K1 approved, but can I visit?

[happycanuck 0]

Hello everyone! My K1 visa was recently approved and I’d like to thank the boards and members for all the help in the process!

 

I am a Canadian Nexus holder, live close to the US border and drive down to the US pretty frequently for short trips. When crossing to the US using my Nexus, I’ve never had to present my passport. I’m wondering if I can still visit the US without activating my visa. Again, appreciate all the help we’ve received during this process. 😊

[OldUser 6,606]

39 minutes ago, happycanuck said:

Hello everyone! My K1 visa was recently approved and I’d like to thank the boards and members for all the help in the process!

 

I am a Canadian Nexus holder, live close to the US border and drive down to the US pretty frequently for short trips. When crossing to the US using my Nexus, I’ve never had to present my passport. I’m wondering if I can still visit the US without activating my visa. Again, appreciate all the help we’ve received during this process. 😊

I wouldn't do it even if you could. Activate your visa, get married, file AOS and avoid issues in the future. Keep spreadsheet with all the trips so you can easily file N-400 when the time comes too, especially after becoming LPR.

Edited February 4 by OldUser

[Ontarkie 14,215]

It used to be something that other Canadians did often. Enter without using the visa, but this was back when they used to hand you the big brown envelope and the ones who wanted to test it left that envelope at home so they couldn't proceed if the BO wouldn't let them enter as a visitor. 

 

With everything electronic it would could trigger even if you don't use your passport.

We had another Canadian member who entered as a visitor. She asked if they would allow it, the BO said sure and she went through without the stamp in her passport. Well it turned out the computer still marked her entry, lucky for her she had a spousal visa and it was just a matter of correcting her entry date. With a K1 if they mark your entry and you leave it will create a huge issue. Not a risk worth taking.