Timing for entrance into US with CR-1?

[theskeets 10]

Hi there,

Does anyone know how long you have to enter the US once granted a CR-1 visa? And how long you can stay out of the country with one? 
 

My husband is the primary supporter for our family, and obviously the second he’s granted the visa he will start looking for a US based position. But I know that it could take a few months. Wondering if the smartest thing for him is to enter the US to activate the visa as soon as he obtains it, then come back to Switzerland while looking for a job. Then move the whole family within the following few months, depending on how long it takes/how long he is allowed to stay out of the country. 
 

I am a USC living abroad with my daughters and husband. We’ve been in the process of applying for a CR-1 for my husband for almost 2 yrs now. Getting to the finish line!
 

Thank you kindly!  

[Crazy Cat 41,811]

7 minutes ago, theskeets said:

Does anyone know how long you have to enter the US once granted a CR-1 visa?

You can enter up to the expiration date printed on the visa.  That is generally 6 months from the date of the medical exam.  Sometimes, the expiration date is sooner than 6 months. 

 

A legal resident can stay outside the US for up to a year without permission, although absences of 6 months or more could be heavily scrutinized. 

Edited January 29, 2023 by Crazy Cat

[nastra30 2,284]

9 minutes ago, theskeets said:

And how long you can stay out of the country with one? - if less than 1 year he should be fine. Otherwise, he can apply for a re-entry permit before he leaves the US

 

Wondering if the smartest thing for him is to enter the US to activate the visa as soon as he obtains it, then come back to Switzerland while looking for a job. - Depending your individual family situation, probably smart.

 

I am a USC living abroad with my daughters and husband. We’ve been in the process of applying for a CR-1 for my husband for almost 2 yrs now. - Are you planning to establish domicile in the US before your husband moves? Also, you'll need to enter the US before or at the same time as your husband when he wants to initially enter.

 

When you say in the process, that it mean you've already mailed your application? 

If not, you might want to consider DCF.

[Chancy 6,241]

*** Moved from IR1/CR1 Progress Reports to IR1/CR1 Process & Procedures ***

 

42 minutes ago, theskeets said:

I am a USC living abroad with my daughters and husband.

 

Reminder that you (the USC petitioner) must be in the US before or traveling with your husband when he first enters the US with his CR1/IR1 visa.  He cannot legally "activate" his spouse visa without you being physically present in the US at that time.

 

[Crazy Cat 41,811]

Just now, Chancy said:

*** Moved from IR1/CR1 Progress Reports to IR1/CR1 Process & Procedures ***

 

 

Reminder that you (the USC petitioner) must be in the US before or traveling with your husband when he first enters the US with his CR1/IR1 visa.  He cannot legally "activate" his spouse visa without you being physically present in the US at that time.

 

Good point.   Thanks. 

[Family 3,988]

You indicate he will quickly fly over just to activate green card then go back and look for a position in the US from overseas….it’s baffling. Why can’t he do the same search now..and line things up with visa crossing and family move ???

[theskeets 10]

Thank you all! 
 

 I incorrectly thought you only had like 30 or 60 days to enter once it was granted. Which is a short amount of time to find a job and relocate the family! Absolutely within 6 months makes sense, though I’m sure we will be flying there before for interviews/checking out cities. 

[theskeets 10]

8 hours ago, Family said:

You indicate he will quickly fly over just to activate green card then go back and look for a position in the US from overseas….it’s baffling. Why can’t he do the same search now..and line things up with visa crossing and family move ???

Job security is certainly baffling 😀 

 

[theskeets 10]

14 hours ago, Chancy said:

*** Moved from IR1/CR1 Progress Reports to IR1/CR1 Process & Procedures ***

 

 

Reminder that you (the USC petitioner) must be in the US before or traveling with your husband when he first enters the US with his CR1/IR1 visa.  He cannot legally "activate" his spouse visa without you being physically present in the US at that time.

 

Right, Thank you! 

[Ionelissy 0]

18 hours ago, theskeets said:

Hi there,

Does anyone know how long you have to enter the US once granted a CR-1 visa? And how long you can stay out of the country with one? 
 

My husband is the primary supporter for our family, and obviously the second he’s granted the visa he will start looking for a US based position. But I know that it could take a few months. Wondering if the smartest thing for him is to enter the US to activate the visa as soon as he obtains it, then come back to Switzerland while looking for a job. Then move the whole family within the following few months, depending on how long it takes/how long he is allowed to stay out of the country. 
 

I am a USC living abroad with my daughters and husband. We’ve been in the process of applying for a CR-1 for my husband for almost 2 yrs now. Getting to the finish line!
 

Thank you kindly!  

Hi, I noticed in your signature timeline you had a I-130 interview back in 2015.... who was that for and what happened because your posting now says you filed 2 years ago for your husband? thanks.

[theskeets 10]

I can’t figure out how to edit that! 😮
 

But that was when we were first married in 2015…we went through the whole process from abroad in such a short amount of time. We applied in July 15, by December 15 we were back living in the USA..all without DCF! 

 

Then moved back to Europe in 2018, now been in the process again for 2 years in May. Crazy what a different “visajourney” this has been.