How soon do you have to travel after green card?

[kolabear 0]

My parent's GC interview is coming up in a few weeks and they have an important family function happening in 3 months. I am wondering if they can defer their travel to the US after the function or do they have to travel immediately. How long can you defer travel to the US after a GC is granted?

[Verrou 1,962]

is it outside USA? or inside USA?

outside USA = follow the medical expiration date

inside USA = can travel anywhere after GC on hand

 

[kolabear 0]

Thanks for the reply. They are outside of the US. They have the GC interview at the Mumbai consulate and wondering if they can defer their travel to the US for some time. From your reply I understand they can defer their arrival until the medical expiration date?

 

How long is the medical typically valid? They have not had the medical done yet.

Edited March 17, 2023 by kolabear

[Crazy Cat 41,814]

10 minutes ago, kolabear said:

I am wondering if they can defer their travel to the US after the function or do they have to travel immediately. How long can you defer travel to the US after a GC is granted?

I assume you actually mean after the visa is issued.  If so, they MUST travel to the US before the expiration date printed on the visa.  That date will be no later than 6 months after the date of their medical exam.  It could be sooner.

Edited March 17, 2023 by Crazy Cat

[Lil bear 4,181]

Just now, kolabear said:

Thanks for the reply. They are outside of the US. They have the GC interview at the Mumbai consulate and wondering if they can defer their travel to the US for some time. From your reply I understand they can defer their arrival until the medical expiration date?

They must be within 6 months of the date of the medical AND before the expiry date on their visa. Usually the visa expiry date reflects the medical expiry date when issued