Can greencard applicants go on a cruise to Carribean?

Question

My parents are visiting me from abroad on B-2 visa (multiple entry to the US). I am just submitted application to sponsor them for green cards - can I take them on a Carribean cruise right now? Does it impact their green card application process?

Answer 1

It would not be wise to travel outside the U.S. while their application for permanent residence is pending, especially if they want to adjust status.

Have they submitted form I-485 to adjust status to permanent resident? If so, they would need a form I-512 (Parole) to physically reenter the U.S.

For all intents and purposes, their B-2 visas aren't of much value if they intend to stay in the U.S. indefinitely.

If they intended to return to their home country and await the issuance of their immigrant visas based upon the approved
I-130's that you submitted, that might help, but it would be risky to leave and come back even under those conditions.

Answer 2

Generally, once you apply for permanent residency, you have to stay in the USA until you get your green card. However, it might be possible to get a parole, but you can't accomplish this here. You need to go to the INS office where their application is lodged (probably near you), and ask. It never hurts to ask before you do something. What's the worst thing? They tell you "No?" Then you go to Hawaii, that's all.

Good that you try to find out first. Otherwise, they might come back from your vacation and be "excluded." They'd be excluded because they don't meet the requirements to enter as B-2 applicants because they've already stated they want to stay permanently, not just as temporary visitors. And they can't be allowed in as legal residents because they're not yet legal residents.

Best bet- contact your local INS office and go talk to someone. It's not such a big deal, but it takes some time with INS to accomplish it.