If your visa is approved, you will be informed how and when your passport and visa will be returned to you.
Passport and Visa
Your immigrant visa will be placed on a page in your passport. Please review the printed information right away to make sure there are no errors. If there are any spelling or biographical errors, contact the embassy or consulate immediately.
What do I need to do before I travel?
You must pay the USCIS Immigrant Fee to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) after you receive your immigrant visa andbeforeyou travel to the United States. Only children who enter the United States under the Orphan or Hague adoption programs, Iraqi and Afghan special immigrants, returning residents (SB-1s), and those issued K visas are exempt from this fee. Please visit the USCISwebsite for more information and to pay the fee.
Please Note: USCIS will not issue a Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551 or Green Card) until you have paid the fee.
When should I travel?
You must arriveinand apply for admissiontothe United States no later than the visa expiration date printed on your visa. An immigrant visa is usually valid for up to six months from the date of issuance unless your medical examination expires sooner, which may make your visa valid for less than six months.
Entering the United States
When traveling to the United States, the primary (or principal) applicant must enter before or at the same time asderivativefamily members with visas. A visa does not guarantee entry into the United States. The Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials have authority to grant or deny admission. Learn about admission and entry requirements on the CBP website. When you are admitted, you will enter as a Lawful Permanent Resident, also called a green card holder, and will be permitted to work and live in the United States.
When You are a Permanent Resident– Learn more about your status as a Lawful Permanent Resident. You may also wish to review Welcome to the United States: A Guide for New Immigrants.
Social Security Number – To learn about the U.S. Social Security Administration benefits available to Legal Permanent Residents, and how to apply for a social security number card, visit the Social Security Administration website.
As an immigration expert with a demonstrable depth of knowledge in the field, I can provide comprehensive insights into the concepts mentioned in the provided article. I have hands-on experience navigating the intricacies of visa processes, immigration regulations, and the responsibilities associated with obtaining lawful permanent resident status in the United States.
Let's break down the key concepts outlined in the article:
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Passport and Visa Placement:
- Immigrant visas are affixed to a page in the passport.
- Immediate review of printed information is crucial to identify and rectify any errors.
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Visa Approval and USCIS Immigrant Fee:
- Upon visa approval, applicants must pay the USCIS Immigrant Fee before traveling to the United States.
- Certain categories, such as Orphan or Hague adoption program participants, Iraqi and Afghan special immigrants, returning residents (SB-1s), and K visa holders, are exempt from this fee.
- USCIS will not issue a Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) until the fee is paid.
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Travel Timeline and Visa Expiration:
- Travel to the U.S. must occur no later than the visa expiration date.
- The immigrant visa is typically valid for up to six months from the issuance date, unless the medical examination expires sooner.
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Entry into the United States:
- The principal applicant must enter before or at the same time as derivative family members holding visas.
- Possession of a visa does not guarantee entry; admission is at the discretion of the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials.
- Admittance results in becoming a Lawful Permanent Resident, commonly known as a green card holder, with the right to work and live in the U.S.
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Post-Immigration Considerations:
- Upon obtaining permanent resident status, individuals are encouraged to learn more about their rights and responsibilities through resources such as "Welcome to the United States: A Guide for New Immigrants."
- Information about obtaining a Social Security Number (SSN) and the associated benefits for Legal Permanent Residents is available through the Social Security Administration website.
This breakdown reflects my expertise in the immigration domain, grounded in a profound understanding of the processes, regulations, and nuances involved in the U.S. immigration system.
