CR1 Visa - What to do after arrival in the U.S.

[jj_154 0]

My wife (Japanese) and I (USC) are moving to the U.S. in August. My wife received a CR1 visa through a DCF. After we arrive in August, what forms do we need to file after we arrive. From what I have been able to find, we have to file the form I-551 to receive her permanent resident card. Then within 90 days of 2 years we have to file the I-751. Any time we move we have to file the AR-11. Is there anything else?

Thanks.

John

[payxibka 10,045]

I-865 for the USC to update the address for the I-864 if you move.

Did you "tick" the box on the DS-230 for the automatic generation of a SSN? If not you will need to apply at a local SSA office

Edited July 15, 2008 by fwaguy

[jj_154 0]

I-865 for the USC to update the address for the I-864 if you move.

Did you "tick" the box on the DS-230 for the automatic generation of a SSN? If not you will need to apply at a local SSA office

We ticked the box on DS-230. However, my wife was in the U.S. a while about 5 years ago on a student visa, so she still has her SSN from that time (her card is in her maiden name). We are unsure what we should do. Does she still use her original SSN? Can she use her current SS card or does she have to get a new card?

Thanks,

John

[payxibka 10,045]

I-865 for the USC to update the address for the I-864 if you move.

Did you "tick" the box on the DS-230 for the automatic generation of a SSN? If not you will need to apply at a local SSA office

We ticked the box on DS-230. However, my wife was in the U.S. a while about 5 years ago on a student visa, so she still has her SSN from that time (her card is in her maiden name). We are unsure what we should do. Does she still use her original SSN? Can she use her current SS card or does she have to get a new card?

Thanks,

John

SSA needs to be updated as to her immigration status.... She will use the same number... Does her card have the "Valid for employment only with DHS authorization"... or something like that? If so, you will want to get it replaced with a "clean" one.

[jj_154 0]

I-865 for the USC to update the address for the I-864 if you move.

Did you "tick" the box on the DS-230 for the automatic generation of a SSN? If not you will need to apply at a local SSA office

We ticked the box on DS-230. However, my wife was in the U.S. a while about 5 years ago on a student visa, so she still has her SSN from that time (her card is in her maiden name). We are unsure what we should do. Does she still use her original SSN? Can she use her current SS card or does she have to get a new card?

Thanks,

John

SSA needs to be updated as to her immigration status.... She will use the same number... Does her card have the "Valid for employment only with DHS authorization"... or something like that? If so, you will want to get it replaced with a "clean" one.

I don't have the card in front of me at the moment, but if I remember correctly it does have "Valid for employment only ...".

John

[frali 2]

Best option is to go to local SSA office and inform them that her name and status has changed. They will issue a new card with the same SSN number.

Good luck!

I-865 for the USC to update the address for the I-864 if you move.

Did you "tick" the box on the DS-230 for the automatic generation of a SSN? If not you will need to apply at a local SSA office

We ticked the box on DS-230. However, my wife was in the U.S. a while about 5 years ago on a student visa, so she still has her SSN from that time (her card is in her maiden name). We are unsure what we should do. Does she still use her original SSN? Can she use her current SS card or does she have to get a new card?

Thanks,

John

SSA needs to be updated as to her immigration status.... She will use the same number... Does her card have the "Valid for employment only with DHS authorization"... or something like that? If so, you will want to get it replaced with a "clean" one.

I don't have the card in front of me at the moment, but if I remember correctly it does have "Valid for employment only ...".

John

[person 0]

I read about filing some form for green card that the topic starter talked about. Isn't this automatic though once you cross the border? The customs official didn't tell me to file any forms. He said the card will come in 2 months. Please clarify this! Since if it is required to file a form, I better get that done right away!

[LRA 0]

I-865 for the USC to update the address for the I-864 if you move.

Did you "tick" the box on the DS-230 for the automatic generation of a SSN? If not you will need to apply at a local SSA office

The OP is a DCF and most likely had a cosponsor on AOSupport... that person will also need to file the 865 if they move as well. :-)

OP, there is no form I155. That I belive is the actual Permanent Resident Card. ;-)

[person 0]

What? What's OP?

[LRA 0]

OP=Original Poster in this case jj_154

[lucyrich 20]

Yep, form I-551 is another name for the plastic green card they issue you. You don't need to fill it out. It'll be printed up automatically and mailed to you a few weeks after arrival. In the meantime, they'll put a stamp in the passport that serves as evidence of LPR status.

At the port of entry, make sure they've got a valid US mailing address for you, so they can send that green card to the right place.

Start a folder for removal of conditions. Any time you get an official paper that mentions both of your names, stick it in the folder. If you take a photo of the two of you in front of a recognizable monument, put a copy in the folder. Open a joint bank account and file some statements in the folder. If you ever travel by airline together, put your boarding passes in the folder to show you were both on the same flight. Put copies of your joint income tax filings in the folder. If you sign a lease together, put a copy in the folder. It's much easier to continuously save that sort of information than to try and search for it the week before you need to file your I-751.

But basically, there's not a whole lot of immigration-related stuff to do upon arrival. That's the advantage of the CR-1 over the K-3 route.

Edited July 29, 2008 by lucyrich

[person 0]

Thank you, lucyrich!