VISA expiry query
May 18th 2017, 1:02 am
#46
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Posts: 294
Re: VISA expiry query
Congratulations!!!
Jun 23rd 2017, 1:16 pm
#48
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Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 80
Re: VISA expiry query
Hi everyone, I know I touched on this earlier in this post, but I'm in a bit of a quandary.
The thing is just how long could I return to the UK for, after getting my visa approved by US customs?
Is there a set limit?
I'm worried that it might be a case of me needing at least 3-4 months, is there anywhere I can find out for certain ?
The thing is just how long could I return to the UK for, after getting my visa approved by US customs?
Is there a set limit?
I'm worried that it might be a case of me needing at least 3-4 months, is there anywhere I can find out for certain ?
Jun 23rd 2017, 2:16 pm
#49
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Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 46,383
Re: VISA expiry query
After activating your visa at the POE, you can return to the UK (leave the US) for a few months to tie up ends there, etc.
If you don't have the actual physical green card, you will have the I-551 stamp in your passport and that is all you need to return to the US as a PR.
If you don't have the actual physical green card, you will have the I-551 stamp in your passport and that is all you need to return to the US as a PR.
Jun 23rd 2017, 6:47 pm
#50
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Joined: Aug 2002
Location: Kentucky
Posts: 38,865
Re: VISA expiry query
No, but after 6 months absence from the US, you might need to explain yourself to the CBP officer. You definitely don't want to be outside the US for 12 or more months.
That will not be a problem - indeed, it's quite a common scenario.
Yes. The law says that your green card (or I-551 endorsement) is valid as a travel document for up to 12 months. After 12 months, you need to demonstrate that you didn't intend to abandon your status. Between 6-12 months, you might need to explain why you were outside the US, but even then it's unlikely that you'd be ever denied entry to the US.
Ian
I'm worried that it might be a case of me needing at least 3-4 months...
... is there anywhere I can find out for certain ?
Ian
Jun 25th 2017, 3:36 pm
#51
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Thread Starter
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 80
Re: VISA expiry query
Please accept my apologies for taking so long to thank you both for you're help on this.
That's very encouraging to see I can come back for at least for 3-4 months, no questions asked.
Hopefully that will be long enough to tie all the my looses ends up and I can be on my way for good.
That's very encouraging to see I can come back for at least for 3-4 months, no questions asked.
Hopefully that will be long enough to tie all the my looses ends up and I can be on my way for good.
Jun 25th 2017, 3:44 pm
#52
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Re: VISA expiry query
Jun 25th 2017, 4:34 pm
#53
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Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 46,383
Re: VISA expiry query
You don't need a link as you are already in the US forums. There are four sub forums - US immigration and visa; US marriage-based visa; Trailer Park; Meet-up; and then the major one ... the general forum. Just scroll down and you can't miss it. In fact, you should have been or at least be reading much of what is there as it is guidelines for life and living in the US. How to get a driver's license, rent an apartment/house, etc.
Okay, I'll be nice ... http://britishexpats.com/forum/usa-57/ Happy reading and posting.
Okay, I'll be nice ... http://britishexpats.com/forum/usa-57/ Happy reading and posting.
Jun 25th 2017, 5:21 pm
#54
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Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 80
Re: VISA expiry query
You don't need a link as you are already in the US forums. There are four sub forums - US immigration and visa; US marriage-based visa; Trailer Park; Meet-up; and then the major one ... the general forum. Just scroll down and you can't miss it. In fact, you should have been or at least be reading much of what is there as it is guidelines for life and living in the US. How to get a driver's license, rent an apartment/house, etc.
Okay, I'll be nice ... USA - British Expats Happy reading and posting.
Okay, I'll be nice ... USA - British Expats Happy reading and posting.
I guess I'm just relying on my wife to help with the getting a drivers licence etc parts but it's always great to have plenty extra help.
But thank you for being nice enough to post the link anyhow, it's very much appreciated 😊
Jun 25th 2017, 5:46 pm
#55
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Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 46,383
Re: VISA expiry query
It's Rete ... Rene is the other one 
And you're welcome.
Unless your wife is already in the US (admit to being lazy and not looking at your past posts) something that should be as easy as getting your social security number or your driver's license or getting a credit history for obtaining credit cards, etc. is not. Many states require not only your green card but your lease or proof of home address by bringing them copies of utility bills, etc. Then being a Brit you will have to take the written test and in some states the driver's test. Very few auto insurance companies will use your driving records from the UK. It is a minefield out there but that forum will do much to help you navigate the ins and outs.
And you're welcome.
Unless your wife is already in the US (admit to being lazy and not looking at your past posts) something that should be as easy as getting your social security number or your driver's license or getting a credit history for obtaining credit cards, etc. is not. Many states require not only your green card but your lease or proof of home address by bringing them copies of utility bills, etc. Then being a Brit you will have to take the written test and in some states the driver's test. Very few auto insurance companies will use your driving records from the UK. It is a minefield out there but that forum will do much to help you navigate the ins and outs.
Jun 25th 2017, 6:00 pm
#56
Forum Regular
Thread Starter
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 80
Re: VISA expiry query
It's Rete ... Rene is the other one
And you're welcome.
Unless your wife is already in the US (admit to being lazy and not looking at your past posts) something that should be as easy as getting your social security number or your driver's license or getting a credit history for obtaining credit cards, etc. is not. Many states require not only your green card but your lease or proof of home address by bringing them copies of utility bills, etc. Then being a Brit you will have to take the written test and in some states the driver's test. Very few auto insurance companies will use your driving records from the UK. It is a minefield out there but that forum will do much to help you navigate the ins and outs.
And you're welcome.
Unless your wife is already in the US (admit to being lazy and not looking at your past posts) something that should be as easy as getting your social security number or your driver's license or getting a credit history for obtaining credit cards, etc. is not. Many states require not only your green card but your lease or proof of home address by bringing them copies of utility bills, etc. Then being a Brit you will have to take the written test and in some states the driver's test. Very few auto insurance companies will use your driving records from the UK. It is a minefield out there but that forum will do much to help you navigate the ins and outs.
Thanks again for taking the time to reply and so quickly too.
I have started already to look around the main forum for help and advice.
It really is a different way of life in the US with different states having different rules etc, nothing like the UK. I'm not saying it's any worse or better just very different.
Jun 25th 2017, 6:04 pm
#57
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Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 46,383
Re: VISA expiry query
No apologies necessary. I could not be confused with a more wonderful and lovely lady then Rene. Have known her neigh on forever.
