IR-1 / CR-1: What after you get off the plane with your VISA

[SimonBelgium 49]

All,

I have been trying to find information on what happens after you land in the US with your VISA (And that big envelope).

I know I need to get a physical green card, a SSN and a driver's license.

Although there are some guides pertaining to some of the K-visa's, it is unclear what to do with IR-1 / CR-1 visa's

I did notice some people posting that checking the box (on one of the million forms) to have USCIS request a SSN for you is not the best option, but is that still so?

I would prefer not having to wait for weeks and weeks before I can apply for a job, after arrival.

So if someone can tell me how to get my green card (or is that automatic) and what the fastest way is to get my SSN card (or at least the SSN number itself), that would be great.

From what I understand, I "ONLY" need my SSN to apply for a driver's license?

Thanks !

[aussie_jason 195]

You will be a permanent resident as soon as you enter and have the I-551 stamp in your passport, if you have paid the appropriate fee on ELIS then you will get your physical green card in due course. The I-551 stamp in your passport should give you all the rights of a permanent resident so you can get your driver's license and your SSN, you will need your SSN to start working but I can't recall if it is needed for your driver's license, that would be state specific I think.

I haven't seen a single case of people receiving their SSN just by checking the box so I would recommend just going to the office yourself in person once here, check out the social security sub forum on here for more advice on that, there may be a waiting period for the systems to sync up.