FAQs about Arrival in the United States on an Immigrant Visa

Yes. Upon entry into the United States, your foreign spouse’s child(ren) are permanent residents. The foreign spouse’s child(ren) will receive a social security number.

Yes. Upon entry into the United States, the foreign spouse’s child(ren) is a permanent resident. The foreign spouse’s child(ren) will receive a social security number and can begin to work legally.

Yes. Upon entry into the United States, the foreign spouse is a permanent resident. The foreign spouse will receive a social security number and can begin to work legally.

Approximately 2 weeks after entry as an immigrant, each person (including children) will receive a lawful permanent resident card by mail. If you and your foreign spouse have been married less than 2 years at the time of issuance of the immigrant visa, the child(ren)’s permanent resident card(s) will be valid for 2 years. This… Read More

Approximately 2 weeks after entry as an immigrant, each person will receive a lawful permanent resident card by mail. If you and your foreign spouse have been married less than 2 years at the time of issuance of the immigrant visa, the permanent resident card will be valid for 2 years. This is referred to… Read More

Permanently.

Upon entry into the United States, your spouse and children will give a sealed envelope (provided by the U.S. embassy or consulate) to the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer. The CBP officer will stamp the foreign spouse’s passport. This signifies entry as an immigrant.