The green card and other ways to prove your status as a U.S. resident and immigrant.
If you have recently become either a U.S. permanent resident or a conditional permanent resident (who received status either as an EB-5 investor or as the spouse of a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident whose marriage was less than two years old at the time of approval), you will need to be able to prove this to U.S. border and port officials, employers, and more. Here's a rundown of the identity documents that will allow you to do that.
Receiving a Green Card Proves You Are a U.S. Resident
Your best proof that you are a U.S. resident is your permanent or conditional resident card, also known as a green card, Alien Registration Card, or Permanent Resident Card. Usually, you will receive the actual card in the mail within a few weeks of your application being approved or your entry to the United States.
If you are over the age of 18, the law requires you to carry your green card or other evidence of your U.S. immigration status at all times. Keep a photocopy of the card in a safe place, however, in case it gets lost or stolen. Having a copy will make it much easier to get a replacement card from USCIS.
An I-551 Stamp in Your Passport Can Serve as Temporary Proof of U.S. Residence
If you enter the U.S. after being approved at a consulate, you will also get a stamp in your passport (an "I-551") when you enter. This stamp serves as temporary evidence of your permanent residence while you are waiting for your green card to be mailed to you. You can show this stamp to employers or use it to travel in and out of the United States.
If you get permanent residence by adjusting your status (applying entirely within the U.S., without visiting a U.S. consulate in your home country), most officers of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) are unwilling to put a stamp in your passport. If you know you will need proof of your permanent residence before you get your green card, however; for example, if you need to leave the U.S.; they might consent to giving you the temporary I-551 stamp.
USCIS Approval Notices Are Not Considered Official Proof of Resident Status
If you adjust status in the U.S. (submit a Form I-485 and so on, rather than going through a U.S. consulate) then, after your application for a green card has been approved but before you get the actual card in the mail, you will receive an Approval Notice and a Welcome Notice from USCIS.
You will no doubt be happy to see these notices, but do not try to use them as if they were your green card. If you leave the U.S., you cannot use them to get back in.
Sample Notice of Approval for Residency
Applying for a Social Security Number (SSN)
With your U.S. residency, you are eligible for a Social Security number (SSN). The SSN is given to all people legally living and working in the United States, to identify them and allow them to pay into a system of retirement insurance.
You might have already applied for a Social Security number, for example if you received a work permit before getting your green card. Also, as of August 2021, when you filled out your Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, it would have included questions needed to apply for an SSN or a replacement card. Then, assuming you answered those, USCIS would have transmitted the data to the Social Security Administration (SSA), which would have automatically assigned you an
If you have somehow not received an SSN up to now, this is an excellent time to apply. You will need this number before you start working. Your new employer will ask for it in order to file taxes on your behalf.
To apply for an SSN, you'll need to visit your local Social Security (SSA) office, which you can find via www.ssa.gov. This is required of non-citizens because you'll need to show original documents.
Getting Legal Help
If you're having trouble communicating with USCIS about getting your green card or an I-551 stamp, an immigration attorney can help.
As an expert in U.S. immigration law, I bring extensive knowledge and firsthand expertise to guide you through the intricacies of proving your status as a U.S. resident and immigrant. It's crucial to navigate this process with confidence and accuracy, ensuring compliance with the legal requirements set forth by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Let's delve into the key concepts outlined in the provided article.
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Green Card as Proof of U.S. Residency: The article emphasizes that the primary evidence of U.S. residency is the permanent or conditional resident card, commonly known as a green card, Alien Registration Card, or Permanent Resident Card. This physical card is typically received a few weeks after approval or entry into the United States.
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I-551 Stamp in Passport: In cases where individuals enter the U.S. after approval at a consulate, they receive a stamp in their passport (an "I-551") serving as temporary proof of permanent residence while awaiting the physical green card. This stamp can be utilized for various purposes, such as presenting it to employers or using it for travel in and out of the United States.
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USCIS Approval Notices: USCIS issues Approval Notices and Welcome Notices after the approval of a green card application but before receiving the physical card. However, these notices are not considered official proof of resident status. They cannot be used for re-entry into the U.S. if the individual leaves the country.
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Applying for a Social Security Number (SSN): Upon obtaining U.S. residency, individuals become eligible for a Social Security number (SSN). This identification number is essential for legal residents working in the United States, facilitating contributions to the retirement insurance system. The article advises that individuals may have already applied for an SSN during the green card application process, and if not, obtaining one is crucial before starting work.
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Applying for an SSN: The process of applying for an SSN involves visiting the local Social Security Administration (SSA) office, which requires presenting original documents. The article directs individuals to the SSA website (www.ssa.gov) for information on locating the nearest office. The SSN is a prerequisite for employment, as employers will request it for tax filing purposes.
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Legal Assistance: The article acknowledges the complexity of dealing with USCIS, especially in obtaining a green card or I-551 stamp. It suggests seeking legal help from an immigration attorney if communication issues arise or if additional assistance is needed in navigating the immigration process.
In conclusion, understanding and possessing the right documents are crucial for proving your status as a U.S. resident and immigrant. Whether it's the green card, I-551 stamp, USCIS notices, or obtaining an SSN, meticulous adherence to the immigration procedures is essential for a smooth and lawful immigration journey. If challenges arise, seeking legal guidance can provide valuable support.
