Physical card - Time Frame

[venkat_san]

Hello,


I am waiting for packet IV.
Opted for Chennai consulate.
Antcipating interview in April-03.
I am working outside US.
Current assignment is likely to
continue beyond April-03.


a) Should I postpone entering US
after clearing interview.


b) After succsessful interview
and entering in US, How long does
it take to get Physical card (green card) ?

c) Can I travel outside US,
after entering US but before getting
physical card ?

d) Is there any recomended time
frame to enter US, after clearing
interview at consulate ?


Thank you,
Venkat

 

[nkm-oct23]

Originally posted by venkat_san
Hello,


I am waiting for packet IV.
Opted for Chennai consulate.
Antcipating interview in April-03.
I am working outside US.
Current assignment is likely to
continue beyond April-03.


a) Should I postpone entering US
after clearing interview.


b) After succsessful interview
and entering in US, How long does
it take to get Physical card (green card) ?

c) Can I travel outside US,
after entering US but before getting
physical card ?

d) Is there any recomended time
frame to enter US, after clearing
interview at consulate ?


Thank you,
Venkat

a) You have 6 months to enter US as a permanent resident after your IV interview.
b) 6 weeks to 12 weeks, depending on your port of entry.
c) yes, you will have a temporary I-551 stamp on your passport which has the same value as a real green card.
d) see answer a)

 

[cpDelhi]

Originally posted by venkat_san
Hello,


I am waiting for packet IV.
Opted for Chennai consulate.
Antcipating interview in April-03.
I am working outside US.
Current assignment is likely to continue beyond April-03.


a) Should I postpone entering US after clearing interview.
You have 180 days to enter US after your successful interview in the US Consulate. You may enter next day or be on the POE (Port of Entry) in US before exipration of the 180 day.

b) After succsessful interview and entering in US, How long does it take to get Physical card (green card) ?
2 to 4 months.

c) Can I travel outside US, after entering US but before getting physical card ?
Yes, you may travel outside US after entering US but before getting physical card. On your POE, the immigration officer will stamp your passport which is equivalent to physical GC. The stamp is valid for a year.

d) Is there any recomended time frame to enter US, after clearing interview at consulate ?
Make sure to enter US before the 180 days expiry date on your immigrant visa.


Thank you,
Venkat