We passed the consular interview and are making final preparations to relocate to the U.S. I understand that, right now, the only thing indicating I am a temporary U.S. visa resident is the stamp in my passport, until I receive the physical green card after we enter the U.S. How safe will we be while that happens? Must we go anywhere we live with our passports until we have the visas in our hands?
Answers
Jinglan “Jane” Wei
EB-5 Immigration attorneysYes. After you enter the US, the immigrant visa stamp in your passport will be endorsed and serves as temporary proof of your permanent resident status, usually valid for up to one year until you receive your physical
green card.
During this period, it is advisable to carry your passport with the visa stamp when you need valid identification or proof of status. Once you receive your green card, you may use it as proof of your status and apply for a REAL ID–compliant driver’s license or state ID for everyday identification.
Renata Duarte
EB-5 Immigration attorneysOnce admitted to the United States on your immigrant visa, you are not just a temporary visa resident. You become a lawful permanent resident on entry, or a conditional permanent resident if your category is conditional. The immigrant visa in your passport, once endorsed at admission, serves as temporary Form I-551 evidence of permanent residence for 1 year. In plain terms, that passport plus the admission stamp is your temporary green card while USCIS produces the physical card. Regarding your question about
carrying passports, the strict legal answer is this: every noncitizen age 18 or older must carry evidence of registration in their personal possession at all times.
DISCLAIMER: the information found on this website is intended to be general information; it is not legal or financial advice. Specific legal or financial advice can only be given by a licensed professional with full knowledge of all the facts and circumstances of your particular situation. You should seek consultation with legal, immigration, and financial experts prior to participating in the EB-5 program. Posting a question on this website does not create an attorney-client relationship. All questions you post will be available to the public: do not include confidential information in your question.