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First Arrival To US

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andryuxa1985

Registered Users (C)
Hi
today I've get back my passport with immigrant visa :)
now, within 6 month i have to enter the US to get my GC.
do u know, how much time i need to stay in US for first time? is 1-2 weeks is enough? i need to back to my country to finish an university.

thank u
 
hi,

Congrats!!

It will take about 3-4 weeks for you to receive the greencard from the date of port entry. When you arrive at the port (presumably airport), there will be a special counter catering for 1st time immigrant. You are required to hand in the package that you received at the consular. (note: please bring extra 2"x2" photo 'coz mine was not included in the package. I have to take the photos on the spot. It was kind embarrassing. lol...)

Remember to check your name and DOB on the greencard. 'coz my name was spelt incorrectly as I do not have MIDDLE NAME. It takes more than 9 months just to get the corrected greencard. Anyway, you can do it later when you decide to settle in USA.

Also, you need to go to nearby Social Security office to get the SSN (Social security Number) card. It also takes about 4 weeks or less to receive the SSN card. (Note: remember to bring your original birth certificate. I dont know why 'coz the SSN officer asked for that. Maybe to prove my country of citizenship.)

Also, you need to go to DMV (Department of Motor Vehicle) to get at least an ID (identity card). "coz I dont think you will have enough time to get the driving license. It is important to have ID/driving license to show you identity. It is kinda hassle to get driving license as you need to book appointment, pass the written test and driving test. This all takes about at least 2 months. It's better for you to get ID 1st. You can get the Driver License later when you are in US for longer period.

I suggest you to come to US during your semester break. Hopefully it is with the stipulated 6 months.

By the way, remember you must maintain continuous present in the US soil. Or else it is hard for you to establish ties with USA when you enter US in future. You might be denied entry.


I am not sure how long it takes for you to complete your studies.

You should get a re-entry permit before you leave USA. With the re-entry permit, you can remain outside US for more than One year (Note: You should check the period you can remain outside USA when you apply for re-entry permit).

Good Luck!
 
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so, for period of preparing GC,SSN and Driving License, i have to stay in US? it's almost 1 month....

can i enter for 1 week to fill all the documents, and i'll collect the GC on my second arriving to US after 4 month when i'll finish the studies?
 
you can travel back and forth on the stamp, which you get in a port of entry, for a year. you dont have to be in the states when you receive your GC. just make sure somebody will collect the mail for you. you wont get neither ID nor DL without having SSN. And getting SSN takes more time. you just have to patiently wait until it comes or if it dosnt go and get it yourself. DL and ID its a matter of one day. you go, apply, get a test (for a DL), they take pictures of you and they will hand you your ID and DL.
 
andryuxa1985 said:
so, for period of preparing GC,SSN and Driving License, i have to stay in US? it's almost 1 month....

can i enter for 1 week to fill all the documents, and i'll collect the GC on my second arriving to US after 4 month when i'll finish the studies?
Click to expand...

hi,

When you fill in the D230 or a form like that, which address you wrote for your GC to mail to?

The purpose of your 1st entry is to "activate" your permanent status. The GC will be mailed to the address stated in your D230 (sorry, I could not remember the form). So, you dont have to be in US for one month. When you enter 1st time at POE, you have "activated" your permanent residence status.

For SSN, you can use the Immigrant Visa in you passport to go to nearby SSN office to get your SSN. You don't have to wait for the GC. Remember to take your original birth certificate with you just in case if the officer wanna look at your country of birth. You also need to fill in the form where your SSN will be mailed to.

For ID/Driver license, You must have the SSN and immigrant visa/GC with you. I guess you will not be able to get ID/Driver license within a week. ALL DMV (Dept of Motor Vehicles) in all states are very strict on this- 1) SSN 2) proof of residence status.

That's why it is important for you to make sure you have some1 you can trust where your GC and SSN can be mailed to. THOSE 2 documents are crucial as they acknowledge your permanent residence status and you legal rights to live and work in US.

Since you will be finishing your studies after 4 months, why dont you come to US after that? (Note: As long as you come to USA before the end of the 6 months period as stated in the immigrant visa.)

Merry X'mas!
 
andryuxa1985 said:
so, for period of preparing GC,SSN and Driving License, i have to stay in US? it's almost 1 month....

can i enter for 1 week to fill all the documents, and i'll collect the GC on my second arriving to US after 4 month when i'll finish the studies?
Click to expand...

haha,

You CANNOT collect the GC or SSN or ID/Driver license. It will be mailed to your designated address in USA- they wont mail out of USA - i think.
 
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ok. so you say, i can arrive to US for a one week, fill all the requested documents for GC and SSN and back to my country to finish studies.
after a month my GD and SSN will be sent to my American address (address of my family in US).
and when i'll finish a studies i re-enter to US and than i'll grab the GC from my family?
 
andryuxa1985 said:
ok. so you say, i can arrive to US for a one week, fill all the requested documents for GC and SSN and back to my country to finish studies.
after a month my GD and SSN will be sent to my American address (address of my family in US).
and when i'll finish a studies i re-enter to US and than i'll grab the GC from my family?
Click to expand...

Hi,

The answers are "Yes" to your questions.

But please make sure you return within 6 months after your last departure.

Merry X'mas.
 
ok
but how will i could re enter US, if i will have not GC with me, and my temporary visa will expired (i have it for 6 month only)
 
hi,

If you read carefully on the notation in your Immigrant Visa, it states that " "Upon Endorsement Serves as Temporary I-551" and "Evidencing a permanent resident for 1 year".

This means when you have "activated" your permanent residence, this Temporary I-551 is valid for one year from the date of your 1st entry. You can use that to enter US even though the visa already expires. Eg, if you enter on 1/15/2013, even though you do not have the GC with you, this Immigrant Visa will serve as temporary GC for you till 1/14/2014.

However, after ONE YEAR, you are required to travel with GC and passport whenever you travel in or out of USA.
You can contact the nearest US embassy for further clarification.

Or if you are very concerned, ask your family to mail you the GC.
 
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GuyinSH said:
Also, you need to go to DMV (Department of Motor Vehicle) to get at least an ID (identity card). "coz I dont think you will have enough time to get the driving license. It is important to have ID/driving license to show you identity.
Click to expand...

Is it mandatory?
Do you need the SSN first to get the ID?

thank you
 
subscripciones said:
Is it mandatory?
Do you need the SSN first to get the ID?

thank you
Click to expand...

Hi,

Definitely YES. You are also required to bring documents such as-Greencard, Temporary I-551, H1-visa etc to prove your legal status.

You better check with the DMV in state that you wish to reside. But for most of US states, the DMV will require you to have 1) SSN and 2) proof of legal status...

Please make sure you are familiar with the rules and regulations before you enter USA. It will save you lots of hassles when dealing with daily tasks.

All the best!
 
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