Hi everyone.

I arrived in the US two weeks ago yesterday, with my package etc. All went well, I am now a resident and am now just awaiting on my GC to come in the mail.

I am posting to ask if there is anyway of checking the progress of it ? I need my SS number for a bunch of stuff, but they can't help me until I have a physical GC, versus just the visa in my passport that I entered on.

Is there an online way of checking the stage it is at? Just need to be patient?!

Thanks, as always!

What are you trying to do that requires your green card? The gc is only evidence of your status, but so is your I-551 stamp.

To answer your question, your green card will likely take 6-10 weeks, but longer is entirely possible.

I went to the SS office, as I at least needed proof of having applied for a SS number (if not able to provide an actual number) for medical insurance and employment, but they said they wouldn't help me until I bought in a physical GC
Is that incorrect?

After two weeks you should already have your SSN, or it will come in a day or two.

thank you !

If you checked the box on the visa application form to get an automatic SSN, the SS Card should arrive in the mail within a month or so of your arrival. If you need the number sooner, wait 2 weeks after arrival and go in person to the SS office to inquire.

The endorsed visa in your passport is your I-155 (green card) until the plastic one comes in the mail. SS should be able to use that as proof of your PR status.

Rene

great thank you Noorah, I had thought that was the case but the lady at the SS office said she needed a permanent card before she could do anything, even look up an application, because I did check that box on the visa application form so thought I had applied.
When she did look my name up, it said GC stuff was still in progress so maybe I just need to go back at the end of the week, or maybe should've pushed the stamp in my passport a bit more!

Thanks!
S

It could be that your info was not yet in their system. I agree with going back in a few days to check again. And yes, show then the I-551 endorsement in your passport.

Rene

thank you Rene and the rest of the forum for always knowing the answer to every question!

They lied to you... either deliberately, or because they don't know any better. You don't require the physical card. What you require is proof of status - and that is the endorsed I-551 stamp in your passport. Next time, ask to speak to a supervisor.

Ian

Just an update incase any one is the same situation - called my local SS office this morning to check the status of the application etc. Still nothing on the system, and once again I was told by two people that the I-551 stamp in my passport was not sufficient proof to bring into the office. However, after pushing it for a while, they looked up policy - and oh yes, it is acceptable actually, sorry about that.

So heading back to the office tomorrow, and they said just to tell the person on the front desk that someone checked policy over the phone etc, if they say no first of all.

Just wanted to share that and the message is to be persistent!

Thanks!

S

Doh! ..... Sorry you had to go through that.
You're welcome.

I've just asked the same question! Should've read your post first.
I arrived 2 weeks ago and no green card as yet. I did get my SSN in a few days after arrival however.

I arrived in the US on May 27th, so around the same time as you did. You do not need the actual GC to get your SSN. Your endorsed (stamped) IR-1 acts as your GC. You can go to the SS office and get your SSN with that.

Your actual GC can take up to 6 months (although it is not usually that long) which is why your stamped visa is valid for a year as your GC. If you went to the SS office and they did not process you, then you need to ask for a supervisor. I already have my SSN and card in hand.