Once you’ve received your immigrant visa in your passport from the U.S. consulate, you may have questions about traveling to and from the U.S. Here’s what you need to know about entering the U.S., obtaining your green card and traveling internationally before you receive it.
Entering the U.S. with Your Immigrant Visa
When you arrive at your U.S. port of entry, you must present your immigrant visa to the immigration officer. At that time:
- Your passport will be stamped to show that you’ve been admitted as a Lawful Permanent Resident (or Conditional Resident).
- You’ll receive the forms necessary to apply for your Permanent Resident Card (PRC), commonly called Green Card.
- Your PRC will be mailed to your U.S. address later, usually within a few months.
The stamp in your passport serves as temporary proof of your permanent residency for up to 12 months while your green card application is being processed.
Can You Travel After Entering the U.S.?
Yes, but there are important considerations. If you need to travel outside the U.S. before receiving your green card, your stamped visa is a temporary green card for up to one year. You can use this stamp to re-enter the U.S. as long as it’s still valid.
Receiving Your Green Card
Once you enter the U.S. and provide a mailing address (such as Buffalo or any other location), your green card will be mailed to that address. It’s typically best to wait for your green card before making travel plans, but if you must leave the country, ensure your visa stamp is still valid for re-entry.
Conclusion
Understanding the travel rules after receiving your U.S. immigrant visa is crucial for new immigrants. Once you enter the U.S., your visa stamp is temporary proof of permanent residency until you receive your green card. However, it’s important to ensure your documents are valid before traveling outside the U.S. If you have any concerns, always consult an immigration attorney to avoid issues when re-entering the country.
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