Hi folks, me again with a happy update - we received our passports back, with our visa stamped in there, of course.
We're happy, excited, but also overwhelmed by it all.
Many thanks once again to
@Butters, also
@SusieQQQ (I've seen to what extent you help people out on this forum - you're amazing!) and also
@jeanetti1992 for sharing their experience. Good luck to you all in the next stages of your lives.
Now for some practical questions.
1. We don't think it's realistic for us to move within the 1 year timeframe so we intend to file for an REP (form I-131) right away. Could we also wait until later to file? For example, do the activation trip now, and then reenter in about 6 months and request REP then (even though I think we'd like to get it over with now, just to be on the safe side).
2. I understand that you need to file this form while in the US but there is no actual appointment or anything, right? I found this info online, so I guess we can just mail it in?
Also, just wondering why we need to file while in the US, if the biometrics appointment doesn't happen at the same time? Meaning, why can't we submit the form from abroad?
3. I understand that the biometric appointment will come at a later date. For our first entry, we only plan to spend only about 4-5 days in the US. Does anyone know what are the current wait times for this appointment? Are we talking about weeks? Months? I've also seen that some people were informed that they didn't need a biometrics appointment. What does this depend on?
5. I've seen some people mention that a bank account can be opened with only the visa in the passport (so no SSN or permanent address). Some folks mentioned BOA is fine with that. Would that work? We don't need a credit card or anything (even though we know it could build our credit score), but just a debit account and direct deposit option, as we've noticed this as a requirement for many job vacancies we were looking at online.
6. How long does it take to receive SSN? How about the actual green card? Do you need to sign for these? I'm asking because our friend whose address we're using as our US address will be gone for most of September. Also, I already have an SSN card from my previous stay (not valid for work). Can I already start using this same number (for employment, etc.), or do I need to wait to be issued a new one?
7. Do we need a COVID-19 booster vaccine to enter? We never got around to it. From what I read on the CDC website and elsewhere, it's enough to be 'fully' vaccinated, but I'm not 100% sure.
Anything else we need to know regarding our activation trip? Any other 'housekeeping' things we should get out of the way during our first trip? Any advice will be greatly appreciated. Thank you!