Got my Visa! What should I expect now?
#1
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Joined: Jan 2013
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Got my Visa! What should I expect now?
So I got my passport back through the post the other day with my visa issued! Seems like its the end of a long journey however it only took 4 months from start to finish.
Anyway Just wondering what I should expect at border control in the states when I enter. I know I have to give in my unopened envelope and fill in a I -551 form to apply for my Green card. I have been looking into what I need to apply for my Social Security number and it says I need this form for proof of my right to work and live in the US. Will I take this form with me and use it as proof until my Green card is issued?
Also If there is anyone else who has already been through this your advice would be gratefully received!
Thanks!
Anyway Just wondering what I should expect at border control in the states when I enter. I know I have to give in my unopened envelope and fill in a I -551 form to apply for my Green card. I have been looking into what I need to apply for my Social Security number and it says I need this form for proof of my right to work and live in the US. Will I take this form with me and use it as proof until my Green card is issued?
Also If there is anyone else who has already been through this your advice would be gratefully received!
Thanks!
#2
Re: Got my Visa! What should I expect now?
...and fill in a I -551 form to apply for my Green card.
I have been looking into what I need to apply for my Social Security number and it says I need this form for proof of my right to work and live in the US. Will I take this form with me and use it as proof until my Green card is issued?
That said, if you checked the box on the DS-230 indicating that you want a SSN assigned to you, you should wait a few weeks to see if it shows up in the mail. If you checked that box, you aren't supposed to need to apply in person for the SSN. Sometimes that gets overlooked, though, so give it a month or so, and if you don't get your SS card in the mail, then go ahead and apply in person.
Rene
#3
Re: Got my Visa! What should I expect now?
http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/usc...0045f3d6a1RCRD
Not sure if new visa recipients are aware of this
Not sure if new visa recipients are aware of this
#4
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Re: Got my Visa! What should I expect now?
http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/usc...0045f3d6a1RCRD
Not sure if new visa recipients are aware of this
Not sure if new visa recipients are aware of this
Thanks!
#5
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Re: Got my Visa! What should I expect now?
Congratulations! I assume you did an Immigrant Visa, with the I-130 filed directly to London.
No, not quite. You don't have to fill an an I-551 form. What happens is that the POE officer will endorse your immigrant visa which then becomes a temporary I-551 (green card) for 1 year, while you're wating for the plastic green card to come in the mail. You can travel abroad on the I-551 in your passport, the same way you can with the plastic green card.
It's not a "form", it's your endorsed immigrant visa inside your passport.
That said, if you checked the box on the DS-230 indicating that you want a SSN assigned to you, you should wait a few weeks to see if it shows up in the mail. If you checked that box, you aren't supposed to need to apply in person for the SSN. Sometimes that gets overlooked, though, so give it a month or so, and if you don't get your SS card in the mail, then go ahead and apply in person.
Rene
No, not quite. You don't have to fill an an I-551 form. What happens is that the POE officer will endorse your immigrant visa which then becomes a temporary I-551 (green card) for 1 year, while you're wating for the plastic green card to come in the mail. You can travel abroad on the I-551 in your passport, the same way you can with the plastic green card.
It's not a "form", it's your endorsed immigrant visa inside your passport.
That said, if you checked the box on the DS-230 indicating that you want a SSN assigned to you, you should wait a few weeks to see if it shows up in the mail. If you checked that box, you aren't supposed to need to apply in person for the SSN. Sometimes that gets overlooked, though, so give it a month or so, and if you don't get your SS card in the mail, then go ahead and apply in person.
Rene
#6
Re: Got my Visa! What should I expect now?
Rene
#7
Re: Got my Visa! What should I expect now?
If you decide to apply in person, wait about 10 days after entry to the USA, to allow your info to get into the SAVE system that SSA uses to verify your status.
Rene
#8
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Joined: Jan 2013
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Re: Got my Visa! What should I expect now?
ahh ok thanks for the info. It's just all the bank companies I have looked at say they need to see a SSN to sign up and all job applications require a SSN. Dont your employers use your SSN to work out your taxes through the IRS when you start earning?
#9
Re: Got my Visa! What should I expect now?
Rene
#10
Re: Got my Visa! What should I expect now?
As far as jobs, they assign a fake social security number (usually 000-00-0004) and the system holds back paying taxes until you provide them with a real social security number. A small company my not know that can be done but it is the proper and legal way to do it.
#11
Re: Got my Visa! What should I expect now?
http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/usc...0045f3d6a1RCRD
Not sure if new visa recipients are aware of this
Not sure if new visa recipients are aware of this
#12
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Joined: Jan 2013
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Re: Got my Visa! What should I expect now?
You only need a social security number if it is an interest bearing account. So I'd recommend initially opening a checking account and when you get your social security number, then transfer money to an interest bearing account.
As far as jobs, they assign a fake social security number (usually 000-00-0004) and the system holds back paying taxes until you provide them with a real social security number. A small company my not know that can be done but it is the proper and legal way to do it.
As far as jobs, they assign a fake social security number (usually 000-00-0004) and the system holds back paying taxes until you provide them with a real social security number. A small company my not know that can be done but it is the proper and legal way to do it.
#13
Re: Got my Visa! What should I expect now?
That I-551 endorsement IS your "green card"; it's proof of your PR status, just like a plastic green card is.
Rene
#14
Re: Got my Visa! What should I expect now?
While you can certainly take employment based on the endorsed visa, the reality (depending on the employer) is that they may not realise it allows you to do so without seeing something they are familiar with (ie your green card)
So be prepared for that.
So be prepared for that.
#15
Re: Got my Visa! What should I expect now?
It's Item #3 on Page 9 of the I-9:
http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/i-9.pdf
Rene