Border Entry + Green Card Fee

[D2345 2]

We received a visa for my spouse and plan to enter the United States after our 2nd anniversary (to get the 10 year green card).

 

Questions:

 

• When do we pay the green card fee? Do we need to wait and pay it after our 2nd anniversary so they mail us the right green card?
• There is a 5 day gap between our anniversary date and the day we're planning to enter the US. In other words, we'll enter the US only 5 days after our anniversary. Is that enough?
• At customs and immigration, will I be able to enter the country with my spouse in the same line to make sure there aren't any issues? It's been so long I can't remember how the lines are sorted.
• We weren't given any visa packet or medical file to bring to the border. Is there anything we need to bring aside from the visa?
• Any tips on what to say to the border officer regarding our 2nd anniversary to make sure he notices it?

 

Thanks

[payxibka 10,044]

3 hours ago, D2345 said:

We received a visa for my spouse and plan to enter the United States after our 2nd anniversary (to get the 10 year green card).

 

Questions:

 

• When do we pay the green card fee? Do we need to wait and pay it after our 2nd anniversary so they mail us the right green card?
• There is a 5 day gap between our anniversary date and the day we're planning to enter the US. In other words, we'll enter the US only 5 days after our anniversary. Is that enough?
• At customs and immigration, will I be able to enter the country with my spouse in the same line to make sure there aren't any issues? It's been so long I can't remember how the lines are sorted.
• We weren't given any visa packet or medical file to bring to the border. Is there anything we need to bring aside from the visa?
• Any tips on what to say to the border officer regarding our 2nd anniversary to make sure he notices it?

 

Thanks

1.  Anytime, fee is the same 

2.  2 years is 2 years 

3.  Yes

4.  Package is sent electronically 

5.  The truth

[D2345 2]

1 hour ago, payxibka said:

1.  Anytime, fee is the same 

Hi,

 

I understand the fee is the same, but I just wanted to make sure we won't get the shorter green card if we pay the fee before our 2nd anniversary.

 

So the green card doesn't start processing at all until after we enter the US? Even if we pay the fee now?

 

Thanks

[payxibka 10,044]

2 minutes ago, D2345 said:

Hi,

 

I understand the fee is the same, but I just wanted to make sure we won't get the shorter green card if we pay the fee before our 2nd anniversary.

 

So the green card doesn't start processing at all until after we enter the US? Even if we pay the fee now?

 

Thanks

It doesn't start processing until you are a permanent resident.   

[Just Paul 4,591]

Printing of the green card has nothing to do with when you pay for it.  

Timing the entry for 2 years determines if it is a 2 year or 10 year card.

[P0907 127]

14 hours ago, D2345 said:

• We weren't given any visa packet or medical file to bring to the border. Is there anything we need to bring aside from the visa?

My medical packet was also electronic so I didn't have the famous sealed envelope.

 

When I was at my medical, it was noticed that I needed an updated tetanus shot and they gave it to me there and then and printed a paper saying that I had taken it. The doctor told me to bring it with my as border inspection would ask for it. Truthfully, they never did ask for it but I might have just gotten lucky. 

[payxibka 10,044]

14 hours ago, P0907 said:

 The doctor told me to bring it with my as border inspection would ask for it. Truthfully, they never did ask for it but I might have just gotten lucky. 

Not lucky,  normal experience 

[D2345 2]

What do we need to do next after we enter the United States?

 

My spouse will get a 10 year green card so presumably we don't need to mess with that anytime soon.

 

How do we get her a social security number? Is there anything else we need to do?

 

The visa packet we received didn't explain any of this, and I'm having a hard time finding much info online.

 

Thanks

[arken 4,197]

1 hour ago, D2345 said:

What do we need to do next after we enter the United States?

 

My spouse will get a 10 year green card so presumably we don't need to mess with that anytime soon.

 

How do we get her a social security number? Is there anything else we need to do?

 

The visa packet we received didn't explain any of this, and I'm having a hard time finding much info online.

 

Thanks

Did your spouse check the SSN application on DS260? If so It will be mailed as well to the mentioned address. 

[Troy B 221]

3 hours ago, arken said:

Did your spouse check the SSN application on DS260? If so It will be mailed as well to the mentioned address. 

s/will/should/

 

should get it withint 10 business dates after POE
otherwise goto local SS office and file SS-5 paperwork.
 

[Amerussian 19]

15 hours ago, D2345 said:

What do we need to do next after we enter the United States?

 

My spouse will get a 10 year green card so presumably we don't need to mess with that anytime soon.

 

How do we get her a social security number? Is there anything else we need to do?

 

The visa packet we received didn't explain any of this, and I'm having a hard time finding much info online.

 

Thanks

If you marked on your immigrant application that you want the SSN sent automatically, you do not need to do anything.  (My husband did this option and received his card in one week after US entry).  

 

Otherwise, you will need to go to your local SS office.  

[arken 4,197]

12 hours ago, Troy B said:

s/will/should/

 

should get it withint 10 business dates after POE
otherwise goto local SS office and file SS-5 paperwork.
 

My bad, wasn't prepared for the TOEFL exam.