She arrived in the U.S. on a B2 visa to visit her American husband. They tied the knot, submitted their green card application, and began to build their life together—but things unraveled before they could finalize the paperwork.
Only the I-130 got the green light. The green card never materialized. Now, she’s packing her bags to head back home, and she’s left wondering: will her B2 visa still be valid later? Or is it essentially useless now?
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This is a genuine worry for many who entered the country legally, applied for adjustment of status (AOS), and then had to walk away due to divorce or delays. The visa might still look valid in the passport, but getting back into the U.S. isn’t as straightforward anymore.
Once someone applies for a green card while in the country, it indicates “immigrant intent.” Even if everything was above board and the person left before the visa expired, U.S. border officers often view that old B2 visa with skepticism.
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There’s no automatic ban in place. No overstay means no penalty. However, the visa can still be revoked at the airport, and entry can be denied if the officer suspects that the original B2 was used with the intention of applying for a green card from the beginning.
Looking ahead, even if the visa is technically valid until 2028, there’s no assurance of a hassle-free entry. Every situation is unique, but most who leave mid-process find themselves needing to apply anew if they ever want to return. The system has a long memory—even when plans change.
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