GC status

M

mihikam05

New Member
Gurus,
When is it official that you are a Permanent Resident?
- Is it when you get the approval email from USCIS?
- Is it when you get the approval letter in mail?
- Is it when you get your passport stamped?
- Is it when you get your plastic cards?

Is there some guidance by USCIS on this? Please share your knowledge. I badly need this info and am almost ready to spend some consulation fees with immigration attorneys, but wanted to check with forum first.
 
You become PR starting with the date of the approval in the notification that you receive from USCIS. So yes you are PR even if you did not receive physical GC yet. Passport stamp is needed only in case you need to have GC ordered (if USCIS does not have your biometrical information); to lift restiction on SS card before you receive physical GC; and if you need to travel abroad before receiving physical GC. E-mail just lets you know of the status of your case. Appproval letter is important because it contains the date of approval, i.e, the date you became PR officially. Hope this helps.
mihikam05 said:
Gurus,
When is it official that you are a Permanent Resident?
- Is it when you get the approval email from USCIS?
- Is it when you get the approval letter in mail?
- Is it when you get your passport stamped?
- Is it when you get your plastic cards?

Is there some guidance by USCIS on this? Please share your knowledge. I badly need this info and am almost ready to spend some consulation fees with immigration attorneys, but wanted to check with forum first.
Click to expand...
 
the date

I think the date is important when you are eligible for naturalization.
When I got my passport stamped, they took the approval letter away. But yes, I have it copied and I am keeping the copy. My plastic card is on the way. After I receive the card, do I need to update my SSN card? Thanks for response.
 
You can update your SS cards with your passport stamped (I did it 2 months ago) - you don't have to wait for plastic card. It is better to do it immediately and lift the restrictions from your SS, especially if you intend to ask for a mortage loan, certain credit cards, etc.

dududidi said:
I think the date is important when you are eligible for naturalization.
When I got my passport stamped, they took the approval letter away. But yes, I have it copied and I am keeping the copy. My plastic card is on the way. After I receive the card, do I need to update my SSN card? Thanks for response.
Click to expand...
 
SS Cards

stonewall said:
You can update your SS cards with your passport stamped (I did it 2 months ago) - you don't have to wait for plastic card. It is better to do it immediately and lift the restrictions from your SS, especially if you intend to ask for a mortage loan, certain credit cards, etc.
Click to expand...

Stonewall:

My kids and I got approved back in Nov 04 and we applied for new cards for my kids and replacement for me to remove restriction. My son and I got our cards already but my daughter is still waiting. My wife applied for removal of restriction last Feb05 and she is also still waiting.

What can we do to follow-up. We went to the SS office that we applied to and the only thing they say is they are still waiting for INS verification. If you call the SS 800 no., they will not entertain you. I'm getting frustrated by this. I thought that when we got the gc approved, everything will now be smooth but I was wrong.

Thanks.
 
mortgage

You can update your SS cards with your passport stamped (I did it 2 months ago) - you don't have to wait for plastic card. It is better to do it immediately and lift the restrictions from your SS, especially if you intend to ask for a mortage loan, certain credit cards, etc.
Click to expand...

I bought 2 houses (sold 1) .. I am still on H1b..
You do not need a GC or PP stamp just for mortgage.
Certain type of credit cards ? -- I have American express, discover, citi etc .. still being in H1b -- I guess most of the H1b have all this too ..
What type of credit card require PP stamping ?
 
I never said that you need passport stamp to get a credit card. You need passport stamp to LIFT A RESTRICTION FROM SS (Social Security) CARD.
Sure you can apply and get some CREDIT cards, but not get the others, you may get (lower) credit limits, or mortgage with less favorable conditions, different interest rate (less favorable with SS card restriction). So it is up to you. If you want to make the lender/credit card company happy and rip you off over the years, go for it. H1B status is a status with SS card restriction "for emplyment only". I was H1B for four years, and became PR recently when my restriction was lifted (I had to show them EITHER the PASSPORT STAMP OR the GREEN CARD to get it changed). I know what I am talking about. Take your SS (SOCIAL SECURITY) card and read it more carefully. Also read more carefully this thread and what it is all about. SS is not a credit card - SS is Social Security card.

.QUOTE=eBhola]I bought 2 houses (sold 1) .. I am still on H1b..
You do not need a GC or PP stamp just for mortgage.
Certain type of credit cards ? -- I have American express, discover, citi etc .. still being in H1b -- I guess most of the H1b have all this too ..
What type of credit card require PP stamping ?[/QUOTE]
 
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