viitav

Hey guys!

Moving time is 4 weeks away - can't believe it!

Question about the green card application - I haven't completed it yet and ideally want to wait until we get there and I find our apartment so I can have it sent there rather then to a relative we don't see often.

This won't be a issue will it? As far as i'm aware our stamp in our passport is valid for a year as proof until we receive it?

Thank you

Noorah101

If you are entering on a CR-1 or IR-1 visa, you become a US PR immediately. The visa is endorsed with an I-551 stamp and serves as your green card for 1 year. The plastic green card will be mailed to an address you give at the POE.

There is no application for green card that you do after arrival.

Rene

viitav

Hey Noorah,

I am entering on a IR-1 - I haven't as of yet paid the immigrant fee which I know has to be paid in order for me to get my permanent residents card.
Can I do this once I land and secure my apartment so at least I know where I want it sent to?

Pulaski

The "application" for your green card, as distinct from an application for a CR-1 or IR-1 visa, is triggered by entering the US using your visa. It isn't possible for a green card application to be triggered either before or after you enter the US.

rpjs

I think OP is referring to the Green Card production fee. That didn't exist when I immigrated, but I believe you can delay paying it until after you arrive. My wife's uncle has just brought his wife and stepson in on an IR-1 and I think he said that they didn't pay until after arrival.

Noorah101

Ah, the green card production fee. Yes, that can be paid after entry to the USA. However, I've never seen how it's paid, so I don't know if there's any address field.

Hopefully someone who has done this can let you know.

Rene