Entry and ESTA

[mokau 0]

I have gone through the Diversity Visa process and I have been granted an Immigrant Visa (I-551).

I intend to land in the United States for the first time in five days. I will not stay permanently at that point, but will look at houses and interview for jobs, and travel back and forth between my home country and the United States for several months before settling permanently.

I assume that because I have an I-551 visa granting me entry, I do not fill in an ESTA visa waiver form. Could someone who has been through this process kindly confirm?

Thank you very much.

[JohnR! 5,495]

You won't need to file for ESTA any longer. When you land, go to the 'US Citizens and Permanent Resident' line. You're one of us now!

Congrats and welcome!

[SusieQQQ 11,584]

I have gone through the Diversity Visa process and I have been granted an Immigrant Visa (I-551).

I intend to land in the United States for the first time in five days. I will not stay permanently at that point, but will look at houses and interview for jobs, and travel back and forth between my home country and the United States for several months before settling permanently.

I assume that because I have an I-551 visa granting me entry, I do not fill in an ESTA visa waiver form. Could someone who has been through this process kindly confirm?

Thank you very much.

As what john said, but be aware that frequent travelling in and out on a green catc will get you closer scrutiny at the border, especially if you do not have a home and other solid ties to the US. By all means land and activate, but if you are going to be travelling back and forth make sure you have solid evidence of intent to reside in the US. It may be better to not return until you have everything lined up to stay permanently.