assume you mean that the officer will change it to IR-1 upon entry after our 2 year anniversary. Her CR-1 expires in Jan 10 2023, so we have some leeway time. Thank you everyone again, saved us a lot of headache. 

It's CR1 now because your marriage is not yet past 2 years old. Yes make sure to point out it's IR1 to CBP when you enter after your 2nd anniversary. And it sounds dumb for me to say this but obviously please double check the green card as soon as you get it, especially the "Resident Since" and "Expiry" dates but also check spelling, category etc...you'd be surprised at how many ppl don't check their stuff. Sounds like you're good to go since the visa is valid until Jan 2023. No real reason to call USCIS tbh...the people who work the phone line aren't always that knowledgable themselves and often give confusing info or don't know what they're talking about. Just enter in late Dec and make sure all fees are paid and check the green card upon delivery.

Edited July 17, 2022 by mushroomspore

[xzsca10 33]

11 minutes ago, mushroomspore said:

It's CR1 now because your marriage is not yet past 2 years old. Yes make sure to point out it's IR1 to CBP when you enter after your 2nd anniversary. And it sounds dumb for me to say this but obviously please double check the green card as soon as you get it, especially the "Resident Since" and "Expiry" dates but also check spelling, category etc...you'd be surprised at how many ppl don't check their stuff. Sounds like you're good to go since the visa is valid until Jan 2023. No real reason to call USCIS tbh...the people who work the phone line aren't always that knowledgable themselves and often give confusing info or don't know what they're talking about. Just enter in late Dec and make sure all fees are paid and check the green card upon delivery.

Thank you good sir. Triple checked the visa, everything looks A-okay. Will enjoy the remainder of our time here in Europe. See some more countries, then Korea. Then usa 🇺🇸. Have a good Sunday  

[Crazy Cat 41,982]

36 minutes ago, xzsca10 said:

Thanks for the info. I will go on USCIS right now, even call them tomorrow to double check or speak with their support.

Don't bother.  Their Tier 1 people are often clueless.  We have given you the accurate info. 

[Crazy Cat 41,982]

Since the visa holder will become a perm resident after 2 years of marriage, the green card will not be conditional.  It will be a 10 year card.  See below:

 

Removing Conditions on Permanent Residence Based on Marriage | USCIS

 

[RO_AH 1,659]

8 hours ago, JeanneAdil said:

Is CR1 visa multiple entry?

 

A CR1 Visa or IR1 Visa is valid for a period of six months and, generally, may be used for multiple entries into the United States until its expiration.

 

K1 is single entry

I guess I stand corrected. So, you enter on the CR-1 and get a stamp in your passport which is your temporary green card valid for 1 year. That makes you a Legal Permanent Resident, and as such you do not need a visa to enter. So while according to the rules you technically still have a valid visa which will never be needed.

[pushbrk 12,994]

9 hours ago, JeanneAdil said:

Is CR1 visa multiple entry?

 

A CR1 Visa or IR1 Visa is valid for a period of six months and, generally, may be used for multiple entries into the United States until its expiration.

 

False, misleading, and lacks a source.

 

Immigrant visas are single use visas.  What.....IS....true is that the visa COMBINED WITH the entry stamp (not the visa alone) next to it CAN be used for multiple entries BECAUSE the combination substitutes for the green card for NOT UNTIL ITS EXPIRATION, but for one year from the first entry.

[pushbrk 12,994]

12 hours ago, xzsca10 said:

Wow, didn't know this.. It will officially be 2 years on December 25th... Yes we got married on Christmas 🎅 It would be great to spend this christmas with the family fully united, hers and mines.. Will definitely think on this, I think even doing a removal of conditions isn't too bad, just a bit more hassle

It's just another hassle.  Decide based on your own priorities.  

[SalishSea 17,969]

10 hours ago, xzsca10 said:

I did some research and it seems it does not matter if we enter after 2 years of marriage. The border officer will still only grant her a Green card of 2 years from her CR-1 Visa. We still have to do the 751 application either way 

No, this is wrong.   If you enter after your second anniversary, she will get her 10 year GC.  Totally worth it!

 

Signed,

 

VJ members in ROC purgatory ❤️

[RO_AH 1,659]

4 hours ago, pushbrk said:

False, misleading, and lacks a source.

 

Immigrant visas are single use visas.  What.....IS....true is that the visa COMBINED WITH the entry stamp (not the visa alone) next to it CAN be used for multiple entries BECAUSE the combination substitutes for the green card for NOT UNTIL ITS EXPIRATION, but for one year from the first entry.

That was my understanding also but wasn't going to argue the point since even if it was multiple entry it would pointless and stupid since you become an LPR as soon as you enter.

[pushbrk 12,994]

1 hour ago, Jorgedig said:

No, this is wrong.   If you enter after your second anniversary, she will get her 10 year GC.  Totally worth it!

 

Signed,

 

VJ members in ROC purgatory ❤️

This is the correct answer.  However, whether it is "worth it" or not depends on personal priorities.

[SalishSea 17,969]

28 minutes ago, pushbrk said:

This is the correct answer.  However, whether it is "worth it" or not depends on personal priorities.

Agreed.

[xzsca10 33]

2 hours ago, Jorgedig said:

No, this is wrong.   If you enter after your second anniversary, she will get her 10 year GC.  Totally worth it!

 

Signed,

 

VJ members in ROC purgatory ❤️

Thanks ❤️ Although we only have a 10 day window after our 2nd anniversary to get to the USA until the visa expires.
 

If Covid hits heavy during that small window of time and travel is prohibited we are royally screwed 😂 but I guess it’s worth taking that risk, I-751 sounds burdensome   

[Southern_Belle07 146]

23 hours ago, xzsca10 said:

I’m aware of this lol. Yes, Germans can enter in those countries. Thanks though 

I am concerned that your question lacked context and people from other countries will see this and assume they can do it like you. It is a matter of educating other immigrants as I, myself is having a difficult time traveling, especially for work purposes. Having the opportunity to travel, say in Mexico and Turkey, all paid expenses at work but has to go through the hassle of applying for visas to enter some countries with an expired gc, home country passport and an extension letter. 

Sorry if you find my comment funny but serious to other people. It's a matter of education for others, not questioning your knowledge. 

[Southern_Belle07 146]

17 hours ago, xzsca10 said:

Really? So our 2nd anniversary is on Dec 25. If we fly in on Dec 26, she will receive a 10 year green card? That’s so crazy to me, but we can wait it out. Already been here for 2 years with the wifey 

Your marriage date does not matter. What matters is the expiration date on her conditional green card for renewal. She will not receive her 10 year green card until she files it at least 90 days of the original expiration date on her gc. If she's eligible now file it asap because it can take months/years for approval. I renewed mine September '21 and is still waiting for approval, just like all my fellow September filers. 

 

Lastly, a gc holder must have a permanent residence here in the states, otherwise, she may be tagged abandoning her resident status and may be questioned as to why she did not, resulting to USCIS questioning her validity and having difficulties when applying for citizenship.

Edited July 18, 2022 by Southern_Belle07