The process of obtaining the green card after arriving in the United States may involve some important steps that you must follow carefully. In the case of the EB-4 visa, which is intended for certain special immigrants, it is essential to understand that once the visa is approved and entry into the country is made, the permanent resident status is activated, but the physical card (green card) may take some time to arrive.
Usually, when you arrive in the US with an immigrant visa, your passport is stamped with a seal that confirms the legal entry and permanent resident status. After this procedure, the US Department of Homeland Security (USCIS) starts the process of issuing the green card and it is sent to the address you provided during the entry process. This timeframe may vary, but it is common for the card to be received within 45 to 90 days.
It is very important that if you change your address, you update your information with the USCIS to ensure that the green card is delivered correctly. Throughout this entire period, always strictly follow the immigration laws and regulations of the US and keep your documents in order.
Seek information directly from official sources, such as the USCIS website, and be cautious of promises of quick or guaranteed results made by third parties, as offering miraculous solutions may be a sign of scams or dubious marketing campaigns. Staying informed, following the guidance provided by the authorities, and if necessary, seeking the assistance of specialized professionals in an ethical and responsible manner, is the best way to ensure that your process is carried out according to the established rules.
In this way, you will be cooperating with the fulfillment of legal requirements and avoiding complications that may affect your resident status.
Learn more about EB-4
- Category
- EB-4 Green Card (4th priority)
- Eligible
- Religious workers, SIJ, others
- Petition
- Form I-360
- Processing
- 12-24 months
About the author
Victoria Harper
Editor-in-Chief
As a journalist and lead editor at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps ensure that immigration topics are covered in a clear, trustworthy, and easy-to-understand way. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.