Travelling on the stamped IR-1 visa

[Benjamin44 10]

Hi all,

So, I have recently (about 2 weeks ago) entered the US on an IR-1 visa, and- amazingly- my Green Card has already arrived! Very early, almost TOO early. How can it be too early? Because I had planned a quick trip back to Canada for the weekend, and was planning to use my stamped IR-visa as proof of Resident Status to get back into the U.S., since this stamped visa is a valid proof of status for up to one year, until the actual Green Card arrives. My question is- can I still use it for travel even AFTER the Green Card arrives?? I know you usually hear the opposite question- namely, how to travel BEFORE it arrives and how reliable is that stamped visa. But the way I see it, it is actually EASIER and definitely less risky to use the stamped visa!! Why would I want to travel with the actual Green Card, which costs about $500 to replace if something happens to it, when I can leave that safe at home?? I figure, the more I can leave it at home- the less chance something happens to it, the better off I will be. The thing is- am I ALLOWED to continue using the temporary evidence for travel, even after my GC has arrived, as long as it is with in the one-year limit? If so, I will actually continue using it for the full year! Is there a way for USCIS to know I got my GreenCard? It wasn't registered mail or anything, came right to my mailbox, never signed for it- although, there were barcodes on a sheet of paper in the package, a paper called the "mailer" which I'm actually supposed to keep for my records (does anyone know what this is?), so maybe this was scanned immediately before it was delivered and they know I have it, making my temporary evidence invalid? They still couldn't know for sure that I got it, but still... anyone have any ideas for me here?

Thanks all!

[Flames9_RN 358]

I see your point,lol But keep in mind legally your suppose to have ur greencard with you at all times!! Just saying. There was a thread on VJ in another forum asking if people actually did carry it with them all the time. I think most actually did. I didn't but thats just me! And I did loose my wallet with the greencard in it, but luckily a guy called up 1 of my credit card companies and left a message and address to pick it up! Wheww

To answer ur question, to be honest not sure, but why risk it the troubles. Either way I guess 1 could be risking something!!

on another don't wait too ong for ur SSN, does not show up, print off another application form and head to ur local SSN office and make an inquiry. Not in system, then hand over ur already filled out new application. http://www.ssa.gov/ssnumber/

[OBX 51]

Yes, the stamped visa is good for a year and it is possible the CBP would have no way of knowing whether or not you have received your card; however, IMO having the CBP swipe your green card is much easier than having them inspect the passport. You will have to use it eventually so why not get over your fear of loosing it and start now.

[Flames9_RN 358]

Even after the 1 yr is up, ur going to have to travel with ur passport and greencard!! Some Poe officers still want to see the passport!

[OBX 51]

Even after the 1 yr is up, ur going to have to travel with ur passport and greencard!! Some Poe officers still want to see the passport!

I just meant that if you only have the passport with the visa stamp you might get a few more questions as time gets closer to the expiration.

I always travel with both my green card and Canadian passport and hand over both to the CBP when I am crossing in either direction. Last week returning from Canada was the first time the US CBP officer didn't look at my passport. He handed it right back to me and scanned my green card (which was expired as I am in the midst of the VSC waiting game.) I am assuming my extension date was in the system because he just smiled and waved me on my way. It's nice when things work like they are supposed to.

[Flames9_RN 358]

I just meant that if you only have the passport with the visa stamp you might get a few more questions as time gets closer to the expiration.

I always travel with both my green card and Canadian passport and hand over both to the CBP when I am crossing in either direction. Last week returning from Canada was the first time the US CBP officer didn't look at my passport. He handed it right back to me and scanned my green card (which was expired as I am in the midst of the VSC waiting game.) I am assuming my extension date was in the system because he just smiled and waved me on my way. It's nice when things work like they are supposed to.

I wasn't referencing your post OBX, lol--I was just saying,lol And legally one is suppose to have their greencard on their possesion at all times, Ya not what ur asking, but again, just saying,lol Did I? No. When I traveled yes. Good luck

[OBX 51]

Yes, the "Should you carry your green card or not" topic has been heavily discussed on VJ. I only carry mine when I am travelling as well and keep a copy when I'm at home in NJ. Hopefully one more year of USCIS and I won't have to worry about it.

[Kathryn41 3,205]

The I-551 stamp in your passport actually IS proof of your permanent resident status as it is the equivalent of the green card, only in a 'stamped' form than in a hard copy form. The green card is an I-551 card, so basically, right now you have two proofs of your legal status in the US. Ideally, you should be using your green card but you should have no problems using the valid I-551 stamp in your passport either as both of them are currently valid.

Yeah, I was also astonished that something so significant as a green card arrives without any sort of concern for security or loss. Unbelievable.