How soon can you leave the US after GC?

[celiothrkn]

How soon can a CR1 applicant leave the US after getting to the US / getting the green card? We're thinking about a 5 day cruise into the Caribbean, which would technically mean we're leaving the US. Will there be any difficulty when we try to "re-enter?"

[dnoblett]

It can be a touch and go, the moment you enter at the POE you WILL get an I-551 stamp in passport, at that moment the passport will act as a temporary green-card, alowing you to do the things that a green-card does as in re-entry from trips abroad, and take a job.

 

Note, green-card holders do not need visas to travel to Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean.

 

So essentially you could enter the USA, get the stamp and then board a plane to the port where you plan on getting on the boat. Could even enter the USA by way of Puerto Rico get I-551 stamp and then immediately get on a cruse there.

 

One advantage of the CR-1 and IR-1 visa over the K-Visas is the IMMEDIATE Green-card. K-1 would NOT be able to go on cruise until they have an AP doc and would need apply for visas to visit the Caribbean, K-3 would also need the visas. OR have green-card after adjustment of status.

Edited May 4, 2010 by dnoblett (see edit history)