Dollars in cash to USA on Immigrant visa ?

You can carry as much cash as you'd like, as long as you declare it. Over 10K you have to declare. That's not a big deal...
 
If you are moving to the US as a PR, I would advise you to wire your money to the US once you setup an account for yourself. Never carry that much cash.

How much Dollars in cash one can carry on his first visit to USA on Immigrant visa ?
 
There are no legal limits on the amount of cash you may bring with you. It's all about reporting the activity to CBP when you enter the country. Ask the CBP officer for the Currency Reporting Form (FinCen 105). A wire transfer is the same thing, and the bank will declare this to the gov't on your behalf on any sum over 10K. Whether you wire it, or take a big sum of cash is the same thing. It's NOT reporting it, that's going to land you in serious trouble. Failure to comply can result in civil and criminal penalties and may lead to forfeiture of your monetary instrument.

More information on this topic here.
 
Absolutely correct. Since there is no way around the reporting aspect, then might as well move the money is a more secure way (wire) rather than carry the money in cash :)

It's NOT reporting it, that's going to land you in serious trouble. Failure to comply can result in civil and criminal penalties and may lead to forfeiture of your monetary instrument.
 
I wouldn't do it, either, but I imagine the scenario might be different for people of certain countries who don't have their money in banks for a variety reasons. I know people who don't keep their money in banks, and literally stuff their bed with it. There are a few sound reasons why ;)

Absolutely correct. Since there is no way around the reporting aspect, then might as well move the money is a more secure way (wire) rather than carry the money in cash :)
 
In that case they can carry their bedding stuffed in a large suitcase. Just make sure they declare it when passing through US customs!!! :)

I wouldn't do it, either, but I imagine the scenario might be different for people of certain countries who don't have their money in banks for a variety reasons. I know people who don't keep their money in banks, and literally stuff their bed with it. There are a few sound reasons why ;)
 
The possibility of a loss with hand carried cash is so great that a more secure means is really recommended. DH had to carry less than $10K on his person years ago (and he is a big dude) and was apprehensive the entire time.
 
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