plastic green cards

[medgomaa 1]

Hello,

My husband and I are planning to enter the US, get our plastic green cards, go back to Egypt, and then return to US after 6 or 8 months.

My husband will be allowed only one month off from his work, and I’m afraid that we won’t receive our green cards by the end of that month, my question here is, as I am the principal applicant, will I be able to receive my husband’s green card on his behalf if he had to go back to Egypt after a month?

sincerely,

[SusieQQQ 11,584]

Your green cards will be mailed to the address you indicated for this on the DS260 (or if you change it when you enter the U.S., to that address). Neither of you actually need to be physically present for this - many people get them sent to relatives or friends after first landing and then collect them when they move back for good. It's possible they will arrive in a month after landing but not something you should count on.

Edited April 18, 2015 by SusieQQQ

[medgomaa 1]

Hello SusieQQQ,

Thanks a lot for your reply, l was asking that as i have been told that everyone should receive his\her green card in person

Does it make any difference when we enter US second time without our green card on hand?

[SusieQQQ 11,584]

Hello SusieQQQ,

Thanks a lot for your reply, l was asking that as i have been told that everyone should receive his\her green card in person

Does it make any difference when we enter US second time without our green card on hand?

Whoever told you that was wrong. The mailman just puts the envelope in your mailbox.

When you enter the first time, your immigrant visa gets stamped - this is the "endorsement" that then turns it into a temporary green card for a year (if you read the annotation at the bottom of the visa). This is as good as a plastic green card for any official purpose, including entering the country. Be aware that not all airline staff are aware of this so be prepared for the possibility that you may need to explain it at the airport to be allowed to board your flight.

Also be aware that if you stay out longer than 6 months, the five year time period for naturalization resets to the later entry date - something you might want to hear in mind.

Edited April 18, 2015 by SusieQQQ

[medgomaa 1]

As usual you are helpful

Many thanks