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The approval of the immigrant visa at the American consulate marks the beginning of a new phase that requires attention to deadlines, documents, and specific procedures. Many immigrants focus all their energy on preparing for the consular interview and, upon receiving approval, discover that there are still important steps ahead. This guide details each step of the post-approval consular process, from receiving the passport to the arrival of the physical green card at your address in the United States.
Passport and Visa Packet
After approval at the interview, the consulate retains the passport for a few business days to affix the immigrant visa to one of its pages. In certain cases, the consulate also prepares a sealed envelope known as the visa packet, which contains documents processed during the consular phase. This envelope must remain intact and will be handed directly to the immigration officer at the port of entry in the United States.
Opening the envelope before inspection can cause serious complications and may even jeopardize admission. The visa packet contains information that the CBP officer will use to verify the immigrant’s eligibility, and any evidence of tampering with the seal can raise unnecessary suspicions at the most critical moment of the journey.
USCIS Immigrant Fee
Before boarding for the United States, it is mandatory to pay the USCIS Immigrant Fee, which in 2026 is US$220. This fee covers the production and mailing of the physical green card. Payment is made exclusively through the USCIS online portal, using the case number found in the visa packet. It is recommended to make the payment as soon as the visa is issued, as delays at this stage can significantly delay the delivery of the permanent resident card after arrival in the country.
The immigrant will not receive the physical green card until this fee is paid. Although it is possible to pay after arriving in the US, doing so in advance speeds up the entire card production process.
Deadline for First Entry
The immigrant visa stamped in the passport has an expiration date that generally coincides with the validity of the medical exam performed during the consular process, typically up to six months. The first entry into the United States must occur before this date, as it is at the time of admission at the port of entry that permanent residence is officially activated. Missing this deadline means the visa expires and the entire consular process may need to be restarted, including new medical exams and fees.
Planning the move should take into account not only the visa expiration date but also the logistics of housing, transporting belongings, and defining the US address where the green card will be delivered. It is essential that this address is correct in USCIS records, as returned mail can delay or prevent receipt of the card.
Inspection at the Port of Entry
Upon landing on American soil, the immigrant goes through inspection conducted by Customs and Border Protection (CBP). At this time, it is necessary to present the passport with the immigrant visa and hand over the sealed visa packet to the officer. The CBP agent will review the documents, collect biometric data (photograph and fingerprints), and ask basic questions about the reason for immigration and the destination address.
If all documentation is in order, the officer will stamp the passport with the I-551 stamp, which serves as temporary proof of permanent residence. This stamp is valid for one year and serves as legal proof of permanent resident status for employment, opening bank accounts, obtaining a driver’s license, and other administrative needs while the physical green card has not yet arrived.
Life as a Permanent Resident
From the moment the I-551 stamp is placed at the port of entry, the immigrant is officially a lawful permanent resident of the United States. This grants the right to live, work, and move freely throughout the country, as well as access to certain social and educational benefits. The permanent resident also assumes obligations, such as filing federal and state income tax returns and maintaining status through substantial physical presence in the US territory.
The physical green card is produced by USCIS and sent to the address provided during the process. The average delivery time ranges from 30 to 120 days after arrival and payment of the immigrant fee. If the card does not arrive within 120 days, it is possible to check the production status on the USCIS online portal or contact the agency directly. Make sure the full name is visible on the mailbox at the registered address to avoid returns.
Social Security Number
The Social Security Number (SSN) is essential for legal employment, opening bank accounts, and accessing various services in the United States. During completion of the DS-260 form in the consular phase, there is an option to request the SSN automatically. If this option was selected, the Social Security card usually arrives by mail a few weeks after entering the country, with no need to visit an office in person.
If the request was not made through the DS-260, it will be necessary to visit a Social Security Administration (SSA) office in person after arrival. The immigrant must bring the passport with the immigrant visa and the I-551 stamp. In-person processing generally takes two to four weeks for card issuance.
Traveling with the I-551 Stamp
The I-551 stamp in the passport is valid proof of permanent residence and allows international travel during its validity period of up to one year. Airlines and border authorities accept the stamp as a temporary equivalent to the green card for reentry into the United States. However, prolonged trips outside the country during the first year of residence may raise questions about the intention to maintain permanent domicile in the US.
After receiving the physical green card, it becomes the main document to prove permanent resident status. The card is valid for ten years for regular permanent residents and two years for conditional permanent residents, and must be renewed before expiration using the I-90 form.
Steps in the First Weeks
The first weeks in the United States as a permanent resident involve several administrative steps beyond the SSN. It is advisable to open a bank account as soon as possible, using the passport with the I-551 stamp as identification. Obtaining a driver’s license varies according to the state of residence, and each state has its own documentation requirements.
Permanent residents must also notify USCIS of any address changes within ten days, using the AR-11 form available online. The I-94 form, an electronic record of entry and exit, can be checked on the CBP website and serves as additional proof of the date of admission to the country. Keeping all documents organized and the address updated is essential for a smooth transition to life in the United States.
Victoria Harper
Editor-in-Chief
Leading journalism and editorial content at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps make immigration topics clear, trustworthy, and easy to understand. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.
