Single Entry Visa
Hi Due to my country of citizenship, I have received a single entry visa stamp. This means that every time I re enter US, I will need a new visa interview and stamp. I understand everyone who has a visa stamp that expires before they can get a green card is in this situation. However, my visa will not allow me to make a visit outside US for personal, work or recreational reasons. Is it a risk to enter US with such visa or is it somewhat common situation with some known mitigation? Thanks
It's a common situation. Lots of Iranians work in the US. You just need to make sure that every time you leave the US, you plan for enough time to get a new visa stamp before returning. By the way, you can get the advance parole about 3-5 months after you file the I-485.
Thanks for the info. Given the GC process starts soon, then this restriction should not last beyond 2 years.
I was not under the same situation but I have not gone back to my home country since I arrived, mostly because my immediately family can travel to the US or are already here and I didn't want to risk the Interview /STAMP process under the current anti-immigration sentiment. I think it depends more on what is the limit of the I-94, my stamp expired in 1 year, but my I-94 was approved for 3, so I was able to get to the point of AOS in that time frame, and now that I got my GC I can finally go back and visit my home country.
I read now about a rule called Automatic Revalidation which at least allows re entry from Canada and Mexico so there is some freedom.
The good news is you’ll get green card faster.
I read about a document called Advance Parole which will solve this issue but that is part of the GC process and I am not sure how long it will take to get AP.
Depends on how often your company does layoffs. I'm guessing you're not from India or China, so you should get to AP in 2 years.