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Mimino

Carrying green card on you?

By Mimino in Adjustment of Status (Green Card) from K1 and K3 Family Based Visas

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Chica Yeyé Grand Master

Chica Yeyé   41

Posted
Filed: Timeline
Posted
Hey, all!

Do you have to carry the green card on you all the time after you get it?

Thanks,

mimino

It is required by law but in my almost 4 years of green card,I have never ever carried it on me,nor have I ever been asked to show one.

Lucky you -- it is still required by law. We cannot advise to do otherwise, since it is against the Terms of Service of this forum

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redglasses Proficient

redglasses   1

Posted
Filed: IR-1/CR-1 Visa (DCF) Country: Japan
 Timeline
Posted

It is very rare to show your GC for any occasion since DL or state ID proves your identity, but it is still better to carry it with you.

Immigration Process (DCF Japan)

08/06/2008 I-130 petition at Tokyo, Japan

08/13/2008 I-130 approved

|

| Waited until we were ready to move back

|

07/13/2009 IV interview at Tokyo, Japan

07/15/2009 IV(IR-1) in hand

Post-DCF

07/29/2009 POE at Las Vegas

08/17/2009 GC(10yrs) received

Click here for the detailed timeline.

Done with USCIS until

- naturalization in May 2012 or

- GC replacement in February 2019

CXmLm7.png

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HeatDeath Proficient

HeatDeath   430

Posted
Filed: Citizen (apr) Country: Canada
 Timeline
Posted
It is very rare to show your GC for any occasion since DL or state ID proves your identity, but it is still better to carry it with you.

If you live more than 100 miles away from a land or sea border [outside the area where CBP/ICE can legally set up "in-land border checkpoints], and especially if you live in a "sanctuary city" [cities where local law enforcement have been instructed to not cooperate particularly with federal immigration authorities. Wikipedia it.] the odds of you ever needing to show it are admittedly very low.

That being said, the law does require you to carry it, and there is a significant fine associated if you cannot produce it. And if you happen to live in the aforementioned so-called "Constitution-free zone" [Google it.] you absolutely MUST carry it. Not to do so will make your life miserable for no good reason.

DON'T PANIC

"It says wonderful things about the two countries [Canada and the US] that neither one feels itself being inundated by each other's immigrants."

-Douglas Coupland

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Septembergold Enthusiast

Septembergold   0

Posted
Filed: Lift. Cond. (apr) Country: Russia
 Timeline
Posted

It won`t kill you to have it in your wallet, like you carry your ID. Just in case. Better safe than sorry. keep a copy at home though.

Sometime in 11/2006 --- Met online

09/26/2008 --- Got married

04/03/2009 --- AOS package sent

07/13/2009 --- Interview in Detroit,MI. Approved!!!

07/25/2009 --- GC received! Total: 3 months 12 days from NOA1 to GC mailboxhappy.gif

05/17/2011 --- ROC package sent

05/25/2011 --- NOA1 received

06/27/2011 --- Biometrics

10/17/2011 --- Approved! confetti.gif

10/21/2011 --- Received Permanent GC

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JERIII Enthusiast

JERIII   8

Posted
Filed: Citizen (apr) Country: Moldova
 Timeline
Posted
It won`t kill you to have it in your wallet, like you carry your ID. Just in case. Better safe than sorry. keep a copy at home though.

Interesting thing just happened to us, my wife is applying for a Visa to visit another country. Guess what we have to send to the embassy in question. Yup. The original of the green card. Guess she won't be carrying it.

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trillium13 Experienced

trillium13   84

Posted
Filed: Lift. Cond. (apr) Country: Germany
 Timeline
Posted
Interesting thing just happened to us, my wife is applying for a Visa to visit another country. Guess what we have to send to the embassy in question. Yup. The original of the green card. Guess she won't be carrying it.

The original??? Why? Do they return it?

24q38dy.jpg
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Brit Abroad Collaborator

Brit Abroad   166

Posted
Filed: Lift. Cond. (apr) Country: United Kingdom
 Timeline
Posted
Interesting thing just happened to us, my wife is applying for a Visa to visit another country. Guess what we have to send to the embassy in question. Yup. The original of the green card. Guess she won't be carrying it.

Um, never heard of this before. Your green card is a legal document that you are required to carry at all times. A visa may require a passport for identity purposes but you should never, under any circumstances, send an original green card. If necessary get a notarised copy and send that, but don't risk your wife being caught without a GC.

ROC

AR11 filed: 02/05/11

I-751 filed at Vermont Service Center: 02/07/11

NOA: 02/14/11

Biometrics appt: 03/21/11

RoC Interview: Not required

RoC Approved: 08/04/2011

10 yr Green card received: 08/10/2011

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visacheck Collaborator

visacheck   3

Posted
Filed: AOS (apr) Country: Philippines
 Timeline
Posted

I dont carry my GC with me.

Just curious, aside from exiting and entering the US.. what other instances will I be asked for my GC?

12/29/2007 Got married in the Philippines
03/28/2008 Got 10yr B1/B2 visa
04/12/2008 Arrived in US under B1/B2 visa
08/06/2008 Filed I-539 visa extension
10/23/2008 I-539 approved
02/23/2009 USC wife filed I-130 Chicago Lockbox
02/26/2009 I-130 delivered to Chicago Lockbox
02/27/2009 Medical exam I-693
03/01/2009 Negative result on TB skin test
03/04/2009 I-130 received by California Service Center
03/05/2009 Check cashed by USCIS
03/06/2009 Medical Exam form I-693 released by civil surgeon
03/07/2009 NOA Receipt Notice for I-130
03/14/2009 Mailed I-485, I-864, I-693, I-765 & I-131 thru USPS
03/16/2009 "The Package" delivered to Chicago Lockbox
03/16/2009 I-94 expired after 11 months since arrival
03/25/2009 Check cashed by USCIS
03/26/2009 Received NOA for I-485, I-765, I-131
03/28/2009 Received notice for Biometrics Appointment (April 9)
04/02/2009 Approval Notice for I-130 received
04/09/2009 Biometrics done
05/07/2009 Received Advance Parole Document
05/08/2009 Received Interview Letter
05/09/2009 Received EAD card
05/11/2009 Applied for SSN
05/16/2009 Received SSN
06/23/2009 AOS interview approved
06/27/2009 Welcome Letter received
07/05/2009 Green Card received
06/01/2011 Mailed I-751 Form
06/07/2011 Received NOA for I-751
07/11/2011 Biometrics Done

03/19/2015 Mailed N-400

03/30/2015 NOA Received

04/15/2015 Biometrics Appointment

06/23/2015 Interview

07/22/2015 Oath Ceremony

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HeatDeath Proficient

HeatDeath   430

Posted
Filed: Citizen (apr) Country: Canada
 Timeline
Posted
I dont carry my GC with me.

Just curious, aside from exiting and entering the US.. what other instances will I be asked for my GC?

You're in southern California? Customs and Border Protection can and have set up inland border check points pretty much anywhere in southern California (and anywhere else within 100 miles of Mexico or the ocean). If you hit one of these, they just stop everyone and ask for proof of citizenship/residence and do a drug search.

These checkpoints have the same staff, the same officers, and that same procedures as if you were rolling in from Mexico. And if they catch you without your green card, it's not good news.

DON'T PANIC

"It says wonderful things about the two countries [Canada and the US] that neither one feels itself being inundated by each other's immigrants."

-Douglas Coupland

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visacheck Collaborator

visacheck   3

Posted
Filed: AOS (apr) Country: Philippines
 Timeline
Posted
I dont carry my GC with me.

Just curious, aside from exiting and entering the US.. what other instances will I be asked for my GC?

You're in southern California? Customs and Border Protection can and have set up inland border check points pretty much anywhere in southern California (and anywhere else within 100 miles of Mexico or the ocean). If you hit one of these, they just stop everyone and ask for proof of citizenship/residence and do a drug search.

These checkpoints have the same staff, the same officers, and that same procedures as if you were rolling in from Mexico. And if they catch you without your green card, it's not good news.

Thanks for the quick reply. Maybe now i'll consider taking my GC with me or I could tell them I am a US citizen. :devil:

I live in Rancho Cucamonga which is prolly 100 miles away from a mexican border near san diego area. If the CBP sets up a random check point at Rancho Cucamonga (because its prolly within the 100 mile radius) do they actually expect US citizens (born or naturalized) to have proof of citizenship with them?! :unsure:

I didnt mean to hijack the OP's thread. I just dont understand why one would have to carry his GC if he is not even close to a border or not travelling in or out of the US.

12/29/2007 Got married in the Philippines
03/28/2008 Got 10yr B1/B2 visa
04/12/2008 Arrived in US under B1/B2 visa
08/06/2008 Filed I-539 visa extension
10/23/2008 I-539 approved
02/23/2009 USC wife filed I-130 Chicago Lockbox
02/26/2009 I-130 delivered to Chicago Lockbox
02/27/2009 Medical exam I-693
03/01/2009 Negative result on TB skin test
03/04/2009 I-130 received by California Service Center
03/05/2009 Check cashed by USCIS
03/06/2009 Medical Exam form I-693 released by civil surgeon
03/07/2009 NOA Receipt Notice for I-130
03/14/2009 Mailed I-485, I-864, I-693, I-765 & I-131 thru USPS
03/16/2009 "The Package" delivered to Chicago Lockbox
03/16/2009 I-94 expired after 11 months since arrival
03/25/2009 Check cashed by USCIS
03/26/2009 Received NOA for I-485, I-765, I-131
03/28/2009 Received notice for Biometrics Appointment (April 9)
04/02/2009 Approval Notice for I-130 received
04/09/2009 Biometrics done
05/07/2009 Received Advance Parole Document
05/08/2009 Received Interview Letter
05/09/2009 Received EAD card
05/11/2009 Applied for SSN
05/16/2009 Received SSN
06/23/2009 AOS interview approved
06/27/2009 Welcome Letter received
07/05/2009 Green Card received
06/01/2011 Mailed I-751 Form
06/07/2011 Received NOA for I-751
07/11/2011 Biometrics Done

03/19/2015 Mailed N-400

03/30/2015 NOA Received

04/15/2015 Biometrics Appointment

06/23/2015 Interview

07/22/2015 Oath Ceremony

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Ellie-and-David Rising Star

Ellie-and-David   38

Posted
Filed: Lift. Cond. (pnd) Country: United Kingdom
 Timeline
Posted (edited)

I received my GC a couple of days ago, have made copies and will be carrying it at all times.

This whole immigration journey has been geared toward this little piece of plastic...and there is no way I am not having something to show for it if I am required to present it!

Edited by Ellie-and-David

K1

PLEASE SEE MY TIMELINE FOR K1 INFORMATION

AOS complete!

08/21/2009 - AOS package sent

08/28/2009 - NOA 1 for AOS, EAD, AP

08/31/2009 - Cheque cashed

09/05/2009 - Biometrics notice received

09/23/2009 - Biometrics Appointment

09/23/2009 - I-485 Transferred to CSC

10/02/2009 - EAD Approved (card production) & AP approved!

10/11/2009 - EAD Card received

10/20/2009 - AOS approved, GC card production ordered! (53 days in total)

10/26/2009 - Green Card received - nearly 11 months to the day of our K1 NOA 1!

11/25/2009 - Started my new job!

02/26/2010 - Passed my driving test :-p

07/20/2011 - Eligible to remove conditions

2012 - Going for citizenship

09/20/2011 - Removal of conditions submitted to VSC....here we go...again!

It's been a quick and relatively painless journey thanks to tireless research, dumb luck and this community :)

DONE with USCIS for a while :)

mnb0ir.png

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JERIII Enthusiast

JERIII   8

Posted
Filed: Citizen (apr) Country: Moldova
 Timeline
Posted
Interesting thing just happened to us, my wife is applying for a Visa to visit another country. Guess what we have to send to the embassy in question. Yup. The original of the green card. Guess she won't be carrying it.

Um, never heard of this before. Your green card is a legal document that you are required to carry at all times. A visa may require a passport for identity purposes but you should never, under any circumstances, send an original green card. If necessary get a notarised copy and send that, but don't risk your wife being caught without a GC.

That's an idea, but the instructions from the British Embassy are clear - send an original. The UK Visa requires both proof of identity and proof of legal status in the US. I suspect if we send a notarised copy, she will not get a visa.

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