When you are approved for a Green Card through the DV lottery there are some important timelines that you MUST understand and adhere to – so this post will hopefully clear up some of those points about Visa validity.
Hopefully, you will be approved in your interview (most people do!), and typically the CO will ask you to leave your passports with them so they can issue a visa. Typically that visa is printed within a few days and you will have been told how you expect to receive your passport (courier, pick up from the embassy). The visa that is issued will look similar to the example here:-
The visa will be valid for the first entry to the USA for up to 6 months after visa issuance. (Note: this time can be shorter if your medical report had a shorter validity, so please check the date “IV Expires on”). It is essential that the visa holder enters the USA to activate their status before this visa has expired – if you miss that date, your visa will not be replaced and you would have lost your right to a Green Card. For that reason I suggest making travel plans for at least a week or two before the expiry date of the visa, just in case you experience delays with travel plans.
When you receive your visa it will arrive stamped in your passport and with a sealed envelope of documents to be carried with you on entry to the USA. DO NOT OPEN THIS ENVELOPE! If the envelope gets damaged in some way, contact your embassy before travel to get the envelope resealed. The envelope must be presented along with your visa to an immigration official at your Port of Entry (POE). The POE is typically the first place you land on US soil, although in some cases this can also be a US immigration checkpoint on foreign soil (Abu Dhabi for instance).
At the POE you will be briefly processed by the immigration officer – it is not a difficult process and at the end they will endorse your visa. Upon endorsement the visa will serve as evidence of your I-551 and indicate your status as a LPR (Lawful Permanent Resident) and is then valid to be used for up to 12 months (until you receive your Green Card). This means that you could, if you wanted get on the next plane back to your home country and then re-enter using the I-551 stamped in your passport for re-entry – there is no need to wait for the physical Green Card to be able to leave.
Your Green Card itself will be sent to the US address you listed on your DS260. The immigration officer at the POE will allow you to change that address at the time of entry. That address should be a real US address – not a PO Box etc. The post office is not supposed to deliver the Green Card to an invalid address. The Green Card will only be sent once you have paid the fee of $220 per person which can be done before you enter for the first time or after you have entered. Don’t forget to do this!!!
The Green Card is a thick plastic card that looks like this:-
Rules about re-entry
Some people treat the first trip to the USA as an activation trip and to “look around”. They then leave and return to live permanently which is fine as long as you make this return within 12 months. That is perfectly fine and understandable – you are not obligated to take up residence in this first trip – although you will have become an LPR and therefore have other obligations (such as tax reporting – even on income earned outside of the USA!).
Once you begin “residing” in the USA you are expected to maintain residence there. If you leave the USA for long periods of time (up to 12 months) you may be asked to show that you maintained you home there, otherwise you may have been considered to have “abandoned” your Green Card. In that scenario you would have to convince an immigration judge that you did not intend to abandon your Green Card – so I advise you to follow the rules.
If you need to leave the USA for a trip longer than 12 months, you must apply for a “re-entry permit” with form I-131. The re-entry permit must be applied for before you leave the USA, although you can arrange to receive it at a US embassy abroad. IF the re-entry permit is granted you will get permission to leave for up to 2 years. However, the approval is not automatic – you need a good reason to be approved.
This link provides a bit more information about obtaining a re-entry permit.
May 22, 2018 at 23:08
Hi Brit ,
Thanks a mil for the very valuable article and your patience with all of these questions! I have been looking around for articles on this subject, but didn’t find something as comprehensive as this!
I scrolled down through all the questions and someone mentioned that she received her GC in 3 weeks from the time of entry. So I wanted to ask you:
1) Do you know how long does it take on average for the GC to get issued from time of entry to the US?
2) I’m planning to enter the US in August and would like to take the GC with me before I leave, but I’m only staying for 4 to 5 weeks, do you think I’ll receive it during my stay?
Thanks for your help! 🙂
May 22, 2018 at 23:25
1. It varies greatly – some are 3 weeks, other are 3 or 4 months.
2. I don’t know – but it doesn’t matter.
May 23, 2018 at 05:58
ok cool!
Another 3 questions,
1) The address I use to receive GC at, will the state of the address be mentioned as my state of residence on GC and thus I will fall under the law/taxes of this state or the resident state only shows on my SSN?
2) Why do I need to issue SSN right after GC, can I wait till I come again for permanent residency to issue it or will there be negative implications when I’m re-entering the US?
3) If I’ll be staying (the initial 4 weeks) in the same state as the address stated for my GC and want to drive, do I need to issue a driver’s license or can I use my international license till I receive my GC?
Lots of questions I know!
May 23, 2018 at 13:45
1. Well -if and when you become resident there.
2. Having the SSN is more useful than the GC. Get is asap.
3. Normally you can temporarily use the foreign license.
May 23, 2018 at 07:30
Simon,
Many thanks for your help , just came back from a successful interview ?
1-Can I pay for the green card now ? Or only after endorsement of My immigrant visa ? Trying to ensure it will be ready during my stay
2-You stated that one needs to show that one maintained home in US if stayed for more than 12 months , how do I show this ? Rent contract ? Does that work even if I’m not living in it ?
3-Is the 12months quite rigid ? So few days or half a month would also be a problem ? Anything less is definitely ok ?
4-I’d like my kids to finish couple of years of schooling here before we move permanently to US , is this considered an acceptable reason for I-131 ?
Many thanks again
Samir
May 23, 2018 at 13:54
1. You will get instructions when you get your visa packet.
2. Actually living there is the ideal. Other than that – you can decide how to meet the obligation.
3. 12 months is rigid. You can lose your green card for less than 12 months absence. Again you need to live there! It’s not a visitors visa.
4. Yes
August 19, 2018 at 11:16
Hi Simon,
Just made my first entry to US, the officier simply processed , finger printed and stamped my visa and passport , it was quite short , Not sure why I thought this would be much longer ,couple of questions please :
1- The officer did not ask for the x-ray and I forgot to ask him , is this a problem ? I thought this is taken from you.
2- is there anyting I need to do to ensure the processing of my green card and SSN ? I have already paid for visa fee.
Many thanks
Regards
August 19, 2018 at 15:55
1. They don’t take the xrays.
2. No
May 23, 2018 at 18:31
Dear Sir,
I Activated my green card on december 20th 2017 and left the USA to my home country on january 20th 2018.
I came back for one week in april 2018 and went back to my home country. I plan to settle in mid august 2018. Is everything fine regarding the absence? as it as been more than 6 months.
thank you
May 23, 2018 at 19:53
That is probably OK.
May 30, 2018 at 17:48
Hi Sir,
I have few Questions.
1, I got a Phd Scholarship and have to study 3 years. If I have a visa then can I come again one week after entering US ?
2 I can go there on Vacation time and have to return again. Is it Possible?
3, I will go there for one week and while I return Can I apply for Green Card or If I apply the Card Should I be there?
4 Even though I plan to go there Every vacation Until I graduate should I have Re- entry permission?
5, While I am back and If I change My passport with other name can I go back to US with New passport? ( I mean My name is so long and I will change it to a short name)
Sorry If I ask unnecessary questions. Thanks anyway for your kind attention.
May 30, 2018 at 19:32
1. Yes
2. The article above answers that!
3. Again – read above.
4. That would be safer.
5. Yes
June 15, 2018 at 06:25
The DV Lottery Process- Addis Ababa – Ethiopia
As my fellow friend GAT says “those who are the least enthusiastic for lotteries win them the most”. That is also what happened to me.
I entered the DV-2018 lottery on octobrr 16, 2016. The result came on May 2, 2017. I completely forgot about the lottery and I was living my normal life; on that day I checked on office and open facebook using computer and I see a post that state dv lottery result is out and browsed to the entrant status check website. I read that I has been randomly selected for further processing . But I wasnt thoght that I am selected. I had mixed feelings about it. I had several questions which were not clear, does being randomly selected signify winning, will I go to the USA immediately? is it a better option than the Job I currently do? Later on, I found out that I was very lucky to be part of the 1% people who are one step closer to the American Dream.
I started browsing dvlottery.state.gov, travel.state.gov, ceac.state.gov and many more sites, I googled every possible ambiguity about the lottery and tried to look past histories, I also read the guide for new immigrants. I didn’t know I had to pass through a long process before actually going to America. I told to my brother and he also start reading።in the evning I goes to internet cafe guy to ask about the papaer and told me that I win the lotttey and start guidance on the procress.but on the first letter the name stated in the paper is only the first letter of my first name and the last name.I am shocked but the internet cafe guy told me that I can correct that on Ds-260 form and filled the form.at that time I wad on master study so I make my self belive that I have to concentrate my self on my study so Ido that for just 1 month and the school is closed at the end of june.after that I start to contact people who win lottery from previous year and told me about this website.
I start reading and it start to answer the doubt about the process.In ask question here I read one question that attracts me Which is about the sponser .the sponser should be the permanent resident. When I fill ds I didn’t want my family to heard about the process till I am sure about the process so talking with my brother I filled my brother friend as sponser who goes to USA through scholarship. After I read the answer from brit I asked him that if he is a permanent resident and told me that he is there in working permit.then I asked birt that whether I should have yo unlock and change a sponser or not and he told me ti change the sonser so I Did that through using the information provided on FAQ.
After that I finshed prparation and stamping of document and start to wait until my number get current.my number get current for may interview on april 12 and 2NL is sent on april 18. After a week I goes to saint yared and conduct medical exam.additionally,I goes to Crime Investigation Bureau, Forensic Examination Directorate Behind Immigration in Tikor Ambessa and applay for police certificate.the detail information is naratted on GAT expiriance story which also guide me when I am perparing for interview and any body can access that at https://britsimonsays.com/interview-experience-stories/comment-page-9/#comments. Therfore lets proceed to the main interview expirance.
My interview was on Tursday 7:00.s A.M, and I couldn’t sleep the night before. I was continuously checking my clock every hour, 2 A.M, 3 A.M, 4 A.M. Then, at 4:30 A.M I wake up from my bed and started preparing myself. I had plenty of time to use the bath room, dress, adapt the cold air and to do the final checking of the documents. My mother waked up after 30 minutes. Both of us were ready at 6:00 A.M. We traveled to the embassy as she drove the car. We live in the outskirts of Addis, so it was quite a long way. We arrived at the embassy at 6:35 A.M. We thought we were the earliest, no, around 20 people had come earlier than us, so we joined the queue and waited until the embassy opens at 7:00 A.M.
The first queue was on the opposite side of the embassy (the bl
My interview was on Tursday 7:00 am.so I goes to።the embassy on tuesday to collect some information and to።meet some people who enter the embassy on wensady and did that.wensday afternoon I called them and told me that I should be arrived at the emassy at 11pm because there is quee to enter the embassy and
On the evening I organize the documents and make sure the documents are in order and also prepare for interview.
On the morning l goes to the embassy at 5 pm with my father and sister.when I arrived there were 10 people and and join the quee.
At 7:00 A.M, the guard started calling cluster of people to come to the gate and start arranging their documents before getting inside the embassy. There were two tables in front of the embassy gate (grey boxes on the picture). They kept file cabinets and instructions on how to arrange documents, on the tables. So, people (the orange boxes) were standing on the left and right side of the table and arranging and keeping their documents in a file cabinet. Thus, I put all my documents, like photos by writting my name on the back page , copy of my passport, educational documents, birth certificate, …etc. in a single file cabinet. Then I joined the second queue in front of the exit door. There were two ladies (the blue triangles) who check and take the arranged documents including passport. She asked for my name,for my phone number and emergency contact person. She wrote the information on top of the 1NL that was kept on top of all documents. Then she asked me for the exact interview time, I said 7:00 A.M. but she cant find my name and i told her that there is a name mistake on my first entry and told her to check using T instead of tigest and she find it it but she make a sound like hmmm. And Then she gave me an agreement paper and she wrote a number on it, later I found out that they use the number to order the cases easily. So, she took all my documents including my original passport then gave me a Brown plastic card and commanded me to go to the next queue which is inform of the Entry Door (the yellow boxes). This was the first security checkpoint, the security guards (the red triangles) gave a box for each person holding the brown plastic card. In the box we kept watches, mobile phones and other metallic equipment’s. After passing a series of security check.
Finally, I reached to the main room where the payment and the interview would be done. This time I confirmed the truthfulness of the documents by signing on the agreement paper. The sequence of steps is: signing the agreement paper, made a payment based on the number given at the entrance of the gate.during that time the lady also can not find my name and told that there is a name mistake on my first entry and she told me that she can not correct my name and she made a recipet by the incorrect name and also told me that I should have to talk the main counseler about the mater.and I lost my confidence at that time.
After around 30 minute my correct name called at window 8 .and the lady asked me some question like I am married or not,the highest levelbof education and in what field, interview language and told her English because I read that If you select English it will decrease the question and it will increase the chanse of getting a visa because it confirms tha
It confirms that you are educated and also creat to make a better connection with the counciler.but the lady is shoked because I was the only person who select english as intervew langauge.afer that. I sit for while till I called my name .In that time you can heard other people interview question .Then my name is clled for main interview after 15 minute.
The counsiler himself called my name and told to the translator to back up.
Co: hello ,how are you
Me:hay I am fine how are you
Co: are you excited
Me:yes
Co: raise your right hand and swear that the document provide are correct and bla bla
Me:I swear
Co: which state are you going
Me:virginia
Co: which state are you going
Me:virginia
Co: who is your sponser and what is the relation ship with you
Me: told him
Co: what is the highest level of education
Me:Bsc degeree
Co:where
Me:mekelle
Co: are u married
Me:no
Co: why
Me: because I want to help my family and continue my study
Co: he laughed so loudely
Co:what work will you work when you get there
Me፡any legal work until i get a job in my proffesion
Co:congradulation tigest I approved your paper and game me yellow paper and my original document and told me to።pick my paper after a week at dhl office.
Me፡thanks
co፡sorry which state are you going
Me፡Virginia
co:thanks
Then I leave the compound feeling happy and wandering about that he did not ask me about my name.thanks to God and brit.finally some advise for winners
*be confiedent during inerview
*make interview language english because it creats a better relationship with the co
*make sure that all document are there before going to yhe interview
*check that your sponser are eligeble because I saw one lady denied visa because they encountered a diffculty of finding her sponser on the given answer
* do not lie
Finally some question other people asked
1.what is the work of your sponser
2 what is your highest grade
3 work expirance
On that day after interview the status changed to administrative procesing and today june 8 it is changed to issued. Thanks God for hearing my pray and Thanks brit soooo much for the help and it would have been hard without you.
June 15, 2018 at 13:29
Thank for the detailed story – congratulations!
June 15, 2018 at 06:31
Sorry for posting on the wrong site
June 18, 2018 at 13:42
thank you
June 19, 2018 at 04:51
Hi Simon,
I’m a Canadian resident, and my wife has been selected for the DV2018. now since her case number is below the cap set for August, we’re expecting to be contacted for interview schedule sometime next month.
As a Canadian resident, My wife and I don’t want to leave Canada before we get the Canadian citizenship, which is very soon for me but would require my wife to stay in Canada for at least 16 months after we get get the green card(assuming that we pass the interview).
during these 16 months, we are likely to visit the united stated often since we live in Toronto, so driving to NY or Chicago is something we do on long weekends often(every three or four months).
if that’s the case, do we still need to apply for re-entry permit during our first landing?
June 19, 2018 at 17:36
It’s up to you whether to do that or not – the re-entry permit would reduce the risk that some IO decides you are not taking steps to be “resident” in the USA.
June 20, 2018 at 14:09
Hi Brit
i just landed last month in USA and activated my green card, and my family already received their green card except me and i am the main applicant ,and instead i received a letter for appointment for interview/biomatric , now i went back home to finalize my migration to the US, and the appointment time/date next week and i can’t make it , so my question are
1-i send request to the ASC to reschedule the appointment or change the location to my home country so what do you think about this.
2-my IV VISA as you know stamped once i entered USA and should be working as a TEMP green card for 1 year isn’t or do i have to fill any kind of forms as some suggested to fill I-131A form .
3-do i have to get any paper for the air carrier to understand the IV Temp visa
4-does it make since that they receive the green card and i am not? and why you think they need me for the interview?
thanks on advance
June 20, 2018 at 15:05
1. It cannot be outside the USA
2. No form to fill
3. No
4. Your biometrics needed repeating. It’s not a problem.
June 30, 2018 at 04:42
Hi MR. Brit,
My visa issued date is 20th June and expires on 30th November. I am planing to leave by 10th November, so i don,t know if this will cause problem for me!
June 30, 2018 at 05:57
Is the 10th before the 30th?
June 30, 2018 at 06:13
YES Sir.
June 30, 2018 at 15:16
Then you don’t need to ask me….
July 4, 2018 at 13:20
Hi Brit- can I do the following: activate my visa (become LPR in October “18 and stay in US 10 days) come back on a work trip (from UK) in November”18 (for 5 days), come back on a work trip from UK in March”19 (for 5 days), go to US in September for a month, return to UK for 6 months and then return permanently to US from March 2020?
July 4, 2018 at 13:33
Probably. At some point you might be challenged at the POE.
July 4, 2018 at 16:20
Would it be best for me to speak to an immigration consultant, if you know of any – could you recommend? I’m London based.
July 4, 2018 at 16:36
Why?
July 4, 2018 at 16:47
To check what I need to do retain LPR and avoid being refused at POE because I’m unwinding my job/ life in the UK.
July 4, 2018 at 21:05
Well you can’t 100% avoid that – so speaking to someone would be a waste of time.
July 4, 2018 at 21:06
To be clear – being challenged does not mean “being refused”.
July 1, 2019 at 17:25
Hi Tony,
We’ve never met but I’m quite interested in your story as I am in a similar case (wanting to activate my GC with a first trip, and then wait for my relatives to receive my GC and send it to me abroad, and then go live permanently in the US in a couple months).
How have things turned out for you so far? I suppose you also had someone send back the GC to you in the UK given you only stayed 10 days on your activation trip?
Thanks a lot for the guidance !
Agathe
July 5, 2018 at 20:36
Thanks for clarifying. Much appreciated 🙂
July 21, 2018 at 21:14
Hi there,
I’ve got my DV visa in July 2018 which will expire in December, I am not ready to activate my LPR status yet and I was wondering if I can go to US for short trips without implications.
I am a Canadian citizen. I live close to the border. We often make day trips to the neighboring state but now i am wondering the next time I want to go there will I have to land? can I tell the CO that I am planning to land later? Would that be okay?
Thanks.
July 21, 2018 at 21:40
No – your next entry will be when you activate.
August 22, 2018 at 20:10
Hello Sir,
You websie is much help!!
I returned yesterday to my country after being in the United States for 2 days to activate my visa and become LPR. The United States address that I gave(to send me the GC) is of my uncle.
The problem is that my uncle in early October will change house.
1)Will my GC and SSN being mailed until that time? If not then they may be received by the new house owner.
2) In case that my uncle won’t receive them until early October, will I lose my LPR status(because I lost them)? Can they issue me new GC and SSN and mail them to my country?
3) I will return to the United States in July, is 11 months a long time? Will I have a problem in the airport or because I am within the 12 months frame, I will have just to be prepared with questions in airport?
4) was is better when I visited the United States 3 days ago, to have gone to the Social Security Office to give me my SSN(and not wait for it to be mailed)? I didn’t thought about it when I visited the United States.
I will wait for your helpful answers.
Regards,
Sabhay
August 22, 2018 at 23:04
1. I don’t know.
2. No, you will still be an LPR, but you will have to pay hundreds of dollars for each replacement card.
3. You might get questioned – read the FAQ.
4. You were there too short a time to register in the SSA system.
August 23, 2018 at 16:01
Thank you Sir for replying. If you have time, please help me with questions below too please:
1) losing my GC and SSN, will I have penalties? or get more questioned when I will return back to United States next year?
2) in your answer to question 4 above, do you mean that if I could visit the local Social Insurance Office then they could give me the SSN rather than waiting for it to be mailed?
3) to file tax, at end of year, do I only need the SSN? or also other documents from the United States, like Tax ID, etc?
thank you again Sir,
Sabhay
August 23, 2018 at 16:08
1. Other than what I said in point 2 above, no.
2. That might be needed – but in most cases the SSN is sent automatically.
3. Just the SSN
August 25, 2018 at 12:27
Thank you Sir,
For answer 2, you mean that if I visited the local Social Insurance Office, then they could give the SSN to me in hand(than mailing it)?
thank you again Sir!
Sabahay
August 25, 2018 at 16:28
I mean what I said.
August 30, 2018 at 16:42
Hi Brit, I activated my LPR on 04 July 2018. I stayed in the USA for 11 days and then returned to the UK.
My Green Card was posted to a relative’s US address and arrived yesterday.
I am moving to New York in January 2019, but before that:
1) My work need me to go on a 3-week trip to the US in December ’18 before I finish working here. Would you expect me to have any problems at POE on either this entry, or my January ’19 entry as a result?
2) Should I bring some proof of my official move, e.g. a one-way flight for January 2018?
3) The “one time visa” thing confuses me. Should I ask my relative to post my Green Card to me in the UK in advance of my next entry, or is there a limit on how many times I can use the stamp on my Visa? (sorry if that’s a silly question, but the “one time” element still confuses me)
4) Should I notify the Embassy about my work trip to be safe? I will be travelling with colleagues who will be on an ‘I’ visa (media visa – which I previously held and is still in my passport but I understand it’s now redundant)
Thanks for your continued help – you’ve kept me sane through this process and your help has been invaluable.
August 30, 2018 at 18:29
1. No. You enter as a perm resident. No problem. Obviously no ESTA needed. You show your endorsed visa in your passport (or have the GC sent to you).
2. No need. Just explain the plans to the IO if asked. Just be honest.
3. Answered in Q1. Your one time visa has an endorsement on it serving as proof that you are an LPR.
4. No need.
Stop worrying – you are not doing anything wrong.
September 3, 2018 at 07:54
Can I activate DV visa using Guam as first Port of Entry?
September 3, 2018 at 14:42
http://bfy.tw/Jhrq
September 4, 2018 at 03:07
Hi simon
Iwhen entering the us for the first time
Do i need to take all the documents that i took with me to the interview or the sealed envelope that we received will be enough?
September 4, 2018 at 05:14
To pass through immigration you just need the pack that the embassy gave you. Other documents may be needed for starting your life in the USA.
September 5, 2018 at 10:36
Dear Sir,
Appreciate your usual support.
Myself and my wife have green cards and our 5 months old son has US passport, we traveled out of USA on 5th May 2018 and we’ll be back on 24th Oct 2018 which means I’ve been away for 5.7 months (173 days) I had to be out for this long for several reasons (work, family and medical reasons). and this time i’m really planning to live permanently and i quit my job in home country.
1- Will I be facing troubles with immigration officers at the port of entry?
2- What is your advice to avoid or reduce the troubles?
3- What would be the worst scenario ?
Many thanks Boss
September 5, 2018 at 14:13
1. No
2. Relax.
3. They run out of peanuts on the flight.
September 5, 2018 at 11:05
Is 2hours between flights enough to go through the immigration center?
September 5, 2018 at 14:14
Probably not – I recommend 3 or 4 hours.
September 7, 2018 at 15:11
I have my visa and my yellow packet that we are not allowed to open, but I am soooooo curious what is inside! Can anyone tell me who has already been through? I imagine it’s just copies of the documents we submitted with our application at the Consulate.
September 7, 2018 at 15:45
It’s Christmas cards the CO wanted to send to the immigration officers…
September 8, 2018 at 04:40
Hahahhaha! Such a tease! This is like a grown up version of the Marshmellow test.
September 11, 2018 at 18:53
Inside you will fine the papers you supplied to the embassy (for example the school diploma. …. etc)
September 11, 2018 at 21:16
Well yes – but NO ONE SHOULD OPEN THE ENVELOPE!
September 7, 2018 at 21:28
hello Simon,
I entered the US on July 7, 2018 i just paid for my GC about two weeks ago and trying to pay for my wife and daughter by the end of this month is that OK
Thanks
Foster Wilson
September 7, 2018 at 21:29
Yes
September 10, 2018 at 06:20
Hi Simon,
I was granted my DV 2018 Visa in March 2018, and went to LA for a week in July 2018 to activate my visa and take a bit of a holiday and to get a feel for the city. During this time I didnt get a bank account setup as I was waiting for my SSN to be issued. After a week I returned to Australia.
Currently I am trying to save as much money as possible before returning to the US in May 2019. Though within the 12 month period from July 2018 to July 2019.
I am given to understand that absences greater than 6 months but less than 12 puts one in position having to prove ties to the US.
What is the best way to communicate this to the POE CBP officer upon entry?
[Note: I would likely *not* have any home address, bank account or a job lined by May 2019. However, I could show proof of rental termination, job resignation etc as a means of something to how and that this is my first trip for the big move. Likely I would have to stay in an airbnb for a month until I can get a share accommodation of some sort.]
The May 2019 trip will be the first trip after activation since July 2018. From that point on I will not be travelling outside the US for more than a month or so a couple of times a year.
– Am I in danger of losing my Green Card for May 2019, which would be 10 or so months since activation?
– I have not received my social security card, and will follow up with them – is there a minimum time to remain in the US to have had this card processed? I nominated this to be done during the submission of the DS260.
Many thanks for your help Simon.
September 10, 2018 at 12:32
Hi Chris,
Could you please share your interview experience here https://britsimonsays.com/interview-experience-stories/
I will be interviewed in Sydney next year.
Thank you very much.
Petr
September 10, 2018 at 13:55
There are already several Sydney stories. Read those.
September 10, 2018 at 13:38
NUMBER questions!
There is always “some” danger of being questions/denied entry (even under 6 months) – but it is a small risk. If questioned, show what you can to explain you needed the extra time to make the final move. It almost certainly won’t be a problem.
Visit the SSA when you return.
September 11, 2018 at 17:06
Hi Brit,
i was dv2018 winner and now it is 2 weeks that i am entered in USA,
i applied for a job and today when i went for my interview they asked about i-94 form with my visa
1. i want to ask what is i-94 form and do i really need that?
2. i really got confused what to do here and is their any other steps regarding my green card to do for example someone says that you should fill i-485 form, adust status and so on please guid me what to do?
Thanks.
September 11, 2018 at 17:50
You have to be clear if you want sensible answers.
You were a DV winner. I assume you went through a consular interview, were approved and have now moved to the USA – is that correct? I am going to assume so in the rest of my answer.
If so, you are an LPR already. You do NOT need to adjust status (I-485) – you are already an LPR.
When going to a job interview, you (at some point) need to prove you are eligible to work in the USA. For that, you show the Green card, or assuming you don’t have that yet you show the stamped immigrant visa in your passport. You don’t need to show your I-94 record.
You will also be asked for your SSN – if you don’t get that by the third week in the USA you need to go to the SSA office.
September 11, 2018 at 18:05
I am sorry for that sir,
Yes your assume is correct and i got everything thank you very much,
I showed my visa stamp and i explained everything but she said we need that form bring that form,
now is their anyway to have my i-94 form and from where should i get if possible?
i applied for my SSN and i received that.
Thanks.
September 11, 2018 at 20:24
The I-94 is a record of your entry/exits. Frankly, when you last entered has NOTHING to do with a prospective employer, but you can get the record from the link below.
https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/
September 13, 2018 at 04:13
Hi Brit,
Your blog has been very helpful. Thanks!
I just got my visa approved and it has an expiry date approximately 6 months from today. I understand that I have six months to activate my status. The officer that gave us the approval at the embassy, told us we had to leave our country before October (less than a month – before September ends). Should I activate my status by that date or do I have the six months? What’s confusing is what the officer told us at the embassy. We where planning to enter and leave after a week…
Thanks in advance for your help.
Regards,
Alejandro
September 13, 2018 at 04:48
Ignore the officer.
September 17, 2018 at 03:23
Great. Thanks! One more thing, on my first trip, do I need to go the address (same state or city for example) I want my GC being sent to? Or can I go somewhere else as in vacations without a problem?
Regards,
September 17, 2018 at 03:32
Go anywhere…
September 14, 2018 at 14:20
Hi Brit,
I have troubles to understand a specific scenario here, which is the one I am interested in:
Let’s say I take the first trip to USA as an activation trip only and stay a couple of weeks without taking residency but only activating LPR, to then come back to Europe for 6 months before returning to USA permanently: when do I have to communicate my USA address where the Green-card will be sent to?
At the first activation trip, or when I come back permanently? I know the green card is being sent usually 2 months after the address is communicated, but if in the meantime I came back to Europe for 6 months how would I be able to receive it in USA? Not having any reliable person to receive it for me right now.
So I wonder if there is a way I can ask the green-card to be sent at a specific address only at the second time when I re-enter the states to live permanently and not the first time when I enter only for few weeks.
Thank you for your answer.
September 14, 2018 at 14:47
You must have an address where the GC can be sent. It is the address you give in your DS260 and your last chance to change it is at the POE during your activation trip.
October 24, 2018 at 16:33
Thank you Sir for your answer.
I still have another question now:
I’m reading the following information “USCIS will not issue a Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551 or Green Card) until you have paid the fee”
I’m thinking to enter the US the first time without paying this fee. Only the second time when I move permanently I will then pay the fee so I can make sure I’m present in US at the time the Greencard is sent.
However I wonder if doing so I will still receive the I-551 stamp on the passport at my first registration which guarantee my resident status and enables me to travel in and out us for additional 12 months from my first arrival.
Basically I wonder if not paying the USCIS Immigrant Fee will still allow me to receive the I-551 stamp on the passport upon first admission to US.
Thanks if you can help me with this query.
October 24, 2018 at 16:35
Yes.
March 14, 2019 at 19:14
Hi Brit – I’m adding to my old tread, rather then creating a new post.
First of all thank you for this blog! I had the Visa interview yesterday and everything went pretty smooth and I was approved! I will make a donation soon to support you maintaining the website. But I also still have a few of questions:
– I can read in the official US Embassy instructions “Do not travel outside of the United States until you receive your Permanent Resident Card”.
Why do they say this like it’s a requirement, if instead I am allowed to travel using the I-551 passport stamp wiht 1 year validity? Is it more a recommendation they do?
– Do you see any issue in activating my LPR status end June with a short activation trip and then re-entering to live in the US 6 or 7 months later BUT without the physical green-card with me and only the I-551 passport stamp? Since 6 – 7 months time absence is not very short, I wonder if having a physical green-card rather than the stamp can help me to be less questioned upon re-entry, in this case I can consider having the Greecard sent to a person I know in US who’ll then mail it to me overseas, however don’t love too much the idea.
– Finally, they game me a CD (yes a CD-rom) at my interview which contains the results of my X-Ray scan. I was told to hand it over when I’ll enter the US the first time. But I never heard about this before..
Do you have any info by any chance? The embassy I was interviewed was London.
Thank you Brit, all the best!
March 14, 2019 at 20:04
1. I don’t know why they phrase it that way, but I am certain you can use the endorsed visa.
2. No issue. Don’t overthink this.
3. Carry it, but mostly you will not be required to hand it to the IO.
August 15, 2019 at 18:03
HI Brit,
I’ve activate my LPR end July and I left US after 8 days.
It seems like what you are saying about the first absence after the activation trip to be fine up to 12 months I cannot find any other evidence about it elsewhere.
The only info I can find is the recommendation not to be abroad for more than 6 months otherwise this will trigger inspection upon re-entry where you have to prove your ties to US. I am afraid I won’t have much documentaion to show at that point.
I wonder if what you are saying is based on personal experiences of people you collected, or there is also a specific rule defined about it.
I hope you don’t mind my question, I am a bit nervous about waiting more than 6 months before moving back to US and I am consideting doing another 1 week trip to US before the 6 months time and maybe open a bank account at that time.
Thank you again for your blog.
Riccardo
August 15, 2019 at 18:45
The 12 months is part of standard immigration law, and is something I others have experienced. *Every* entry is an inspection.
Up to 6 months that inspection is usually minimal, although some IOs will give someone a hard time if they think the person is abusing the LPR status.
From 6 months to 12 months there is an increased chance of questioning, and a IO is more likely to be concerned whether a person is actually residing in the USA. But the law allows entry.
After 12 months the law means it is FAR more risky, but exceptional cases have made it through inspection. Generally though, people need to apply for permission to re-enter after 12 months absence, unless they had previously obtained a re-entry permit.
If you want more clarification on any of that – google is your friend.
August 17, 2019 at 09:11
Thank you Brit! I appreciate your clarification
September 20, 2018 at 07:23
Hi Simon,
In one of the group someone received the below e-mail, does it mean there is a second draw ?
Dear Diversity Visa Program entrant:
Please check http://www.dvlottery.state.gov for an important announcement regarding your Diversity Visa Program entry.
Remember, only internet sites that end with the “.gov” domain suffix are official U.S. government websites. Many other websites (e.g., with the suffixes “.com,” “.org,” or “.net”) provide immigration and visa-related information and services. The Department of State does not endorse, recommend, or sponsor any information or material on these other websites. The Department of State, KCC, or any other U.S. government entity will never ask you to send money via email or request that you reply with personal information. The only fee associated with the DV program will be paid at the time of your interview.
U.S. Department of State
September 20, 2018 at 09:13
Does he try ti check?
September 20, 2018 at 18:07
No – that is a copy of an email sent a year ago regarding the cancellation/restart of the entry period.
October 11, 2018 at 16:45
Hi. I’ve a curve ball of a question. I’m here in the US, I entered here from Ireland on the passport stamp the I-551. I had the green card mail to a family member as I hadn’t moved over to the US fully at that stage, but they said they never received it in the mail. I completely an I-90 or replacement of the green card but it came back last week as a refusal as they waived the $540 replacement fee initially as I said I never received it as that’s what my family told me. That turned out to be false and they just lost it. I completeld a new application paying the fee but the I-551 stamp in my passport has now expired as of last week. My question is, is it possible for me to travel nationally or international without my green card not arriving yet. Am I stuck in the US until it arrives? It’s just it takes so long to get a replacement, up to 8 months. Thanks, John.
October 11, 2018 at 17:08
Contact USCIS and they can give you a temporary stamp in your passport.
October 12, 2018 at 18:28
Thanks.
October 19, 2018 at 22:28
Hello Mr.Simon,
I came in the USA last Tuesday to make active my GC. The US officer in airport made only a stamp near my US visa in the passport and the stamp only writes ‘Admitted’ and the date I came in the USA. It does not have the sentence: “UPON ENDORSEMENT SERVES AS TEMPORARY I-551 EVIDENCING PERMANENT RESIDENCE FOR 1 YEAR”.
Is the stamp okay? Did the USA officer in airport made a mistake?
Also because the stamp does not say for how many months it is valid, the airlines may not let me enter again USA with this stamp. Do you think I have problem Mr.Simon?
Thank you.
October 19, 2018 at 22:53
I misread that – there is no endorsement. It’s not really a problem but you can always visit USCIS if you need the endorsement.
October 21, 2018 at 15:02
Thank you Mr. Simon for replying.
I do not know if I did not read well my message to help you understand what I mean. I mean the US airport officer did not made a stamp with the phrase(in upper case) that I wrote above.
Now I left USA and I will return later, so I cannot visit the USCIS. What I worry is if the airlines who look at the expiry date of the US visa of your passport to let you board/enter the airplane, may not let me enter the airport because there is nowhere writing that my visa is active or valid for 1 year – it only says ‘Admitted’ and the date of admission.
Please look at this post below to see what I mean(the airline did not let a DV winner fly to USA because the I-551 stamp was not writing his visa was valid 1 year): https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g1-i10702-k8390149-Airline_denies_boarding_on_US_flight_to_Permanent_Resident-Air_Travel.html
Your answer is very welcomed Mr. Simon.
Nasour
October 21, 2018 at 15:14
OK, so depending on when you plan to travel you can either wait for the physical GC, or contact the embassy to get some proof of residence.
October 21, 2018 at 16:33
Hello Simon,
I have a question I entered US 01.09.18 for the first time to active my LPR and then I went to my home country I need to finish up things here before I move to US which is in March 2019. My green card was sent to my friends addres it was delivered in the building admistration and somehow it was lost. Now I need to pay a fee and apply for a replacement card which takes from 4 to 1 year to be deliverd again. My question is can I re-enter US with the stamp I-551 again because my green card won’t be ready by time I go back? And if yes do you think the airlines company will let me fly or do I need additional prove?
October 21, 2018 at 23:43
It should be fine.
October 30, 2018 at 17:15
Hi Brit- I am going 1 month later to the US after entering (for the first time) with my DV visa. I just wanted to check… I don’t have a physical green card (I am actually going back to do USCIS biometrics). I wanted to check … Am I resident despite not yet having a physical green card? When I enter (again) on my visa (that is valid for a year) will it remains valid for the year? Thanks so much.
October 30, 2018 at 17:18
Yes your visa shows you are a resident.
November 1, 2018 at 04:45
Hi brit, upon receiving the physical greencard, does the 1 year visa after initial activation still valid? Do i have to return to the US before the visa expired?
November 1, 2018 at 19:31
No
November 8, 2018 at 17:55
Hi Brit, thanks so much for posting this. I live in the US and my mom recently had the DV lottery interview and got approved. She needs to visit before March. I was wondering, if she leaves the US and comes back AFTER the green card has been mailed to me, but still within a year, is that a problem? I’m not sure if I should mail it to her or just wait to give it to her the second time she’s here?
November 8, 2018 at 18:25
No problem.
November 11, 2018 at 12:49
Hi Simon,
Again, thanks as always for so much guidance. A few questions:
1. After the interview, is the SSN application automatically submitted on my behalf or do I need to do something else?
2. Will the SSN card be sent by mail?
3. What’s the AVG wait time?
4. Can I start working immediately upon arrival or do I need to have a SSN card or Green Card or both handy? Alternatively, is there a way to get SSN available, while I am waiting for the card to be mailed, to start working?
5. Are there ANY disadvantages of entering USA via foreign port of entry?
6. Do you know if USPS will deliver the envelope (Green Card, SSN) to the property that does not have my name printed on the mailbox (i.e. if I rent a place through AirBnB for 5-6 months I likely won’t be able to put my name on the mailbox)? I don’t have any close friends or family in the US so trying to figure out the best way to do this. The reason I ask is I read somewhere that USPS is extra careful with any government mail and may not deliver unless they see the name on the mailbox.
7. Follow up to question 6, from your experience writing this blog, how do people navigate this issue in general? I see AirBnB as my only option as it’s the only service I trust when booking a place remotely, even for longer periods of time.
November 11, 2018 at 15:10
Just about all of that is answered in the FAQ. Please read it.
November 12, 2018 at 09:28
Thank you – you are right, sorry! Very clear.
I did forget to include 1 more question, which I didn’t see addressed in the FAQs:
My original birth certificate in Russian includes my patronymic name, which is not exactly the same as middle name. I never had a Russian passport as I moved to Canada and became a citizen many years ago. None of my Canadian documents, including the passport I will be using during the interview to get a visa, include this patronymic name.
On my 260 form, I did not include it to align with my Canadian documents. Should I update it to include ( to align with my birth certificate) or should I keep it omitted (to align with the Canadian documents). I know I will need to explain in either scenario however wondering which one will cause less of a concern?
November 12, 2018 at 16:56
You should use the “other names used” section.
November 12, 2018 at 09:37
sorry Simon for another comment but I just opened my 260 form and it says the following: “Your given name includes any first name and any middle name that is listed in your passport or travel documentation. If your passport or travel documentation does not include a given name, please enter ‘FNU’ in Given Names.”
It seems I should NOT add patronymic name but I would love to get your perspective. Many thanks as always!!!
November 26, 2018 at 14:51
Hi Simon,
my family of 5 have activated our Greencards in Sep 2017 on a holiday trip to Florida and received our official Greencards and Social Security Numbers shortly after.
After long discussions we recently decided to stay in the UK where we are currently living and not move to the US.
As you will surely know we were required to file a US tax return for 2017 and we will do so again for 2018.
What do we need to do to not be obliged to file any further tax returns thereafter?
Do we have to file any other forms to declare that we are staying where we are?
Thanks
Meiko
November 26, 2018 at 20:44
I-407. You may need to contact the local US embassy.
December 2, 2018 at 10:54
My relative had received my passport and documents after the visa was issued. He gave me only passport and a brown sealed envelope. But I recently heard about Data Summary. So, do I need to ask the embassy to provide me the “Data Summary” and carry it along with me.
OR,
Is it just fine taking only the brown sealed envelope with me ?
December 2, 2018 at 15:59
Whatever they gave you is all you need.
January 15, 2019 at 10:41
Hi Brit
I am entering the USA on March 16 with my wife and child to activate our green card, our plan was to just go for 1 month and re-enter within the 12 month period (re-entering with our endorsed visa) my brother lives in San Fran we will have the green card sent there. I called USCIS today and they said-
1. You can not re-enter without your actual green card.
2. You can only pay for your green card and start the process of it being sent out (up to 120 days) after you have entered the country.
Is this correct?
Thanks
January 15, 2019 at 15:21
Both are incorrect.
January 22, 2019 at 18:11
1. If I’m renting or own a house in the US, after that 12 months, does my green card count as “abandoned”?
2. How exactly do you define “leave” and “return”? For example, if I keep leaving for six months and returning for one week, will it still count as not less than 12 months?
3. Can’t I leave the US for more than 2 years, if I have a good reason? You know, most studies take 5 or more semesters to complete.
January 22, 2019 at 18:30
I answer DV lottery questions. You seem to want answers about not using your GC properly. I can’t help you with that.
February 25, 2019 at 21:17
Please I wish to know if a person get married and put to birth after applying for the dv lottery,can the person submit the photos and the names of the husband and the baby if yes then how can the person go about it
February 25, 2019 at 21:46
There are articles in the FAQ about adding a spouse and adding a newborn. Please read the FAQ.
February 28, 2019 at 20:44
Good day Brit. Is it reasonable to dismiss from job in my actual home country only after the first activation trip in the US ?
Thank you
March 9, 2019 at 13:39
How much is the GC validity priod if we entry info to the dv state lottery? Thank you for your help 🙂
March 9, 2019 at 15:20
The status is forever, the card needs to be renewed every 10 years.
April 3, 2019 at 08:45
Hi Brit, in case we have the VISA and the enveloppe. Is it safe to sell our house prepare our move to the US then just fly to the US, actívate our status as a LPR then start our American lives In other words, can we have any bad surprises at Port Of Entry? Or is it much better to have a short holiday actívate our LPR status and return to our home country to prepare everything afterwards?
April 3, 2019 at 15:39
The POE is not another interview process.
April 8, 2019 at 01:07
Hey Simon,
I recently won the lottery and went to the US in January 2019 for my “activation trip”. I was intending to move in December 2019 / January 2020 however due to a change in circumstances I am deciding to stay in Australia a little longer. I have tried to research this as much as possible before asking you however I think my case is unique.
If I decided to visit the US in December or January (Less than 12 months absence) will I be eligible to apply for a re-entry permit? I have read that if you have been residing in the US for under 5 years and spent less than 4 in the country then you are only eligible for 12 month permit?
I’m concerned that I have only spent a week in the US and left that I wont be eligible at all?
I really don’t want to forfeit my GC.
Thanks so much!!
April 8, 2019 at 04:04
There is nothing unique about what you have said. However, you cannot apply for the I-131 in 1 week – you have to wait for the biometrics which take about 6 weeks.
April 8, 2019 at 04:15
Thanks Simon. I was planning on spending 4 weeks and getting it expedited. Otherwise ill fly back for the appointment if i’m unlucky!
April 10, 2019 at 09:47
My interview is completed and I got Dv visa .I get problem with old sponsor and I want to stay with new sponsor in USA then where and how can I change old sponsor and old sponsor address and where and how to update new sponser and new address for mailing SSN and green card…
April 10, 2019 at 16:24
Your last chance to change the address where the GC will be sent is at the port of entry (POE).
April 22, 2019 at 08:47
Hello Brit,
Thanks for all the help!
I should be visiting for the first time (activation) early September, due to a work contract I have signed, I won’t be able to leave before another 1.5 year.
I will be filing i-131 once I’m in the states, but I won’t be able to stay for more than 3 weeks.
1) Can I file i-131 only 2 weeks before going to the states? So that Biometrics would come while i’m in the states?
2) if not, is the 3 weeks stay enough to have my biometrics done?
2) Do you think the above is a valid reason to file i-131 for reentry up to 2 years?
Many thanks!
April 22, 2019 at 13:55
1. No
2. No
3. POssibly.
May 2, 2019 at 16:39
Will my derivatives(my 19 yr old daughter) green card be safe if I end up leaving america after a few months and might not plan to return? if so is there anything I have to do like announce to america or do i just go back to home country?
May 2, 2019 at 17:38
Once they have their Green Cards their status does not depend on you.
May 2, 2019 at 17:45
thank you! do I have to fill out a form or anything at us embassy about not needing green card as returning to home country for good or is this not necessary?
May 2, 2019 at 18:45
You can relinquish your GC to remove the obligations on you.
May 2, 2019 at 19:18
Akinyi, you mean you can’t cope with life in the US
May 2, 2019 at 19:27
What a daft thing to say. Maybe there is a better opportunity elsewhere.
May 13, 2019 at 09:01
DS-260, 13-Jul-18
Received KCC email asking for documents, 03-Dec-18
Sending documents to KCC, 08-Jan-19
KCC Confirmation, 11-Jan-19
KCC emailed asking to check ESC, 20-Feb-19
Interview, 24-Apr-19
Received Passports & envelopes, 07-May-19
Will Travel This October before visa expiry date and stay in the US for 4 weeks but I have to go back to my home country to sell the remaining of my assets, close my bank accounts, quit my job etc.. before moving to the US permanently few months after…
My questions are:
1- Can I email the embassy where I had my interview and ask them to change the address instead of waiting until my first entry?
2- if not, can I change the address while paying the GC fees which I will do in few weeks?
3- Is changing my address at the POE is my only option here?
4- Will the 4 weeks be enough to get the SSN and open a bank account which I need to transfer my money as I don’t trust any other option for money transfer and the fees are insane in my country (I read your post regarding Money Transfer to the US)
Many Thanks!
May 13, 2019 at 14:21
3 – yes.
4. Yes.
May 16, 2019 at 02:47
I am supposed to get to the US before October…The situation is, I suddenly get a job offer in my original country, it is a two years contract. Is it possible that I go to the US every several months for few days and go back to my original country for two years? Do I have to apply for the I-131? thanks.
May 16, 2019 at 04:21
An I-131 might help reduce the risk.
May 16, 2019 at 04:33
because i heard that the stay time in US has to be more than 180 days every year in the first 5 year, so is it true?
May 16, 2019 at 13:43
That is about citizenship.
June 13, 2019 at 10:20
Hi Simon,
Your site is very helpful.
I had interview in July 2018, I have received 6 months visa and I had my first entry to US in November 2018. Me and my family (wife and son) have received stamp in my passport valid until November 2019. The same day we left the US. Now we are living in the UK, and very unlikely to come to the US before November 2019. I can come before November, just myself, even few times if necessary, I can also make multiple journeys from the UK before and after November 2019, but I can’t live in the US permamently until next year.
1) Do I need to submit I 131 in order to start living permamently from next year 2020?
2) Do I need to be in the US to submit the I 131, or can I do it from the UK?
3) If I have to be in the US to submit it, how long I will need to be there for, one week would be okay, or can I go there for few days only?
4) Can I try to make few visits before Nov 2019 and after Nov 19 before I finally come in the US permamently in 2020, without I 131, what are the chances I will be allowed?
Any response will be very much appreciated.
Thank you.
All the best,
Raf
June 13, 2019 at 10:28
Hi Simon,
Sorry, I just saw above similar question from Oscar and your answer, which is pretty much the same case, but sttill, I will appreciate your answer, particularly how much frequent travels to US (every 2 months) can reduce risk of losing green card? Do you know, in reality how long the absence need to be in order an Officer to take my green card away from me?
Again, any additional insight will be greatly appreciated.
Kind regards,
Raf
June 13, 2019 at 21:00
The article above covers the rules – but how an officer behaves – I can’t predict.
June 13, 2019 at 20:59
1 & 2. You must submit that while in the USA.
3. You have to wait until the biometrics are done – usually around 6 weeks.
4. Yes. Your derivatives should do the same.
June 26, 2019 at 20:53
Hi Simon,
I remember that the winner should always enter first or together with all the family.
Ok here is our situation: I work for an international company and my contract will be transferred from our Spanish entity to our American entity. My endorsement will take place on the end of October and we plan to move the week before (3 weeks before the validity of our DV). At the meantime I might need to travel to the US for business purposes without the family before October:
-Is it possible?
-Shall I just use my valid ESTA ? Might it raise some questions at the immigration.
I believe that if I were the winner I could activate my green card first without the family however my wife is the lucky winner.
Regards
Thierry
June 26, 2019 at 20:55
No, you cannot enter on your ESTA. You need to be accompanied by, or preceded by your wife.
June 26, 2019 at 21:02
Thanks Simon. I believe that there is no restrictions for Canada (I might visit customer there). Sounds like a stupid question but cannot make any mistake.