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.
December 17, 2017 at 14:04
Thanks a million for the effort you are making here..
I got the DV visa for myself and wife and entered the USA last November for the activation, we stayed one week and now we’re back home and a friend of mine received our green cards for us.
my questions:
-we can return to live permanently in the USA within one year after the activation date without any problems. is this correct?
– how to receive the SSN noting that we’re not in the US now? is it possible to finalize this procedure after return to the US?
-my wife is pregnant and most probably she will give birth in home country. is it okay to travel back to the US with the baby or not? do we need any further process for the baby?
appreciate your assistance
December 17, 2017 at 16:01
1. Yes
2. It will be sent to the address you gave as the USA address. If it was not sent you would have to go to the SSA office.
3. https://britsimonsays.com/how-to-add-a-newborn-child-to-the-dv-case/
December 18, 2017 at 08:48
thank you for your prompt reply..
till today the SSN is not yet sent to the USA address, can i make my visit to the SSA office after returning to the US which will be within 5 months? is there any problem in such delay?
can a friend of mine living in the US do this visit for me?
December 18, 2017 at 16:51
No one can do that for you, but doing that after 5 months won’t be a problem
December 20, 2017 at 15:36
Hi Simon,
I am now in possession of my stamped visa, valid for 12 months, and I went back to my home country straight away. I’ve also read your FAQ “Timeline of first entry and absences from USA”.
Now, if I want to delay my first entry to the US to more than 12 months (let’s say 18 months or 24 months instead), so that it gives me more time to tie loose ends, is that possible? If yes, should I also fill a “re-entry permit” with form I-131?
Many thanks
December 20, 2017 at 17:17
You can only file the I-131 while in the USA – and you need to wait a few weeks for biometrics before leaving. So – no – you must observe the 12 month timeline.
December 28, 2017 at 02:25
Dear Brit,
Thanks your GC ideas, i would like to ask any problem if port of entry (eg SFO) DIFFERENT with the green card mailing address (Boston address), no need to show any travel plan at customs? many thanks
December 28, 2017 at 05:42
No problem.
January 3, 2018 at 16:57
Hi Brit, with the immigrant visa that they put on the passport after the interview: Can I do the first entry from France to the US (I am applying in France), then go to Mexico and then re-enter in the US from Mexico? I won’t have received the visa by then. Thanks!
January 3, 2018 at 17:07
No problem. Your temporary visa will be endorsed upon first entry and will serve as your GC until you get the actual GC.
January 10, 2018 at 08:08
Hi Simon,
Thanks for the great information on this blog!
If approved at the DV interview, how long are you generally without your passport for while the US Consulate issue and fix your visa into the pages?
Do you know if there’s any repercussions/penalties for those who are issued a visa but never show at a US border and activate it? E.g. future difficulty obtaining tourist or work visas to the US?
I’m unlikely to be able to make the permanent move straight away so will need an initial visit to activate the visa before returning home to tie up loose ends.
What are the LPR obligations I will have while I’m living and working in my home country between the activation visit and my permanent return? Will I be obligated to pay tax on my international income? If so, how much? Please feel free to point me towards any blogs or webpages with the information.
Thanks for all your help!
January 10, 2018 at 17:05
1. 1 to 2 weeks
2. No penalties, but yes, possible problems with other visas.
3. That is normal.
4. You are obliged to file a tax report. Whether you pay tax or not depends on your circumstances. “Feel free” to do your own research on that. 🙂
January 11, 2018 at 16:04
Hi Mr Brit,
Thanks so much for the good job you have been doing. I am a DV winner 2018 case NO 25xxx waiting to be schedule for interview, i got some worries i need your advice .
my passport will expire by January 2019, what is your advice for me should i renew my passport before going for the interview or can still attain the interview if am schedule before June.
January 11, 2018 at 16:41
Renew when you can.
January 14, 2018 at 17:09
Happy New Year Brit and thank you for your help!!!
Although I’ve read a lot on the internet and your articles I’d like to ask you:
1. I am a DV2017 winner and went to activate my visa on 29th September 2017, then returned back to UK on 4th October 2017. Now my SSN and GC have been issued and a friend of mine will bring them in a week or two. I plan to permanently move to live in the USA in August or early September 2018. Will there be any problem if I do so, having in mind it’s done within 12 months since the LPR activation?
2. Will there be a problem if I go to USA in March to ‘look around’ again and return back?
3. Is the period since my first visit counted for the naturalization process if I do point 1 (above) or need to enter within 6 months as point 2 (above) in order not to restart it?
Kind regards,
Yavor
January 15, 2018 at 06:00
1. No problem.
2. No
3. The 5 years will count from when you actually move there.
January 27, 2018 at 19:09
Thank you Brit!
Much appreciated!
February 22, 2018 at 22:01
Hi Brit,
Could you please advise on the following:
As described in my post above, I was expecting my friend to bring my GC and SSN card to the UK. He had received two letters for me. When he brought them and opened them I found that my CG was present but not my SSN card. The second letter was a confirmation that I had updated my address in the USA. On my DS260 I had given an address in Chicago, but when I went to activate my status in NY, I changed it to Los Angeles where my CG was delivered. I asked my friend in Chicago and no letter has been delivered for me there as well.
What shall I do in this case? I’m worried because I need to file tax return as I was a LPR in 2017 but I cannot do so without my SSN. I had already found an us expat agency to file on my behalf as I’m not confident doing it myself.
Thank you in advance.
February 22, 2018 at 23:02
So the SSN probably went to Chicago OR wasn’t created at all. The only way to know is by contacting the SSA – usually a walk in visit.
February 23, 2018 at 09:40
Thanks Brit!
Is there any way I can get it from abroad, like going to the USA embassy in London?
February 23, 2018 at 14:37
No – it is nothing to do with the embassy or HDHS. SSA is a different organization.
September 2, 2018 at 22:46
Hi Brit,
I hope you are well?
Today I came to the USA after being absent for 11 months and would like to share my experience.
I became LPR on 29th September 2017 and left the US on 4th October 2017. As you can see in the previous correspondence I came here today (2nd September 2018) to apply for my SSN and try to open a bank account, find a flat and etc. I knew I would be questioned for beeing absent for that long. When I entered US through Washington DC the BC Officer put my passport and GC in an orange box and sent me to see another BC Officer. I went into his office and of course I was questioned about my absence. I was honest to him and told what I have been/am up to.
I told him that I plan to move to live permanently in the USA in the middle of October 2018, I have resigned from my job in the UK and my last working day will be 28th September. I also terminated my tenancy agreement in the UK and have been actively applying for jobs in the US for the past 3 months (I showed him emails confirming that). Then he told me that he will let me in but if I come after 29th September (one year since I became LPR) they will take my GC and send me to a judge to determine my case. I told him that in this case, I will make sure to move permanently to the US before 29th September and after a short chat, he wished me a nice stay.
I was just about to leave through the door and he told me to hang on and come back to his desk. He spent about 5 min researching on his computer and told me that he has some good news for me and that I am lucky. He told me that as a CG holder I have 2 years to sort out my life before permanently moving to the USA and that I will not be sent to judge provided that I move before 29th September 2019. As you can expect I was surprised to hear this and I asked for some proof of that. He reassured me several times that the allowed ‘transition’ period is up two to years and told me that he entered this information about me in the database and I shall not worry provided that I don’t miss the 2 year period.
What is your view of this 2 year period? I still plan to move permanently in October.
P.S. apologies for the long story.
Kind regards,
Yavor
September 2, 2018 at 22:51
Most of what this officer said was incorrect. There is no such transition period. However, as you have entered now, your absence clock has reset.
September 3, 2018 at 00:22
Thanks Brit!
So I shall not worry if I move in the US in October as with my entering now clock is reset and can be abroad up to 6 months from now on?
September 3, 2018 at 04:36
Correct.
September 3, 2018 at 23:35
Thank you for your time Brit!
Kind regards,
Yavor
January 15, 2018 at 03:29
Hi… I am a bit confused.
1. What is the fee to get the actual GC is it $195 per person or $220. Is this an additional fee?
We paid $330 on the day of our interview.
2. Will my 9 year also be issued a SS number and greencard?
January 15, 2018 at 06:05
1. Yes, the $220 is another fee (only for those approved).
2. Yes
January 18, 2018 at 00:47
Ok great… I have another question. If I pay for the $220 now but wont be entering for the first time till April, will the GC be mailed out now and hopefully reach by the time of my visit or is it only mailed out after the first time you enter?
January 18, 2018 at 00:53
Only after you have paid AND have entered.
January 18, 2018 at 17:28
Sorry one more question what about the Social security number if I clicked for them to share with homeland security will that be underway and be mailed out or does that only happen after the first visit as well. Also very thankful for your blog so helpful and put lots of questions to rest.
January 18, 2018 at 17:38
Only after entry.
January 18, 2018 at 10:01
Mr. Brit please answer me this…….If we get approved our dv visas (we are 4 member family) , is it a problem for me to go first, and after 2-3 months the rest of the family?I’m asking you this bcs of that sealled letter that contain infos about all of us and when they open it at POE, what are the problems žaybe for my family when they come to POE?TNX.
January 18, 2018 at 14:32
No problem as long as YOU are the main winner.
January 18, 2018 at 19:57
Yes, i’m the winner, but i didnt understand exatly what are you trying to say.Can you please explain this further more?Is this sealed letter is only for me or……?????Thank you.
January 18, 2018 at 20:21
Each person should have their own visa package, their own passport and so on.
January 19, 2018 at 05:54
Ok, tnx man……
February 5, 2018 at 16:17
Hii Brit, my parents had given interview for USA green card on 17 Jan 2018 but still they have not received passport back through courier. We had also call in helpline no. But didnt get the satisfactory answer. We have also check the status in US visa website and there is always mentioned – THERE IS NO STATUS UPDATE AVAIABLE FOR THE PASSPORT NUMBER SUBMITTED
February 5, 2018 at 18:53
So – do you want me to give you advice on techniques to improve your patience?
February 6, 2018 at 06:48
hi Brit,
this is one week process to receive the courier after interview for green card but now 3 week going to finish,
please advice us – is this usual time process to receive the courier for green card and passport
February 6, 2018 at 14:21
Yes that is unusual – perhaps you are on AP.
February 5, 2018 at 21:58
After I arrival to U.S. can I come to my home country within one year? Thank you
February 5, 2018 at 23:04
If only there was a way to know…
February 13, 2018 at 00:46
Hi BritSimon,
Thanks for your post. Just wanted to ask about the activation trip – once I have the visa issued in my passport – there is no urgency to activate prior to 6 months (assuming my medical doesn’t expire)?. Ie Are there any risks to waiting out this 6 months that would affect my pending GC activation (eg quotas, risk of government changes)
I’m planning to stretch it out to the 6 months but wondering if it is advisable to activate as soon as i get the visa if its safer this way? Or does getting the visa pretty much guarantee your GC (all other req. considered)..?
And once activated, I would be officially an LPR, but i have 12 months to make the move and its ok to have a few US holidays in between using my ‘endorsed visa’ to enter and exit multiple times – up to 12 months?
Thanks for your help
February 13, 2018 at 02:31
No risk to waiting up to the 6 months before activation (actually the visa expiration).The article above covers everything else.
February 13, 2018 at 08:32
Hello! I intend to live in USA once GC is issued. Would you please help me understand GC rules
1. If I am going to receive my GC and leave USA and return in America after 12 months, can I leave USA for one more year (not any day longer than 365 days) again with out any problem?
2, Is it permited to sponsor my spouse after GC is issued and leave the USA for less than a year and then return back to be able to reset this “1 year rule”? I know I am expected to live permanently in USA, but I would like to know If I am able to avoid physical separation with my spouse while waiting for the GC spouse sponsor visa interview (~2 years now)
3. Is waiting for my spouse visa considered a good reason to be approved for I-131 re-entry permit?
4. Is there an official and detailed list of GC rules that I can read? I am not aware of any
Thank you in advance
February 13, 2018 at 15:13
The article covers some of your questions. Regarding the sponsorship of your spouse, I suggest you make your own inquiries. I do not advise on that type of case.
February 19, 2018 at 00:37
Hi
From the above comments and replys, I am of the understanding that once I enter the US, I’m processed through immigration and my visa is activated, I could stay for a few weeks and return to my home country, as long as I need enter the US within a year.
1) Do I need to collect and be in possession of my actual green card before I leave the US for my re-entry? Or is my visa activation enough?
On the US consulate site it says if you plan to leave the US, BEFORE your green card is issued to contact USCIS and CBP sites for rules and documentation requied. The sites confuse me a little!
2) And is it one year from the date of my arrival to the US, or one year from when my green card arrives at my US address?
3) Is the date on the green card (where your one year starts from) when the card is issued?
Thank you!!
Maria
February 19, 2018 at 00:50
1. No. The endorsed visa is enough until you have the real GC.
2. The endorsement is good for one year from the first entry.
3. Now you seem confused. Stop overthinking it.
February 19, 2018 at 00:50
1. No. The endorsed visa is enough until you have the real GC.
2. The endorsement is good for one year from the first entry.
3. Now you seem confused. Stop overthinking it.
February 19, 2018 at 00:59
Haha I’ll try! Thank heaps!
February 19, 2018 at 23:55
Hi BritSimon,
thank you so much for all the info above. My husband and I are about to make our first entry in the US with an Immigrant Visa. After our first entry, we’ll only be staying for two weeks (possibly 3). I’m excited, but also kind of freaking out over details and possibly irrelevant things.
My question is: will immigration check how much money we’ve got? Is this relevant at all?
Thanks in advance!
Maja
February 20, 2018 at 02:03
No
February 28, 2018 at 10:39
Hi Brit,
We, as a family just received our immigrant Visas, however we are planning to enter from Florida next July. 1st. 2018, stay in a hotel for few days, and then drive all the way to California, stopping in the states in between…..but I have the following Q’s.
1- do you think this driving way is safe? and if yes do you think this driving way can give us an impression about each state to help us in which one we need to live in ?
2- Do you think we can expect that our GC print out process will be triggered once we enter to catch us within the temporary period we will stay in US which is a round 3 weeks?.
3- What is the required docs required to issue the SS “Social Security” #?, knowing that we will go physically and visit the nearest SSA office beside the hotel in Florida?
4- Does SSA needs any Document’s like a accommodation lease contract to prove our residency is there or the visa and passport copies are enough ?
5- Opening a bank account will required the GC or the SS # or both ?
6- I have UAE- Dubai driving license, do you think I am allowed to drive in US, or shall I issue an international driving license till I receive the SS and issue a local US driving license.
7- How long does it take (Time) to issue a local US driving license, is it accepted to be replaced with the UAE – Dubai one or shall I apply for the whole process from the beginning.,
Thanks,
KS
February 28, 2018 at 14:46
1. It’s safe. It will be fun, but will it give you an idea of the best places to live – NO. It’s a big country with large pointless spaces in between, Do some research on where you want to live.
2. You won’t get the GC within 3 weeks.
3. Check the ssa website. But – you can’t go in the first few days.
4. Again – see 3.
5. SSN typically.
6. Visitrs can drive here.
7. You have to be RESIDENT in a state to apply for a drivers license.
February 28, 2018 at 23:17
Hey Brit.
I’ve activated my visa on 17 of October 2017 and on 5 of April 2018.
Due some production issue I don’t have my physician green card yet, only the stamped visa from my visa activation trip, so I guess they will send me in the secondary inspection.
I have nearly been 6 months out of the country so I can’t show strong US ties, but nevertheless I’ve practiced English abroad and I have absolved an internship in Spain practicing a lot English and Spanish there as I’m moving to south Florida. I’m coming with a one way ticket and I will probably take university admission documents with me ( I’m going to study in Fort Lauderdale)
You think I will be fine? Nearly 6 months seem like a long absence ..
February 28, 2018 at 23:26
No problem.
March 6, 2018 at 21:18
Hi Brit – hoping this is the right place to ask. I have my green card but haven’t moved over yet. My passport is expiring so I am in the process of renewing it. Is my green card linked to my passport number, if so, do I need to let the US government know my new passport number? How would I go about doing that? Thanks!
March 6, 2018 at 22:18
Travel with the old and new passports.
March 7, 2018 at 05:27
Hi Brit,
I won the DV lottery and i am preparing for my expected monthly expenses during the 1st year of residence that is expected to start next July. 2018 onwards, Kindly confirm what is the benefit of the green card holders rather than being able to work and resident in US, from the following:
1) Food stamp.
2) Well Care ( Medical insurance Care coverage).
3) Cash Allowance/ support.
and if any of the above-mentioned points are covered, will be for how long….
Knowing that I have (2) kids, one is 17yrs. and 10yrs.
Thanks,
Khaled
March 7, 2018 at 06:41
As a Green Card holder you are expected to find work and pay your way. You should not be entering into this with a view to how much you can get from US taxpayers. The USA is the land of opportunity, not free rides. Change your mindset.
March 7, 2018 at 09:20
It is seems that I didn’t clarified myself correctly when I post my comment, or maybe the receiver receives my signal not in a correct way !
Anyway, this is to confirm that I started my journey for a job search in USA once I got the Visa, reading a lot of articles, checking banks accounts and how to transfer money to sustain my family living at the beginning or at least during the 1st year till I find a job, but I heard/read a lot of articles mentioned some talks about the items that I asked for, and i found your blog a good window for me to check it out and clarify. and now you made it crystal clear, but take it easy Brit…
March 7, 2018 at 09:00
Hello! the green card expired date For DV lottery immigrant for how long
March 7, 2018 at 14:46
Read the article above. If you still have a question, make the question more clear.
March 7, 2018 at 10:46
Hi Brit
Greetings!!
appreciating your approach for answering several questions, great!!, same way i would like to ask that
“I have got the DV visa and planning to fly US on this May 2018, on this regards during my DS-260 my sponsor was from Wisconsin, but now I want to go Virginia (first visit), so
1) Can i make my first visit to the Virginia and can change the old address (Wisconsin) at POE to get a GC and SSN?
2) I have paid and applied for GC from my home country, if given address (earlier collection address) is changed how can i get the GC?
will be looking for your answer, Thanks a lot.
March 7, 2018 at 14:41
1. No problem.
2. Change at POE
March 7, 2018 at 10:53
with appended scenario adding the questions
Q) won’t POE officers ask that why i am not going to my previous address (Wisconsin)?
Q) Don’t it creates trouble to officers or even me for information changed?
Many Thanks
March 14, 2018 at 13:35
Hi Brit,
How did the process look like when you entered the US for the first time?
I got the visa in my passport but am for some reason nervous that when I arrive in NYC they will ask me tough questions.
March 14, 2018 at 13:38
You are worrying for nothing. There are no questions.
March 17, 2018 at 23:23
Hi brit: I have read some article on US immigration website and get confused.
1. The article states about carrying the X ray and present it at POE but i took the x ray but they did gave me the paper. I only have a visa and sealed envelop. Do i need to request the x ray paper?
2. I also read that the Departmentof Homeland Security, U.S. Customs and Border Protection(CBP) officials have authority to grant or deny admission. Is there any senario deny immigrant visa?
Thanks
March 17, 2018 at 23:34
1. Just take what you have from the embassy.
2. RELAX!
March 19, 2018 at 07:57
Hi Brit, Very helpful post. I would like your help on the following:
– The latest date you can enter the US is 6 months after the date you have taken the medical examination (not 6 months after the expiry of the issued visa), right? because medical examination report is valid for 6 months and is taken before the green card interview.
– My green card lottery interview is in the middle of April. If I call the local US embassy to defer the date at the end of May, will I need to have a strong reason? Also if they can defer my green card lottery interview at the end of May, will my chances to get a green card reduce? Is it risky to differ my green card interview?
I am thinking what to do. I appreciate your help.
Regards.
March 19, 2018 at 08:50
Dear Brit: some extra information to help you advice better: my case number is EU 15xxx, if this helps,
thank you.
March 19, 2018 at 13:36
1. The expiry date of the visa is based on the medical date plus 6 months.
2. Postponing the interview introduces risk and delay. Don’t do it unless unavoidable.
March 19, 2018 at 14:44
Thanks Brit!
Just to clarify: if for example my medical examination is on 26th of March and my Green card lottery interview is on 9th of April, what will be the latest date I can enter the US (before the issued visa will expire)? Is it 6 months from 26th of March or 6 months from 9th of April?
If you can answer this question, you are helping me a lot.
Regards,
Joao
March 19, 2018 at 16:24
https://britsimonsays.com/successful-interview-length-visa-validity-leaving-usa-arriving/comment-page-8/#comment-106939
March 19, 2018 at 15:47
Hi Brit,
Got my visa approved and my passport back!
Just have a question regarding activating your DV Visa. If my POE is a different state to the address shown (eg. Address is California, but I want to go to Miami first for a holiday then go to Cali), would that cause problems at the immigration check point?
Regards,
Shiv
March 19, 2018 at 16:19
No problem
March 22, 2018 at 22:33
Hi Simon,
I arrived in the US in Jan 2018 and received my Green Card mid Feb. I then went to visit some friends in Canada and may stay with them up to 3 months.
Is there any risk in what I have done? Should I report to immigration? How long am I allowed to stay out of the US?
THank you for your support!
March 22, 2018 at 22:43
No risk. Read the Faq.
March 23, 2018 at 12:58
Hello Brit, kudos for the fantastic help you’re providing. We have our immigrant visas on the passports and we will do a brief visit (California) in a few days, with the planned great departure in a few months after that.
I have a question regarding the status during this first visit: will we be residents (as a result of the validated immigrant visas) or will we be tourists? The reason is simple, it’s about the right to drive by using the non-US driver’s license, which I understand you can do only if you are a tourist…
Thank you!
March 23, 2018 at 18:13
You will be an LPR – BUT not California residents. So – you can drive.
March 23, 2018 at 19:47
Thank you!
BTW, I just looked over your “About Me” and… well… I am a 44yo software developer, indie/entrepreneur for all my life so far, trying to live the dream o a lifetime through this unexpected piece of luck (funny again, my wife won the div lottery!). Seeing you’ve made it while bearing quite some similarities represents a big bump to my morale 🙂
Thanks again!
March 23, 2018 at 21:14
Yep – sounds a similar story – but I am older than you.
March 23, 2018 at 21:01
I am the winner of DV, it’s been one month I m here at the USA and received my social security 1week ago. i m student in Chine i want to go back finish my masters,Is possible to leave the USA before receiving my green card?How do I do to re-enter without my GC? Is the stamped visa enough or do I have to ask some information to the immigration? And my issued date is 8.jan.2018 I enter in us at 17.feb 2018.i need you advice if I can travel and I re-enter without any problem because I want to take 1 month or 2 month in China.
Thank you
March 23, 2018 at 21:13
Please read the article above – it answers all your questions.
March 23, 2018 at 22:32
Hi Brit,
Is there a law that considers workers for US companies abroad as if they are residents in the US? I mean working abroad for an American company for 2 years + actual residency in US for another 2 years, does it count as 4 years uninterrupted residency and hence qualify for naturalization?
Thank you!
March 23, 2018 at 23:01
No. Residency means residing here.
March 25, 2018 at 04:46
Hi Simon,
My husband is the selectee and we’re just wondering. If he goes to the USA first, without me, and activates the Green Card does that activate mine or will mine only activate once I enter as well, assuming it would need to be before the expiry date?
Just trying to work out if it’s best for both of us to go at once, or just him to activate it and come back to Aus.
Thanks
Mala
March 25, 2018 at 04:47
You have to enter to activate your own card.
March 28, 2018 at 19:48
My experience:
I won the 2017DV, got the Passport stamp (June ’17), short “activation” trip in USA (October), got both Green Card and Social Security Card (just 3 weeks after I entered) and after opening a US bank checking account, applied for ID Card (require double proof of US address, got it after 5 weeks) and “looked around” for job openings (plenty of them!), made it back to my country (November). Note: I switched my US postal address right at the entrance of US, first landing airport. USCIS officials were super nice, very helpful and really quick; questioning was minimal, they looked more than happy with the stamp and the sealed package.
My question:
Apparently, now I have 12 months (I assume starting from my US departure, November)
to sell all my stuff and eventually start living in US. However, I was not able to find a single official paper or authoritative reference that says it clearly. More disturbing, an official piece a paper (dated Sept 2014) that was delivered to me with the sealed package states: “… USCIS officials generally send to secondary inspection those GC holders who spend over 6 months outside the USA…”. This 6 months is confirmed by just about anything I can find on the web. I contacted the US consulate and they recommended to make it back to the US within 6 months. In a secondary inspection, I will likely have really hard time in showing that I have more links to the US than my home country. Hoping for sympathetic officials does not really look a good plan to me.
So, where is exactly written that CG holders that are at the same time fresh DV lottery winners are treated as an exception and granted 12 months automatically? Any DV winner that has first hand experience on making back to the US after 6 months?
March 28, 2018 at 20:04
This is not an exception for DV winners – this is standard law. Residents who stay out less than 6 months can expect few (if any) questions upon return. Residents who spend 6 to 12 months out may be questioned and are expected to have a reason for the extended absence. Returning for the big move after the activation trip is a good reason – I know MANY who have done just that. If at ANY time (including under 6 months) an IO is concerned that you have abandoned residence, that can do one of two things – they ask you to surrender your LPR status (never agree to that!) or they can admit you and set an appointment to argue your case before an immigration judge. In reality these dramatic steps are very rare for people less than 12 months absence – and as I said – getting prepared for the big move is a completely reasonable thing.
March 29, 2018 at 14:26
Well, indebted forever for the reassuring tip. I see in older posts, back in 2016, there was somebody asking nearly the same thing,… and getting the same answer; overlooked, sry. I guess I am getting nervous; not being a salesperson i feel uncomfortable selling big items as house, motor-home, car and on top of that, with a short, hard deadline. Hell, even disposing properly everything away in charity requires bureaucracy, time and, amazingly, money !
March 29, 2018 at 16:08
Yup – I’ve been there…
March 29, 2018 at 16:00
Reviewing older comments I saw lots of people wondering about entering US by an airport far from the DS260 declared US address. Please, consider my experience.
Beginning of October 2017 I had a dirty cheap international flight to Las Vegas (to convert a boring “activation” trip, in an exciting vacation:-). But for technical reasons (airplane engine change not successful!), my ticket was changed at the last minute to a different flight with a different airline. After landing unexpectedly in Mexico City and entering unsuccessfully several waiting lists all day long, I ended up exhausted and surprised in Atlanta, after almost 2 days spent living at airports, with an additional connection flight to Las Vegas (domestic). Although circumstances did everything possible to turn this trip in a nightmare, the simple fact that it did cost me no additional money, I was so close to get my CG, and most importantly, I was not flight testing a fresh installed engine, put a really big smile on my face. The POE (Port of entry), Atlanta, Georgia has nothing to do with what I declared on my DS260 (Seattle, Washington) which has nothing to do with what I asked Atlanta Immigration Officials to change it to: Houston, Texas (my US friend relocated from Seattle to Houston in the long 17 months that it took from the DS260 submission to the activation trip). And this has nothing to do with my final flight destination (Las Vegas, Nevada) which in turn, has nothing to do with my answer to the question: “Where do you eventually plan to live in US?” Los Angeles, California. I did everything I could to confuse the immigration officials, but I received not even a single objection or questioning. And after only 3 weeks my friend (in Houston) called me (in Vegas) with the great news: Green and Social Security cards right in his hands (I paid CG fees in September).
April 10, 2018 at 09:41
Hello Mr. Simon,
First, thank you for the information that you are giving in your blog, it really helped me to do all the process. My question is, my first entry to the U.S was in mid of July 2017, I stayed one week then I backed to Spain. I will back to the U.S for always the end of May 2018. For how long have I stay in the U.S If I want to start travel again to Spain for weeks for vacations and visiting my family and friends?
Thank you
April 10, 2018 at 14:27
You have obtained a Green Card. It isn’t a visitors visa. You are expected to LIVE in the USA. However, you are always able to take SHORT trips out of the USA.
April 20, 2018 at 13:59
Thanks, Brit for your efforts here!
I have a question about the first short entry for the green card winner. What is advisable to do during the first entry if I don’t plan to spend more than 2 week in the USA? Do I need to pay the GC fee? (I’m sure I won’t be able to collect it)? SSN? Or it’s better to do nothing and act just like ordinary tourists do?
April 20, 2018 at 14:09
Use that time to get setup as much as possible with the SSN and so on, and make contacts for places to live, jobs and so on.
April 20, 2018 at 14:24
OK. But what about receiving GCs? Two weeks are not enough to obtain them, usually it takes twice as much, so is there any reason to pay the fee before this activation trip or better use endorsed visa to enter few months later and only then receive plastic?
April 20, 2018 at 14:45
You can decide what you want to do…
April 26, 2018 at 14:54
Hi Brit –
My spouse and I activated our green cards on Aug 16, 2017, so I understand that we have until Aug 15, 2018, to move.
Since my activation trip, we’ve entered the US twice – once in February 2018 to NY for a long weekend (where we intend to find a place to live), and again in April 2018 for 5 days on a business conference. On the last trip in April 2018, immigration flagged us at the border and said that it has been 8 months since we activated the green card and since we have not moved yet, there is now a red flag on mine and my spouse’s passport and if we do not move by Aug 15, 2018, the green cards will be revoked from us.
We are sticking with our original plan to move over in early Aug 2018 and find a place to live. We will need to return to our home country for a family wedding and business conference for about 5 weeks in September 2018. We plan to return to the US straight after the conference in early October.
Will this cause any problems re-entering as we have now been red flagged?
Thanks
April 26, 2018 at 15:37
No.
April 26, 2018 at 15:49
Hi Brit
I received my passport with visa stamp along with my wife and child passport..
There is a sentence on my wife and child visa…”annotation…Valid only if Acc/FTJ father/mother/spouse”
1:what does it mean?
2:can I travel alone and my wife and child join me by themselves later?
April 26, 2018 at 16:08
1. As derivatives they can only enter WITH you or AFTER you. In the annotation ACC = Accompany, FTJ = Follow to Join.
2. That is FTJ – so yes.
April 26, 2018 at 15:52
Dear Boss.
i have activated my green card status for me and my wife on October 2017, we stayed for only two weeks in USA then back home country. also we returned on March 2018 and while entering the officers warned us that it has been 4 months away from US and that might lead to the loss of our green card. now we need to return to home country for some arrangement and we are planning to be back to US permanently by October 2018
is it safe for us? or this is a risk of losing the green card? specially that the officer wrote in my passport (out for 4 months).
please advise if it’s safe or not and also what are the precautions we should consider in our future entry.
many thanks
April 26, 2018 at 16:06
I’m surprised the IO said anything at all – but maybe his wife burnt the toast that morning or something. Some people enjoy wielding their perceived power – even when they don’t have real authority. However, I suggest you put some thought into how you will show you are following through with a plan to LIVE in the USA upon your next return. You may encounter an officer in a bad mood again, so it is wise to be prepared. *IF* you are ever threatened with having your Green Card revoked by an IO, you can be assured that THEY do NOT have that power. They sometimes would ask someone to sign a document surrendering their GC in order to be admitted as a tourist. Only a fool would sign that document. The process other than that is that the IO can parole you in, but set up an appointment to explain to an immigration judge why you should be allowed to keep your GC. ONLY that process (i.e. only the judge) can revoke your GC.
May 4, 2018 at 01:12
thank you for your reply Boss..
what would be the preparation for my second entry which will be within next September. as i indicated earlier my activation entry was on October 2017. is it safe to travel now for 4 months and return in Sep. ?
do i need to prepare some documents for the next entry! appreciate your advice.
May 4, 2018 at 05:05
I covered that in my previous answer.
April 29, 2018 at 06:07
Hi Brit,
Thanks for the great work.
My wife and I just had our interview at the embassy. Our visa was approved. We are now waiting for our passports to be mailed back to us. I am the primary applicant. Once she receives her passport, can my wife travel to the US without me, as a tourist? Or does the first trip to the US after the interview absolutely need to be an activation trip? I was not able to find the information anywhere. Would you know who I could contact to have an answer? Thanks a lot!
April 29, 2018 at 06:22
The next entry is the activation trip, So she can enter without you *ONLY IF* she was the winner.
April 30, 2018 at 22:36
Foster Wilson
Thank you so much Brit!
My Visa has been approved and I am waiting for my passport on May1, 2018 to arrange for my travel to the US.
My question is as first time entering to the US , can carry some African foods along?
Thanks.
April 30, 2018 at 22:38
I don’t know.
May 1, 2018 at 06:55
Quick one and urgent: My brother in law won the lottery and got his visa stamped on his passport and is telling IV issue date: 29MAR2018 and IV Expires on 04JUN2018 and mentioned I-551 evidencing permanent residence for 1 year. When I asked friend they said the three months means when you enter US you will have 3 months only and they said you can travel to US even after the due date 04JUN2018 but shouldn’t be more than 1 year. I am afraid from this is wrong call and wanted to know the truth please ASAP. Much appreciated.
regards,
May 1, 2018 at 13:24
You MUST enter before June 04.
May 3, 2018 at 02:17
Hi brit, thank you for your thought
I have activated my visa on january 2018 and came back through a one day layover on april 25th 2018, and I gave my green card but the agent didn’t ask me anything it went fine. and now today going back to my home cotnry and ihad another layover but the agent asked me how long i stayed ‘out of the country’ wich worries me for my final move in august 2018. will they bother me or should i be prepared to explain them that it is the first year of the visa and i was getting everything ready before finally moving.
May 3, 2018 at 03:20
You should ASLWAYS be prepared to explain (by telling the truth). I your case, there is no actual problem.
May 3, 2018 at 03:43
Hi there
Thanks for the kind service. I’ve scrolled through the Q&A and couldn’t find this question asked, so hopefully I’m not doubling up and wasting your time.
My husband and I will have our green card lottery win visas issued soon. For various reasons (tax, timing of when 12 months starts ticking) we’d like to activate those immigration visas towards the end of the 6 months. However, my husband may need to travel sooner to attend work conferences etc.Can he choose to enter on a normal tourist visa and NOT activate the immigration visa yet, even though it’s in his passport?
That is, timeline could be: we receive immigration visa. One month later, husband enters and leaves on a tourist visa. Four months later, we enter to activate the immigration visa.
Thanks so much
Carly
May 3, 2018 at 03:53
No. The only way to do that would be to delay the issuance of the DV visa – which would be risky.
May 5, 2018 at 11:42
Hi there.
I am from Kenya
If in case i win the next lottery visa which is from May 15 2018.
1.how long will i wait for my interview?
2. When am i gonna travel to the US
3. Incase i won the lottery this may 2018 can i travel to US immediately, like june 2018?
Thanks
May 5, 2018 at 14:18
If you are selected you can ask then.
May 8, 2018 at 07:18
Hi Brit! first of all i wanna say thank you for all the work you ve done and all your advices. i ve been successful in having my visa.
i have a question.
My visa is expiring on july 6th and as i read here i can go to the states first and come back (as an activation trip) and reenter again within 12 months with the visa.
As a first trip i wanted to spend a few months there and look around, and i think i ll receive the green card when i will still be in the states, will it be possible for me to leave the states and come back next year before july 6th (within the 12 months validity of the visa) even if i already received my green card and eventually my SSN?
Thank you.
May 8, 2018 at 13:51
Yes
May 10, 2018 at 09:42
Thank you for the prompt answer.
Because of my Job, i might possibly spend less time in the states than i would like to for my activation trip (1 month max), and i d like to know if in the case that i dont receive the green card and the SSN on time, can i leave the states and come back next year before july 6th with only the visa in my passport ?
Thanks again. you do an amazing job!
May 10, 2018 at 14:03
No problem.
May 13, 2018 at 05:35
Thank you.
May 10, 2018 at 00:06
I am a dv 2018 Visa winner.now I am in US .but I want to ask you
1 I am from Ethiopian and I am a student in university but to grudguat only lefts one year is it possible to continue in us university ?
2 I am not received a green card until now but in my Visa is arealdy have a stamp that read as ADMITTED can i possible to find a job by this?
Thank you very mach by helping me
May 10, 2018 at 03:09
1. Ask a US University.
2. Yes.
May 13, 2018 at 14:45
Dear Brit, I’m uneasy as I activated my status in December 2017 and have not re-entered the US as yet. I am planning my move at the end of August 2018. Without any ties whatsoever to the US, except for my sister’s address where I’ll be staying initially, what should I expect at the POE in August from the CBP officers?
Note that I would have been out of the US for 8 consecutive months.
Thanks in advance.
May 13, 2018 at 15:43
As the article says. Some questions perhaps. Just tell the truth.
May 14, 2018 at 13:07
Hi Brit
I won the Visa Lottery and i want to ask if i can use the visa to enter Dominican Republic before activating it at the US Port of entry. I have a seminar at DR and i intend to use the immigrant visa to enter, spend to Weeks there and then continue to the USA. Please is it advisable or allowed?
May 14, 2018 at 13:20
The immigrant visa is for the USA, not DR.