Hello, this is Attorney John Chung. For those residing abroad seeking U.S. permanent residency, obtaining an immigrant visa through an interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate is typically a required step. Obtaining an immigrant visa essentially marks the completion of the major steps in your immigration journey; however. it’s still too soon to fully relax until you physically receive your Green Card. Today, I’d like to discuss some important considerations after receiving your immigrant visa.
Immigrant Fee Payment
Before entering the U.S., you must pay the USCIS Immigrant Fee. Failure to do so may result in delays in the production and delivery of your Green Card. The immigrant fee must be paid online and requires a U.S.-based bank account or credit card.
We assist clients who do not have a U.S.-based bank account or credit card in completing their fee payments.
Entry into the United States
You must enter the U.S. within the validity period indicated on your immigrant visa. Unless your family members are following later under a separate “follow-to-join” visa process, the principal applicant and accompanying family members must enter the U.S. together.
Biometrics
When entering the U.S. on an immigrant visa, applicants typically do not need to undergo an additional biometrics process (fingerprinting and photograph) for background checks, as these steps have already been completed at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate during visa processing. However, in rare cases, if fingerprint collection was incomplete or unclear, applicants may be required to attend an additional biometrics appointment after arriving in the U.S.
If you’re continuously residing in the U.S., this usually isn’t an issue. However, since relocating permanently can be complicated, many people return to their home country multiple times after their initial entry, to manage their relocation gradually. In such cases, receiving an unexpected biometrics appointment notification while outside the U.S. (and without having received your physical Green Card yet) can be quite stressful.
If this happens, you should immediately contact USCIS to reschedule the biometrics appointment and promptly return to the U.S. to complete it on the newly designated date, preventing any delays in receiving your Green Card. Even if the immigrant visa itself has expired, it functions as temporary proof of permanent resident status for one year from the date of your initial U.S. entry when presented together with the entry stamp received at that time. Therefore, you may re-enter the U.S. as a lawful permanent resident during this one-year period, even if you haven’t yet received your physical Green Card.
Social Security Number (SSN)
The U.S. Social Security Number (SSN) is usually requested at the time of filing the immigrant visa application (Form DS-260). After entering the U.S. with your immigrant visa, the Social Security card is typically delivered to your U.S. address separately from your Green Card. However, occasionally some individuals report not receiving their Social Security card as expected.
If your Social Security card hasn’t arrived after a considerable wait, don’t continue waiting indefinitely. Instead, you should visit your nearest Social Security Administration office to either verify your Social Security Number or submit a new application on the spot.
Today, we’ve briefly discussed important considerations after receiving your immigrant visa. If you have further questions, please feel free to contact us at Immincare anytime.
Recommended Videos from Our YouTube Channel
•Overview of U.S. Green Cards and Visas
•Green Card 101 – The Basics of Lawful Permanent Residency
•Visa Bulletin – Understanding Priority Dates and Immigrant Visa Availability