Re-entry doc / requirement for new immigrant after first landing in USA
 

How long does it take for new immigrant to receive the permanent
residence (green) card and social security card after first landing in
USA ?

I, my wife and two small children will be immigrating from Hong Kong
and will arrive in Los Angeles for the first time at the end of
November 2007.

Is there any minimum date that is required for new immigrant before he/
she can leave the USA after first landing ? What valid document is
needed for new immigrant in order for re-enter the USA ?

Sincerely,

Bill

Re: Re-entry doc / requirement for new immigrant after first landing in USA
 

Hi Bill,

Someone entering on an Immigrant Visa should get the I-551 stamp in their passport at the POE. This is the same as the plastic green card. The stamp is proof of PR status. They can leave the USA right away if they want to, using just that stamp.

It takes several weeks to get the green card and SS card in the mail.

If they will be gone outside the USA longer than 6 months, it's advisable to apply for a re-entry permit (form I-131) before leaving the USA. This allows them to be out of the USA for up to 2 years, but must still maintain ties to the US, so as not to lose the PR status.

Rene

Re: Re-entry doc / requirement for new immigrant after first landing in USA
 

cross post answered here: http://britishexpats.com/forum/showthread.php?t=476089

Re: Re-entry doc / requirement for new immigrant after first landing in USA
 

At the port of entry they will stamp your passport. That stamp is as good
as the plastic card. The only issue with the stamp is that its valid for 90
days and in many third world countries don't accept it. Yes the US law says
you can travel on that stamp but most countries won't accept it since the
stamp can be forged easily.

--
<a href="http://pakistan-gifts.com">Send Gifts to Pakistan</a> | <a
href="http://1pakistangifts.com">#1 Pakistan Gifts Store offering FREE
Delivery service</a> | <a href="http://thebestlinkdirectory.com">The Best
Link Directory</a>
<[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected] ups.com...
>
> How long does it take for new immigrant to receive the permanent
> residence (green) card and social security card after first landing in
> USA ?
>
> I, my wife and two small children will be immigrating from Hong Kong
> and will arrive in Los Angeles for the first time at the end of
> November 2007.
>
> Is there any minimum date that is required for new immigrant before he/
> she can leave the USA after first landing ? What valid document is
> needed for new immigrant in order for re-enter the USA ?
>
> Sincerely,
>
> Bill
>
>

Re: Re-entry doc / requirement for new immigrant after first landing in USA
 

Time for an update, Enigma Boy. The I-551 stamp hasn't been used for several years in this context. The Immigrant Visas are now machine-readable in-the-passport documents that are endorsed and are valid for ONE YEAR not 90 days.