Leaving the country before GC arrives upon admission on CR-1

[JSWH 262]

Hi guys!

A friend's spouse (the Philippines citizen) just received CR-1 visa. They both work and live in Saudi Arabia and will be traveling to the US soon. They plan to stay in the country for two weeks only, have to return for work. Can the immigrant spouse leave the country prior to their CG arrives in the mail? The family will mail the CG to them once received.

[Melc 138]

Their stamped visa upon entry will be a greencard with a limited validity of 1 year. This is printed on the visa itself which says it will function as one upon endorsement. 
 

So the question is moot—upon arrival they will have a greencard (their stamped visa). No need to mail the physical card since it can only get lost in the mail. 
 

Just make sure the trip isn’t longer than 6 months. 

[Dashinka 24,635]

What @Melc said is absolutely correct.  When the spouse enters on the CR1/IR1, they are immediately a GC holder with proof being the endorsed visa.  The only thing I would add that you can relay to your friend is if it is at all possible, they should consider delaying the entry until after the 2nd wedding anniversary so they can get a 10 yr GC.

 

 

[Chancy 6,242]

*** Moved from IR1/CR1 Process & Procedures to Working & Traveling During US Immigration -- topic is about international travel after US entry with CR1 visa ***

 

[JSWH 262]

Thanks @Melc and @Dashinka! Appreciate your fast responses. 

[Missthanger 22]

Can you ask a question pertaining to this ? 

[Dashinka 24,635]

22 minutes ago, Missthanger said:

Can you ask a question pertaining to this ? 

If you have a separate question, it is probably best to ask it in a separate thread for the best responses.