Point of Entry Later Than Expected

[ElPerdido 3]

My wife got a CR-1 visa issued on Nov 29, 2016. It expires on May 3, 2017. We are not yet sure when we will get a chance to enter the United States, but it might be after April 15. Although that's technically within the time span of the visa, is there any reason that should prove problematic?

My understanding is that we enter on the CR-1, then they send us a Green Card a few weeks after entry. Is that correct? 

[Marco&Bettina 502]

22 minutes ago, ElPerdido said:

My wife got a CR-1 visa issued on Nov 29, 2016. It expires on May 3, 2017. We are not yet sure when we will get a chance to enter the United States, but it might be after April 15. Although that's technically within the time span of the visa, is there any reason that should prove problematic?

My understanding is that we enter on the CR-1, then they send us a Green Card a few weeks after entry. Is that correct? 

As long as the Visa is still in effect, no problems there. Not completely sure about the GC question, but to my knowledge, yes, something like that.

[ElPerdido 3]

Dee,

 

How do you enter and leave the US while waiting for the Greencard to get created?

 

[aaron2020 11,651]

On 1/25/2017 at 10:12 PM, Dee elle said:

You must present at POE  with an unexpired visa - ie by May 3rd.. April 15th will be fine.

 

Entry this triggers the LPR status and then the paperwork you give to the CBP officer initiates the process of production of the Green card.

 

The Green Card visa fee must be paid online  before the GC will be sent to production. This can be done before or after entering the US. Instructions on doing this are usually given to the applicant when the passport / visa is approved. Until the GC is received, the CBP stamp on the visa in the passport acts as the temporary I 551 (ie GC) for all purposes needed - SSN, drivers licence, proof of legal status, work authorization.

 

According to the USCIS website, receiving  the GC will take  to 120 days after POE or payment of the fee, whichever is latest, but I am 150 days and still waiting. My husband, who entered the same day I did, received his after 40 days.

 

50 minutes ago, ElPerdido said:

Dee,

 

How do you enter and leave the US while waiting for the Greencard to get created?

 

With the temporary I-551 which is the CR-1 immigration visa after being admitted into the US.

[ElPerdido 3]

Thanks aaron - didn't see that! Appreciate the assist.