Need some info

[memlaura 60]

I know I am jumping the gun alittle but I am sure you can tell I am excited about finally getting the interview and I am being very positive that it will go well. So my question is once my husband gets his visa and is here in the states how long will it take to get his greencard and social security card. Will we need to go and apply for it or will it be issued because we marked that he wanted a social security card on the application. Thank you for your help.

[apple21 953]

You have to pay the immigrant fee of $165 as soon as he gets the visa and visa packet, before flying to the US. http://www.uscis.gov/forms/uscis-immigrant-fee

For the SS card, no need to go to the SS office. It may arrive at your address in 2 weeks or so after POE. Delivery times vary depending on your state/area. My husband got his a month after POE (Los Angeles area).

[memlaura 60]

You have to pay the immigrant fee of $165 as soon as he gets the visa and visa packet, before flying to the US. http://www.uscis.gov/forms/uscis-immigrant-fee

For the SS card, no need to go to the SS office. It may arrive at your address in 2 weeks or so after POE. Delivery times vary depending on your state/area. My husband got his a month after POE (Los Angeles area).

I am not sure what that is we filed IR1/CR-1 so all fees were paid upfront I never heard of an immigrant fee.

[apple21 953]

I am not sure what that is we filed IR1/CR-1 so all fees were paid upfront I never heard of an immigrant fee.

Its a new fee implemented Feb 1, 2013. Its for the production of the actual green card. If you don't pay it, no GC will arrive. It applies to all immigrant visa holders.

Edited December 5, 2013 by apple21

[memlaura 60]

Its a new fee implemented Feb 1, 2013. Its for the production of the actual green card. If you don't pay it, no GC will arrive. It applies to all immigrant visa holders.

Seriously haven't they gotten enough money out of us already that is totally crazy. Thanks I was totally unaware of that expense. He will need that paid before he can come over or before they will send the greencard?

[apple21 953]

Seriously haven't they gotten enough money out of us already that is totally crazy. Thanks I was totally unaware of that expense. He will need that paid before he can come over or before they will send the greencard?

The USCIS instructions say you have to pay it before he flies to the US.

But some pay for it after POE. No issues that I've heard of.

It must be paid first, otherwise they won't print the card.

[NikLR 13,227]

The IV fee used to be $404. They dropped it to $230 with the intention to always implement a green card production fee which they've labelled as "New Immigrant Fee." If you see the new green cards they're not just a piece of paper that's laminated or something like most driver's licenses. It's a pretty high tech card with lots of security features. You can only pay it through the ELIS website, which is a horrid little website IMHO.

So you can pay the fee after your husband recieves his visa anytime up to a year after POE. The endorsed visa upon entry (the CBP stamp the passport next to the visa, write CR1 or IR1, then date it) is a temporary green card for up to a year.

Also if your husband does not receive an SSN within 2-3 weeks of entry then you will have to go to the SSA office and apply for one. There is a whole write up by user Darnell on how to go about this. I'd have to say 80-90% (if not more) of immigrants do not get their SSN in the mail automatically despite checking that box.

BTW here is a picture comparison of the new vs old green card:

Edited December 5, 2013 by NLR

[memlaura 60]

The IV fee used to be $404. They dropped it to $230 with the intention to always implement a green card production fee which they've labelled as "New Immigrant Fee." If you see the new green cards they're not just a piece of paper that's laminated or something like most driver's licenses. It's a pretty high tech card with lots of security features. You can only pay it through the ELIS website, which is a horrid little website IMHO.

So you can pay the fee after your husband recieves his visa anytime up to a year after POE. The endorsed visa upon entry (the CBP stamp the passport next to the visa, write CR1 or IR1, then date it) is a temporary green card for up to a year.

Also if your husband does not receive an SSN within 2-3 weeks of entry then you will have to go to the SSA office and apply for one. There is a whole write up by user Darnell on how to go about this. I'd have to say 80-90% (if not more) of immigrants do not get their SSN in the mail automatically despite checking that box.

BTW here is a picture comparison of the new vs old green card:

Thanks for the info I guess that makes sense I remember that the fee was reduced I guess I just never paid attention to the why.. Thank you all for your fast response and helpful information.

Edited December 6, 2013 by memlaura

[NikLR 13,227]

no problem, glad to help.