You've Arrived With Your Immigrant Visa. Now What Happens?

The airplane door opens. You step out, take a breath, and walk toward Customs and Border Protection (CBP). This moment is the culmination of months, sometimes years, of paperwork, interviews, and waiting. You've officially entered the United States with your immigrant visa. It's a profound, life-altering event filled with a mix of relief, excitement, and maybe a little bit of anxiety. What happens now? That feeling of uncertainty is completely normal. The journey isn't over; in many ways, it's just beginning a new, critical phase.

At the Law Offices of Peter D. Chu, we've guided countless individuals and families through this exact transition since 1981. We understand that the steps you take in the first few weeks and months are foundational to your success and stability. This isn't just about paperwork; it's about building a life. Our team has found that a clear, step-by-step plan demystifies the process and empowers new arrivals to move forward with confidence. We're here to walk you through what to do after entering the US with an immigrant visa, focusing on the practical, non-negotiable actions that set you up for a smooth start.

Your First Encounter: The Port of Entry

Your first official act as a soon-to-be permanent resident happens right at the airport or land border. You'll be directed to a CBP officer for primary and possibly secondary inspection. Don't be alarmed by this; it's standard procedure. You’ll present your passport, which contains your immigrant visa, along with the sealed immigrant packet you were given at your consular interview. It's absolutely critical that you do not open this packet yourself. Only the CBP officer is authorized to do so.

The officer will review your documents, take your biometrics (fingerprints and a photo), and ask a few questions to verify your identity and intentions. Assuming everything is in order, the officer will stamp your passport. This isn't just any stamp. It's an admission stamp that typically includes the notation "Processed for I-551." This stamp is your temporary proof of permanent resident status. It's golden.

For the next year (or until your physical Green Card arrives), that stamp in your passport serves as your temporary Green Card. It allows you to work, travel, and prove your legal status. We can't stress this enough: treat that passport with the same care you'll treat your actual Green Card. It is your immediate key to everything.

The USCIS Immigrant Fee: A Mandatory Step

Before U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will even begin producing your physical Green Card (Form I-551), you must pay the USCIS Immigrant Fee. Many people mistakenly believe that all fees were covered during the consular process. This one is different.

Our experience shows this is a common point of confusion that can cause significant delays. You should pay this fee after you receive your visa packet from the embassy and before you travel to the United States. However, if you didn't, you must pay it as soon as possible after your arrival. USCIS will not mail your Green Card until this fee is paid. It's that simple.

How do you pay it? You'll need to go to the USCIS website and use their online payment system. You will need two key pieces of information: your A-Number (Alien Registration Number) and your Department of State (DOS) Case ID. Both of these numbers can be found on the documents you received from the consulate. The process is straightforward, but it's a critical, non-negotiable element of finalizing your status. Pay it promptly to avoid sitting around for months wondering where your card is.

Getting Your Social Security Card

Your Social Security Number (SSN) is a nine-digit number that is essential for working, opening a bank account, paying taxes, and accessing many other services. It's a cornerstone of your financial life in the U.S.

There are two main ways this happens for new immigrants:

1. Pre-Application: When you filled out your DS-260 immigrant visa application form online, there was a question asking if you wanted the Social Security Administration (SSA) to issue you a card. If you checked "Yes," you've done the work already. The SSA should automatically process your request after you're admitted to the U.S., and your Social Security card should arrive in the mail within about three to four weeks after your arrival. It will be sent to the same U.S. mailing address you provided for your Green Card.
2. In-Person Application: If you didn't request a card on your DS-260 or if it doesn't arrive, you'll need to apply in person at a local Social Security Administration office. You generally need to wait at least 10 business days after your arrival before visiting an SSA office to ensure your admission records have been updated in the government systems. You'll need to bring your passport with the I-551 stamp and, if you have one, your Employment Authorization Document (EAD), although the passport stamp is usually sufficient proof of your work authorization.

Our team recommends checking "Yes" on the DS-260. It streamlines the process and removes one more task from your already sprawling to-do list upon arrival. If you do have to go in person, be prepared for a wait, but the process itself is relatively painless once you're called.

The Green Card: Waiting for Your Permanent Proof

After you've entered the country and paid the USCIS Immigrant Fee, the waiting game for your physical Green Card begins. The card is typically mailed to the U.S. address you listed on your application within 90 days of entry, but timelines can fluctuate. Sometimes it's faster; sometimes, unfortunately, it's slower.

What if it doesn't arrive? If 90 days have passed since you entered or paid the fee (whichever was later), it's time to take action. You can check the status of your case on the USCIS website. If that doesn't provide an answer, you may need to submit an inquiry about a card that was never delivered. If the card was lost in the mail or if USCIS records show it was delivered but you never got it, you may have to file Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card. This can be a frustrating process, which is why verifying your mailing address on your initial application is so important.

What if there's an error on your card? Mistakes happen. If your name is misspelled or your date of birth is incorrect, you'll also need to file a Form I-90 to get it corrected. We've found that addressing these issues immediately is far better than letting them linger and cause problems down the road when you need to prove your identity or status.

Practical Steps for Settling In

With the immediate immigration paperwork underway, it's time to focus on the practicalities of building your new life. These steps are just as important for your long-term integration and stability.

1. Obtain a State ID or Driver's License: A state-issued identification card or driver's license is the primary form of ID used in the U.S. You'll need it for everything from opening a bank account to boarding a domestic flight. Visit your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website to find out the specific requirements. You'll almost certainly need your passport with the I-551 stamp, proof of your Social Security number, and documents proving your residency in that state (like a utility bill or lease agreement).

2. Open a Bank Account: This is a critical, non-negotiable element for managing your finances. You'll need a bank account to deposit paychecks, pay bills, and build a credit history. Most banks will require your passport, your SSN, and proof of address. Establishing a good banking relationship early on is incredibly helpful.

3. Understand Your Tax Obligations: Welcome to the U.S. tax system. As a permanent resident, you are taxed on your worldwide income, just like a U.S. citizen. This can be a significant, sometimes dramatic shift from the tax system in your home country. The rules are complex and can be overwhelming. We strongly recommend consulting with a qualified tax professional who has experience with immigrants to understand your obligations regarding filing federal, state, and local taxes. Don't try to navigate this alone in your first year.

4. Seek Employment: Unless you've immigrated based on a specific job offer, you'll be starting your job search. Your passport with the I-551 stamp or your physical Green Card is proof of your authorization to work for any employer in the U.S. (with very few exceptions for certain government jobs requiring citizenship). Update your resume to a standard U.S. format and begin leveraging professional networking sites and job boards.

5. Secure Housing: Whether you're renting an apartment or buying a home, you will need to provide your immigration documents, SSN, and often proof of income or funds. Landlords and mortgage lenders need to verify your identity and financial stability. Having your documents organized will make this process much smoother.

Maintaining Your Permanent Resident Status

Receiving your Green Card isn't the final step. It's the beginning of a period where you must actively maintain your status. Being a permanent resident is a privilege, not a right, and it can be revoked if you don't follow the rules.

The most important rule? You must make the United States your permanent home. This doesn't mean you can never travel. Of course you can. But it does mean that you can't abandon your U.S. residence.

Here's what our team has learned is most important for new residents to understand:

• Extended Absences: Trips outside the U.S. for more than six months can raise questions about your intent to reside permanently in the country. An absence of more than one year will almost certainly create a formidable problem and may require a reentry permit, which you must apply for before you leave. If you plan to be abroad for an extended period, it's absolutely essential to seek legal advice. Get clear, expert legal guidance tailored to your visa, green card, or citizenship needs.
• Filing Taxes: Always file U.S. tax returns, even if you spend time working abroad. Filing as a "non-resident" on your tax forms can be interpreted as an abandonment of your permanent resident status.
• Keep Your Address Updated: You are legally required to notify USCIS of any change of address within 10 days of moving by filing Form AR-11. This is a small but frequently overlooked requirement with potentially serious consequences.
• Obey the Law: A criminal record can make you deportable, especially for offenses classified as crimes of moral turpitude or aggravated felonies. This is a complex area of law where the intersection of criminal and immigration law becomes incredibly nuanced.

Let's be honest, this is crucial. Your new life depends on maintaining your status impeccably. The rules aren't designed to be punitive, but they are strict. Our work on Immigrant Visas extends to helping clients understand and protect the status they worked so hard to achieve.

The Long-Term Goal: The Path to Citizenship

For many, permanent residency is a stepping stone to the ultimate goal: U.S. citizenship. The journey from Green Card holder to citizen has its own set of requirements, but it's a well-defined path.

Generally, you can apply for naturalization after you've been a permanent resident for five years. This period is shortened to three years if you are married to and living with a U.S. citizen. During this time, you must meet certain physical presence and continuous residence requirements, demonstrate good moral character, and pass English language and civics exams.

It might seem like a long way off, but the choices you make from day one as a permanent resident affect your future eligibility for citizenship. Keeping a clean record, maintaining U.S. residency, and fulfilling your civic duties (like paying taxes) all build a strong foundation for your naturalization application when the time comes. This is the final chapter in the immigration story for so many of our clients, and we are always honored to help them prepare for it. The process is detailed, and our firm provides comprehensive guidance on the path to Citizenship.

Your arrival in the United States on an immigrant visa is a monumental achievement. By tackling these initial steps methodically—from paying your USCIS fee to securing your state ID—you build a solid framework for your new life. It's a process with many moving parts, and it’s okay to feel overwhelmed. But you are not alone. With a clear plan and the right support, you can navigate this transition with confidence and begin the exciting chapter you've worked so hard to write. Inquire now to check if you qualify for a consultation to ensure your journey starts on the strongest possible footing.