Question about port of entry

[bindy81]

Hi There,

I am a DV 2009 lottery winner who's temporary visa date of entry is valid until the 25th of December 2009. Obviously this is then valid for 12 months.

I am trying to stay in the UK until the 26th to spend Christmas with my family and as such am looking for ways to validate my temporary visa to allow me to enter after the valid date in my passport.

I am heading to New York for a wedding at the end of August (for a weekend) and was wondering if anyone could tell me if the following scenario was possible or potential trouble:

1. Enter the US and have over immigration forms etc in August.
2. Following the wedding return to the UK until after Christmas.
3. In the meantime, Greencard is received at my listed US address and then forwarded on to me in the UK
4. December 26th/27th, enter the US using my mailed Greencard having been out of the country for four months.

I don't know what the deal is with travelling without the Greencard so that is a concern...

I hope someone can help me and please let me know if you need more info!

Thanks everyone...

 

[Jackolantern]

When you enter the US they should give your passport an I-551 stamp that can be used just like a green card for 6 months, so you won't need to send the plastic green card overseas.

And if you are going to send the plastic card overseas, don't ever send it by mail. Send it by private courier such as Fedex or DHL. There are too many horror stories about people sending the cards abroad by mail and having them get lost, even if it's priority mail or registered mail.