DV 2013 Next Step After Successful Interview

[HLL 0]

Hello all,

I'm DV 2013 winner and have just completed the interview and received a brown envelope from the US Embassy. Quite lost what is next after this. Hope you can help me.

1. Immigrant Visa Sticker in my passport with remarks "Upon Endorsement Serves as Temporary I-551 Evidencing PR for 1 year. Is this my temporary "GC" for 1 year until receiving the plastic GC?

2. When I make my first entry to US with this brown envelope, how long do I need to stay in US before I can leave again?

3. How long can I remain abroad without losing the residency status?

4. Is there any pre-determined POE for my first US trip? I don't see any POE specified in the Immigrant Visa sticker.

5. I have indicated for SSN application in DS-230. Shall I just wait it to be mailed over? Any action needed?

6. How long it takes to receive the GC and SSN Card?

Thank you.

HLL

[Hypnos 6,578]

1) Yes.

2) About 30 minutes (the time it takes secondary to process you).

3) In general, you must spend more time inside the US than outside. You should plan to spend at least six months out of the year in the US if you want to keep your green card, although with a re-entry permit you are allowed to spend up to two years outside the US, but you need to show CBP that you have maintained your US domicile the entire time before you let you back in.

4) You can find a list of designated PoEs by state here: http://www.cbp.gov/x...contacts/ports/

5) Even if you ask for it it's a ####### shoot as to whether you will actually receive it. If it's not showed up within 30 days of PoE then you should probably assume that it just isn't going to, and make the trip to your nearest SSA office to apply for a card in person.

6) 30 - 60 days.

Edited April 21, 2013 by Hypnos

[HLL 0]

Hi Hypnos,

Thanks for your quick reply.

Since this is a big move, I will need 1-2 year to sort out my affairs before moving to US for good. Can I enter US and stay for 1 week (just to get myself endorsed)and come back in later date say, in 5 months time?

If I'm to apply re-entry permit, do I need to stay in US until I received the Permit? Can I apply and leave the country while the Re-entry Permit under processing?

Am I free to travel to any POE since there is no designated POE that I should report myself to?

Again, thanks for your time.

Best regards,

HLL

[Hypnos 6,578]

You could enter the US to activate your immigrant visa and then leave the same day if you wanted to.

I believe on the I-131 (Application for Travel Document) you can specify a foreign US mission for your re-entry permit to be sent to. You do, however, need to have biometrics captured for it, which you would need to have done in the US. After applying via the I-131 you should receive the biometrics appointment within the following month or so.

You can initially enter the US at any PoE you choose.

[HLL 0]

Thanks Hypnos for the info. Appreciate it.