Japanese spouse & immigrant visa to US

[Harvey]

I'm currently in Japan.

My wife got her immigrant visa just last month. It expires in Sept.
It says "upon endorsement serves as temporary I-551 evidencing
permanent residence for 1 year".

Also she has a sealed packet of information, including her criminal
record, medical information and whatnot that is only to be opened by
immigration authorities in the US when she arrives.

So normally, when we move to the US she would bring that stuff, and
once it is processed she's good for a year.

However, she is going to be entering the US just for a few days via
a port in New York in July, then returning to Japan, and then moving
to the US for the long term stay in late August.

Would it be best for her to enter using the immigrant visa in July? Or
could she handle that short stay with a tourist visa, and then use the
immigrant visa when she moves for good in Aug?

The reason I ask is that, she would really rather not bring all those
important documents on the short trip in July as it's just a quick trip
and we don't need the extra luggage.

However, we're worried because she has the immigrant visa
glued into her passport, so when she comes to the US in July
the immigration officials are going to notice it for sure, and
maybe will not want to issue her a tourist visa, and demand
to see all the documents required to process the immigration
visa.

Do you follow me?

Any advice appreciated!

I guess the safest thing would be to just bring all the required
documents in July and apply for the immigrant
status during that short trip... but if it's not necessary then
we would rather do it in August.

Thanks for any help!

 

[GaijinTokyoPunk]

I got married to a Japan gal and just finished up the process of getting a spouse visa. We both had to collect so many docs for me to get a spouse three year visa in Japan. I do not know about how it works the other way though.

 

[Damicci]

She maybe better off coming in Aug. Other wise you guys need to file for Advance Parole which will allow her to travel abroad while her status is in limbo. this way she can re-enter the US with out any questions.
Emergency Travel


Now I am not sure what her current status is exactly, as with a a K-1 Fiance Visa you can only travel to the US ONE TIME then the visa is no good. For your wife visa I am not sure if she can make multiple trips on this visa. I would just investigate the Advance Parole option or wait until Aug to be on the safe side. Check out the link and make your own decision.

 

[Harvey]

Thanks for the info.

Some added info, she does not have the Fiancee visa, and the July short entry is not an option, it's something she must do.

Thanks for that website. I don't think she fits the definition of "re-entering" the country, because she isn't traveling abroad after already having some sort of visa status in the US.

But, as I think may have been your point, after entering in July, she may have to apply for the advanced parole to come back, right?

another thing, "while her status is in limbo", will there even be any limbo? I mean, what if the entire process is complete once she goes through immigration and hands in the paper work?

This is confusing. In order to call the consulate/embassy in Japan and ask visa questions you have to pay a fee! Can you believe it? Wish there was a free # I could call to ask questions about this!

I guess I'll just need to pay up!

Thanks!