IR1 Visa Approved.. What next?

[Charlie1234 0]

Hey guys, 

I recently had my IR1 interview and I've received my passport and booked my flights for in a few days time. My question is, what next?

I've been so prepared for each stage of this process but now that everything is finally approved and all I have to do is get to the US I'm feeling a little flustered. I've got my travel/medical insurance sorted and paid my fees to get my green card printed, but I'm unsure what else there is to do once I arrive in Texas.

How do I go about getting my SS number/card? I know I checked that box on the DS 260 to have them assign me a number, but will everything just happen automatically when I enter the country or will I have to go to my local SS office? I hope this doesn't sound like a stupid question!

I have my own online business so I'm not concerned about applying for jobs etc, but is there anything else I'm missing that I will have to do once I arrive? 

[Chancy 6,243]

28 minutes ago, Charlie1234 said:

How do I go about getting my SS number/card? I know I checked that box on the DS 260 to have them assign me a number, but will everything just happen automatically when I enter the country or will I have to go to my local SS office? I hope this doesn't sound like a stupid question!

 

Don't worry.  That's a common question here.  Answer --

 

 

[Sukie 1,464]

You must wait at least two weeks between your entry into the US and applying in person at the SSA office.  It can take that long for the CPB system at the airport to send the notice to the SSA computer system.  About 50% of the time, checking the box on the DS-260 works, and you'll get your card within two weeks of entering the country.  It didn't work for us, even though my spouse reminded the CPB officer at the airport that she had checked the box.

 

So after two weeks, we went to the local office and applied.   The clerk told us she could see the entry into the US, but that a request for an SSN had not been initiated - so she did that.   The SSA card arrived 5 days later!

 

Best of luck!

 

Sukie in NY

[Wuozopo 4,293]

4 hours ago, Charlie1234 said:

have my own online business so I'm not concerned about applying for jobs etc, but is there anything else I'm missing that I will have to do once I arrive

 
If you are paying income tax to HMRC, you will make the switch to IRS when you arrive and become a resident of the US. The IRS Publication 519 is a start for information on the US side https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p519.pdf

Self employed Info is here https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/self-employed-individuals-tax-center

 

HMRC leaving the UK https://www.gov.uk/tax-right-retire-abroad-return-to-uk

 

Specific questions on your US taxes are more appropriately discussed in the Visa Journey tax forum. Ask questions here after reviewing the above material  https://www.visajourney.com/forums/forum/159-tax-finances-during-us-immigration/
 

 

 

 

Edited September 18, 2020 by Wuozopo

[Ontarkie 14,369]

~~MOved to MOving Here and YOur New Life, from AOS FAmily K1/K3 ~~

[Charlie1234 0]

18 hours ago, Wuozopo said:

 
If you are paying income tax to HMRC, you will make the switch to IRS when you arrive and become a resident of the US. The IRS Publication 519 is a start for information on the US side https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p519.pdf

Self employed Info is here https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/self-employed-individuals-tax-center

 

HMRC leaving the UK https://www.gov.uk/tax-right-retire-abroad-return-to-uk

 

Specific questions on your US taxes are more appropriately discussed in the Visa Journey tax forum. Ask questions here after reviewing the above material  https://www.visajourney.com/forums/forum/159-tax-finances-during-us-immigration/
 

 

 

 

I don't currently pay any tax for my business since it's below the tax threshold, do I still have to fill in the HMRC forms since I won't be entitled to a tax rebate or have to pay tax on my business? Can't I just close down my business once I leave the country and have stopped trading in the UK, and then register it in the US?

[Wuozopo 4,293]

4 hours ago, Charlie1234 said:

I don't currently pay any tax for my business since it's below the tax threshold, do I still have to fill in the HMRC forms since I won't be entitled to a tax rebate or have to pay tax on my business? Can't I just close down my business once I leave the country and have stopped trading in the UK, and then register it in the US?

I was addressing any personal income you earn in my general comment. I guess you generate no income from whatever you do. I don’t know the answer to your question. The IRS website has many tax topics that might help.