Can I still travel to the US as a tourist if I have a I140 petition?

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Hi everyone! I wonder if anyone can help me. I have a valid tourist visa to the US, and I was very recently petitioned by a US hospital. I know about the retrogression, so it might take several years. Im just hoping that having a I140 petition won't affect the status of my tourist visa so I could continue visiting my relatives here in the US while waiting for my turn. I normally go to the US once a year for about three weeks. Is it possible that US immigration won't allow me to enter as a tourist once I have an approved I140? Thank you in advance.:nurse:

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

There should be no reason why you have problems visiting but may need to take proof that you are returning home. I visited the US many times with a petition in progress and had no problems but at the end of the day the decision is with the officer at POE

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Just make sure that you do not overstay your visa and then there should not be any problems. But as mentioned, the final decision will be made by the official at the airport when you arrive in the US.

There is never any guarantee.

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Thank you very much for the replies, Ms. Silverdragon and Ms. Suzanne! I really do appreciate it. Fortunately, I have never overstayed my visa all the times I go to the US. I was just wondering, do the immigration officials at POE know that one has a petition pending upon reentry? Would it already show in their computers right away?

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

Yes they do know

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Thank you once again! This is really informative. :)

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Specializes in emeregency room.

My US tourist visa will expire in March 2009. I have a pending I-140 petition filed in 2007. Can I still renew my tourist visa pending the I-140 petition?

thanks.:wink2:

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