CR-1 *after* 2yr wedding anniversary..

[Susan&Daniel 0]

I keep hearing about this "before two years" ruling once you arrive in the US on a CR-1 immigrant visa. But what if you arrive just after? What does this mean for your Green Card exactly? I realise it's more beneficial to arrive after, but I'm just wondering what it means *exactly*.

Also, once you do arrive (regardless of before/after 2yr anniversary), what do you now have to do? Anything visa-related at all? I'm close to the end (hopefully) of my visa journey and I've been trying to research if I actually have to do anything else once I arrive in the US..

Thanks :]

[Penguin_ie 5,993]

If you arrive after the 2 year anniversary, you get a ten year greencard rather than a 2 year conditional one. That means you save money and hassle two years later, as you do not have to file for ROC (removal of conditions).

Once you arrive in the USA, your SSN (if you checked the relevant box on the paperwork) and greencard will be sent to you in a few weeks. There is nothing visa related you need to do after POE (where you will have your fingerprints taken and hand over the Mysterious Brown Envelope), but if you are keen to get your SSN asap, you can go to the office for that about two weeks after arrival. Next step is ROC if you have a CR-1 (2 years minus 90 days after you arrive) or naturalisation- if you choose- 3 years after you arrive if on a IR-1.

[Mrs O. 29]

If you arrive after the 2 year anniversary, you get a ten year greencard rather than a 2 year conditional one. That means you save money and hassle two years later, as you do not have to file for ROC (removal of conditions).

Once you arrive in the USA, your SSN (if you checked the relevant box on the paperwork) and greencard will be sent to you in a few weeks. There is nothing visa related you need to do after POE (where you will have your fingerprints taken and hand over the Mysterious Brown Envelope), but if you are keen to get your SSN asap, you can go to the office for that about two weeks after arrival. Next step is ROC if you have a CR-1 (2 years minus 90 days after you arrive) or naturalisation- if you choose- 3 years after you arrive if on a IR-1.

Well said!

[Susan&Daniel 0]

Fantastic, thank you so much! I'll be arriving a month after my 2nd wedding anniversary so I'm happy to hear I don't have to do anything else except wait for my SSN. Whoo hoo!

[Penguin_ie 5,993]

To be on the safe side, carry a photocopy of your marriage cert and give it to the officer at POE, pointing out that you have been married more than 2 years. It should be automatic but the change from CR-1 to ten year greencard can slip through the cracks sometimes if it happens between interview and POE.

[Susan&Daniel 0]

Good idea, I'll make sure I keep a photocopy with me for POE :]