Entering US with IR1 visa/GC stamp twice

[Volli 31]

Hello, I have a question.

 

Due to special circumstances, we may enter the U.S. on the IR1 visa, triggering the green card production process. However, because we still have some things to do, we will only stay in the USA for a limited time at first and fly back to Germany. In the worst case, it could take several months until the GC is completed and sent out. Can we re-enter the USA again later with the replacement GC stamp in the passport because the physical GC is not yet ready or is entry only possible with the plastic GC triggered by the first initial visit? Does this put us at any risk?

 

 

Edited March 19, 2023 by Volli

[Crazy Cat 41,814]

Your endorsed spousal vis in your passport acts as a full-fledged green card until the plastic one arrives.  Yes, you can re-enter using it.

[Lil bear 4,181]

44 minutes ago, Volli said:

Hello, I have a question.

 

Due to special circumstances, we may enter the U.S. on the IR1 visa, triggering the green card production process. However, because we still have some things to do, we will only stay in the USA for a limited time at first and fly back to Germany. In the worst case, it could take several months until the GC is completed and sent out. Can we re-enter the USA again later with the replacement GC stamp in the passport because the physical GC is not yet ready or is entry only possible with the plastic GC triggered by the first initial visit? Does this put us at any risk?

 

 

No risk. Common situation. Thats what I did. 10 weeks out of the US. Thats one of the things the stamped visa is for. Its good to use your time in the US to get your SSN, drivers license, phones, bank accounts etc established 

[Volli 31]

Great! Thanks, guys!

[Volli 31]

3 hours ago, Crazy Cat said:

Your endorsed spousal vis in your passport acts as a full-fledged green card until the plastic one arrives.  Yes, you can re-enter using it.

If the plastic card has already been issued and delivered to the US address but I don't have it in my hands yet because I'm in Germany. Is it still OK to enter the US with the GC passport stamp? Or do I have to ask my folks in the US to send it to Germany?

 

 

Edited March 19, 2023 by Volli

[Alex&Nayden 91]

7 hours ago, Volli said:

If the plastic card has already been issued and delivered to the US address but I don't have it in my hands yet because I'm in Germany. Is it still OK to enter the US with the GC passport stamp? Or do I have to ask my folks in the US to send it to Germany?

 

 

Just use the one in your passport. Don't risk sending your physical green card all the way to Germany, 

[Chancy 6,241]

On 3/19/2023 at 10:22 AM, Volli said:

Is it still OK to enter the US with the GC passport stamp? Or do I have to ask my folks in the US to send it to Germany?

 

The visa with CBP stamp is equivalent to the plastic GC for all legal purposes during the 1 year after the date on the stamp.  So no need to risk your plastic GC getting lost in the mail.

 

[Volli 31]

Thanks again, I think I got it now 😉