Hoffmaya

Update:
DQ: Apr-14, 2020 Interview @ Consulate: Jan-13, 2021 (approved IR-1) Tracking number received: Jan-15, 2021 Passport/Visa received: Jan-18, 2021 USCIS Immigrant fee: Jan-18, 2021 (USD $220 for GC; details here) POE @ Peace Arch: Feb-26, 2021 (visa activated + car imported + US mailing address updated) Green Card produced: Mar-6, 2021 (notification received on myUSCIS & email notification) - it can also be tracked here Green Card shipped: Mar-10, 2021 (notification received on myUSCIS & email notification with tracking number from USPS) Green Card received: Mar-13, 2021 SSN received: Mar-29, 2021 * * I didn't receive my SSN within 3 weeks from POE so I contacted the local Security Social office to schedule an appointment.
The in-person appointment was scheduled on Mar-22. I had to complete the form SS5 to apply for SSN. The SSN is sent to your address within 10 days. 
 
This is the end of my journey and I wanted to thank everyone involved on these forums who provided valuable and useful info as well as unconditional support. I'm very grateful and wish nothing but the very best to each and every one of you!
 
 

Update:
DQ: Apr-14, 2020 Interview @ Consulate: Jan-13, 2021 (approved IR-1) Tracking number received: Jan-15, 2021 Passport/Visa received: Jan-18, 2021 USCIS Immigrant fee: Jan-18, 2021 (USD $220 for GC; details here) POE @ Peace Arch: Feb-26, 2021 (visa activated + car imported + US mailing address updated) Green Card produced: Mar-6, 2021 (notification received on myUSCIS & email notification) - it can also be tracked here Green Card shipped: Mar-10, 2021 (notification received on myUSCIS & email notification with tracking number from USPS) Green Card received: Mar-13, 2021 SSN received: Mar-29, 2021 * * I didn't receive my SSN within 3 weeks from POE so I contacted the local Security Social office to schedule an appointment.
The in-person appointment was scheduled on Mar-22. I had to complete the form SS5 to apply for SSN. The SSN is sent to your address within 10 days. 
 
This is the end of my journey and I wanted to thank everyone involved on these forums who provided valuable and useful info as well as unconditional support. I'm very grateful and wish nothing but the very best to each and every one of you!
 
 

I moved from Vancouver, BC to Los Angeles. The service center was Nebraska.

Update:
DQ: Apr-14, 2020 Interview @ Consulate: Jan-13, 2021 (approved IR-1) Tracking number received: Jan-15, 2021 Passport/Visa received: Jan-18, 2021 USCIS Immigrant fee: Jan-18, 2021 (USD $220 for GC; details here) POE @ Peace Arch: Feb-26, 2021 (visa activated + car imported + US mailing address updated) Green Card produced: Mar-6, 2021 (notification received on myUSCIS & email notification) - it can also be tracked here Green Card shipped: Mar-10, 2021 (notification received on myUSCIS & email notification with tracking number from USPS) Green Card received: Mar-13, 2021 SSN received: Mar-29, 2021 * * I didn't receive my SSN within 3 weeks from POE so I contacted the local Security Social office to schedule an appointment.
The in-person appointment was scheduled on Mar-22. I had to complete the form SS5 to apply for SSN. The SSN is sent to your address within 10 days. 
 
This is the end of my journey and I wanted to thank everyone involved on these forums who provided valuable and useful info as well as unconditional support. I'm very grateful and wish nothing but the very best to each and every one of you!
 
 

Update:
DQ: Apr-14, 2020 Interview @ Consulate: Jan-13, 2021 (approved IR-1) Tracking number received: Jan-15, 2021 Passport/Visa received: Jan-18, 2021 USCIS Immigrant fee: Jan-18, 2021 (USD $220 for GC; details here) POE @ Peace Arch: Feb-26, 2021 (visa activated + car imported + US mailing address updated) Green Card produced: Mar-6, 2021 (notification received on myUSCIS & email notification) - it can also be tracked here Green Card shipped: Mar-10, 2021 (notification received on myUSCIS & email notification with tracking number from USPS) Green Card received: Mar-13, 2021 SSN received: Mar-29, 2021 * * I didn't receive my SSN within 3 weeks from POE so I contacted the local Security Social office to schedule an appointment.
The in-person appointment was scheduled on Mar-22. I had to complete the form SS5 to apply for SSN. The SSN is sent to your address within 10 days. 
 
This is the end of my journey and I wanted to thank everyone involved on these forums who provided valuable and useful info as well as unconditional support. I'm very grateful and wish nothing but the very best to each and every one of you!
 
 

Update:
DQ: Apr-14, 2020 Interview @ Consulate: Jan-13, 2021 (approved IR-1) Tracking number received: Jan-15, 2021 Passport/Visa received: Jan-18, 2021 USCIS Immigrant fee: Jan-18, 2021 (USD $220 for GC; details here) POE @ Peace Arch: Feb-26, 2021 (visa activated + car imported + US mailing address updated) Green Card produced: Mar-6, 2021 (notification received on myUSCIS & email notification) - it can also be tracked here Green Card shipped: Mar-10, 2021 (notification received on myUSCIS & email notification with tracking number from USPS) Green Card received: Mar-13, 2021 SSN received: Mar-29, 2021 * * I didn't receive my SSN within 3 weeks from POE so I contacted the local Security Social office to schedule an appointment.
The in-person appointment was scheduled on Mar-22. I had to complete the form SS5 to apply for SSN. The SSN is sent to your address within 10 days. 
 
This is the end of my journey and I wanted to thank everyone involved on these forums who provided valuable and useful info as well as unconditional support. I'm very grateful and wish nothing but the very best to each and every one of you!
 
 

Update:
DQ: Apr-14, 2020 Interview @ Consulate: Jan-13, 2021 (approved IR-1) Tracking number received: Jan-15, 2021 Passport/Visa received: Jan-18, 2021 USCIS Immigrant fee: Jan-18, 2021 (USD $220 for GC; details here) POE @ Peace Arch: Feb-26, 2021 (visa activated + car imported + US mailing address updated) Green Card produced: Mar-6, 2021 (notification received on myUSCIS & email notification) - it can also be tracked here Green Card shipped: Mar-10, 2021 (notification received on myUSCIS & email notification with tracking number from USPS) Green Card received: Mar-13, 2021 SSN received: Mar-29, 2021 * * I didn't receive my SSN within 3 weeks from POE so I contacted the local Security Social office to schedule an appointment.
The in-person appointment was scheduled on Mar-22. I had to complete the form SS5 to apply for SSN. The SSN is sent to your address within 10 days. 
 
This is the end of my journey and I wanted to thank everyone involved on these forums who provided valuable and useful info as well as unconditional support. I'm very grateful and wish nothing but the very best to each and every one of you!
 
 

Update:
DQ: Apr-14, 2020 Interview @ Consulate: Jan-13, 2021 (approved IR-1) Tracking number received: Jan-15, 2021 Passport/Visa received: Jan-18, 2021 USCIS Immigrant fee: Jan-18, 2021 (USD $220 for GC; details here) POE @ Peace Arch: Feb-26, 2021 (visa activated + car imported + US mailing address updated) Green Card produced: Mar-6, 2021 (notification received on myUSCIS & email notification) - it can also be tracked here Green Card shipped: Mar-10, 2021 (notification received on myUSCIS & email notification with tracking number from USPS) Green Card received: Mar-13, 2021 SSN received: Mar-29, 2021 * * I didn't receive my SSN within 3 weeks from POE so I contacted the local Security Social office to schedule an appointment.
The in-person appointment was scheduled on Mar-22. I had to complete the form SS5 to apply for SSN. The SSN is sent to your address within 10 days. 
 
This is the end of my journey and I wanted to thank everyone involved on these forums who provided valuable and useful info as well as unconditional support. I'm very grateful and wish nothing but the very best to each and every one of you!
 
 

Update:
DQ: Apr-14, 2020 Interview @ Consulate: Jan-13, 2021 (approved IR-1) Tracking number received: Jan-15, 2021 Passport/Visa received: Jan-18, 2021 USCIS Immigrant fee: Jan-18, 2021 (USD $220 for GC; details here) POE @ Peace Arch: Feb-26, 2021 (visa activated + car imported + US mailing address updated) Green Card produced: Mar-6, 2021 (notification received on myUSCIS & email notification) - it can also be tracked here Green Card shipped: Mar-10, 2021 (notification received on myUSCIS & email notification with tracking number from USPS) Green Card received: Mar-13, 2021 SSN received: Mar-29, 2021 * * I didn't receive my SSN within 3 weeks from POE so I contacted the local Security Social office to schedule an appointment.
The in-person appointment was scheduled on Mar-22. I had to complete the form SS5 to apply for SSN. The SSN is sent to your address within 10 days. 
 
This is the end of my journey and I wanted to thank everyone involved on these forums who provided valuable and useful info as well as unconditional support. I'm very grateful and wish nothing but the very best to each and every one of you!
 
 

Update:
DQ: Apr-14, 2020 Interview @ Consulate: Jan-13, 2021 (approved IR-1) Tracking number received: Jan-15, 2021 Passport/Visa received: Jan-18, 2021 USCIS Immigrant fee: Jan-18, 2021 (USD $220 for GC; details here) POE @ Peace Arch: Feb-26, 2021 (visa activated + car imported + US mailing address updated) Green Card produced: Mar-6, 2021 (notification received on myUSCIS & email notification) - it can also be tracked here Green Card shipped: Mar-10, 2021 (notification received on myUSCIS & email notification with tracking number from USPS) Green Card received: Mar-13, 2021 SSN received: Mar-29, 2021 * * I didn't receive my SSN within 3 weeks from POE so I contacted the local Security Social office to schedule an appointment.
The in-person appointment was scheduled on Mar-22. I had to complete the form SS5 to apply for SSN. The SSN is sent to your address within 10 days. 
 
This is the end of my journey and I wanted to thank everyone involved on these forums who provided valuable and useful info as well as unconditional support. I'm very grateful and wish nothing but the very best to each and every one of you!
 
 

Update:
DQ: Apr-14, 2020 Interview @ Consulate: Jan-13, 2021 (approved IR-1) Tracking number received: Jan-15, 2021 Passport/Visa received: Jan-18, 2021 USCIS Immigrant fee: Jan-18, 2021 (USD $220 for GC; details here) POE @ Peace Arch: Feb-26, 2021 (visa activated + car imported + US mailing address updated) Green Card produced: Mar-6, 2021 (notification received on myUSCIS & email notification) - it can also be tracked here Green Card shipped: Mar-10, 2021 (notification received on myUSCIS & email notification with tracking number from USPS) Green Card received: Mar-13, 2021 SSN received: Mar-29, 2021 * * I didn't receive my SSN within 3 weeks from POE so I contacted the local Security Social office to schedule an appointment.
The in-person appointment was scheduled on Mar-22. I had to complete the form SS5 to apply for SSN. The SSN is sent to your address within 10 days. 
 
This is the end of my journey and I wanted to thank everyone involved on these forums who provided valuable and useful info as well as unconditional support. I'm very grateful and wish nothing but the very best to each and every one of you!
 
 

POE Update: My spouse and I crossed today at Peace Arch. Due to Covid and border restrictions, it was dead empty and we were the only car going through customs. It was awkward but convenient since we did not have to wait in line. The CBP officers seem bored and they were happy to see us. That was a first
 
The primary inspection just asked for our passports (my spouse is the US citizen) and I informed him that I wanted to activate my visa and import the vehicle at same time. He asked me the type of visa (it is IR-1), he said welcome to the US and congratulations, then put a sticker on the windshield and asked us to drive to the secondary inspection. 
 
We drove through a massive X-ray machine and a couple of agents re-directed us to park in secondary and wait for an officer.
The CBP officer showed up after 15 minutes. He asked for my passport and the CD with the X-ray from my medical (good thing I had kept the sealed envelop from Dr Cheema with me). He asked a few questions such as when and where we met, where we are heading to, what my job is and what we are transporting in the vehicle. We informed him that our household will be shipped in a few days and he requested the contract from the movers and declaration for customs. He then asked for all the docs related to the car (EPA form 3520, DOT HS-7, bill of sale, Canadian registration, letter of release from the manufacturer and letter of compliance from the manufacturer). All the forms were filled out and the officer said it seems ok. He checked the VIN number from the label/sticker under the hood and went back inside to complete the import and activation. We stayed in the car approx. 30 minutes. He came back and confirmed all was cleared and the car is duty free since it was manufactured in the US. He gave me back the forms and handed over the CBP 7501 form with a seal (I had to sign it) that will be required to register the car. He also gave me my visa with the stamp and confirmed it was valid for 1 year which should be sufficient since the GC should be delivered within 2 months. He also asked us to confirm the address we were moving to and re-entered in their system since the mailing address will be used to ship both SSN and GC. He wished us good luck and directed us to the exit. 
 
I understand some members from these forums had different experiences but I can say that all the CBP agents were extremely friendly and welcoming, and the experience was pleasant and easy overall. The whole process took about 1 hour (mainly to wait inside the car). During that time, we only saw 2 other cars going through customs!
Activating the visa is quick but if you intend to import your vehicle, the administrative and registration process can be time consuming. I suggest you fill out the necessary docs correctly as it will save you some precious time and prevent you to re-do them in person. 
 
I'll share an update when the SSN & GC are delivered.

May 20th 2020: DQ
Feb.8: Interview with approval
Feb 12: Passport tracking number
Feb.16: Passport delivered
Feb.16: Paid USCIS Immigrant fee
Feb.24: POE at Pearson
March 3: SSN delivered
March 5: Green card produced
March 9: Green card shipped
March 10: Green card tracking number shows up in USCIS portal
March 12: Green card delivered

GC Update:
DQ: Apr-14, 2020 Interview @ Consulate: Jan-13, 2021 (approved IR-1) Tracking number received: Jan-15, 2021 Passport/Visa received: Jan-18, 2021 USCIS Immigrant fee: Jan-18, 2021 (USD $220 for GC; details here) POE @ Peace Arch: Feb-26, 2021 (visa activated + car imported + US mailing address updated) Green Card produced: Mar-6, 2021 (notification received on myUSCIS & email notification) - it can also be tracked here Green Card shipped: Mar-10, 2021 (notification received on myUSCIS & email notification with tracking number from USPS) Green Card received: Delivery scheduled Saturday Mar-13, 2021 SSN: Still nothing. I'll contact the local Security Social office and schedule in-person appointment following 3 weeks from POE. 

GC Update:
DQ: Apr-14, 2020 Interview @ Consulate: Jan-13, 2021 (approved IR-1) Tracking number received: Jan-15, 2021 Passport/Visa received: Jan-18, 2021 USCIS Immigrant fee: Jan-18, 2021 (USD $220 for GC; details here) POE @ Peace Arch: Feb-26, 2021 (visa activated + car imported + US mailing address updated) Green Card produced: Mar-6, 2021 (notification received on myUSCIS & email notification) - it can also be tracked here Green Card shipped: Mar-10, 2021 (notification received on myUSCIS & email notification with tracking number from USPS) Green Card received: Delivery scheduled Saturday Mar-13, 2021 SSN: Still nothing. I'll contact the local Security Social office and schedule in-person appointment following 3 weeks from POE. 

Update:
DQ: Apr-14, 2020 Interview @ Consulate: Jan-13, 2021 (approved IR-1) Tracking number received: Jan-15, 2021 Passport/Visa received: Jan-18, 2021 USCIS Immigrant fee: Jan-18, 2021 ($220 paid post-interview) POE @ Peace Arch: Feb-26, 2021 Green Card produced: Mar-6, 2021 Green Card shipped: TBC Green Card received: TBC No update on SSN. I will schedule an appointment at local Social Security Office if SSN is not available within 3 weeks following POE.

Great news!
 
My husband received both his GC and SSN in the mail today.
 
POE:  2/22/21
Green Card produced:  3/1/21
Green Card mailed:  3/3/21
Green Card received:  3/6/21
SSN received:  3/6/21.
 
So relieved and happy at least something has gone smoothly!

No. I crossed the border by land on Feb-26 with my spouse to activate IR-1 without any issues. US citizen & Permanent Residents are allowed to cross from Canada to USA. No Covid test and no quarantine were required (however the latter is recommended but not mandated in the State of California).
  

Update: I received my SSN today. That is 9 business days and 11 total after entering (including the day I entered as I was done by 6:45 am). Still no update on GC but glad I got my social so quick

Hi VJ family! I'm back to (finally) share some positive news. After many emails explaining why the Consulate made an incorrect decision on refusing my husband his immigrant visa, they finally fixed their mistake and ISSUED the visa. We just received the tracking number today. It's been such an emotional roller coaster for us these past 3 years and even more so in the past 3 months alone since our interview in December. I'm proud of us for staying strong and fighting our case to the Consulate and never giving up! We're so grateful that the end is now here. @Hawk Riders - time to change our place in the tracker to be highlighted in GREEN (approved). I hated seeing that highlighted in RED these past couple of months. 
 
 Thank you all for your support and guidance throughout our journey. WE DID IT! ❤️ 
 
 

POE Update: My spouse and I crossed today at Peace Arch. Due to Covid and border restrictions, it was dead empty and we were the only car going through customs. It was awkward but convenient since we did not have to wait in line. The CBP officers seem bored and they were happy to see us. That was a first
 
The primary inspection just asked for our passports (my spouse is the US citizen) and I informed him that I wanted to activate my visa and import the vehicle at same time. He asked me the type of visa (it is IR-1), he said welcome to the US and congratulations, then put a sticker on the windshield and asked us to drive to the secondary inspection. 
 
We drove through a massive X-ray machine and a couple of agents re-directed us to park in secondary and wait for an officer.
The CBP officer showed up after 15 minutes. He asked for my passport and the CD with the X-ray from my medical (good thing I had kept the sealed envelop from Dr Cheema with me). He asked a few questions such as when and where we met, where we are heading to, what my job is and what we are transporting in the vehicle. We informed him that our household will be shipped in a few days and he requested the contract from the movers and declaration for customs. He then asked for all the docs related to the car (EPA form 3520, DOT HS-7, bill of sale, Canadian registration, letter of release from the manufacturer and letter of compliance from the manufacturer). All the forms were filled out and the officer said it seems ok. He checked the VIN number from the label/sticker under the hood and went back inside to complete the import and activation. We stayed in the car approx. 30 minutes. He came back and confirmed all was cleared and the car is duty free since it was manufactured in the US. He gave me back the forms and handed over the CBP 7501 form with a seal (I had to sign it) that will be required to register the car. He also gave me my visa with the stamp and confirmed it was valid for 1 year which should be sufficient since the GC should be delivered within 2 months. He also asked us to confirm the address we were moving to and re-entered in their system since the mailing address will be used to ship both SSN and GC. He wished us good luck and directed us to the exit. 
 
I understand some members from these forums had different experiences but I can say that all the CBP agents were extremely friendly and welcoming, and the experience was pleasant and easy overall. The whole process took about 1 hour (mainly to wait inside the car). During that time, we only saw 2 other cars going through customs!
Activating the visa is quick but if you intend to import your vehicle, the administrative and registration process can be time consuming. I suggest you fill out the necessary docs correctly as it will save you some precious time and prevent you to re-do them in person. 
 
I'll share an update when the SSN & GC are delivered.

POE Update: My spouse and I crossed today at Peace Arch. Due to Covid and border restrictions, it was dead empty and we were the only car going through customs. It was awkward but convenient since we did not have to wait in line. The CBP officers seem bored and they were happy to see us. That was a first
 
The primary inspection just asked for our passports (my spouse is the US citizen) and I informed him that I wanted to activate my visa and import the vehicle at same time. He asked me the type of visa (it is IR-1), he said welcome to the US and congratulations, then put a sticker on the windshield and asked us to drive to the secondary inspection. 
 
We drove through a massive X-ray machine and a couple of agents re-directed us to park in secondary and wait for an officer.
The CBP officer showed up after 15 minutes. He asked for my passport and the CD with the X-ray from my medical (good thing I had kept the sealed envelop from Dr Cheema with me). He asked a few questions such as when and where we met, where we are heading to, what my job is and what we are transporting in the vehicle. We informed him that our household will be shipped in a few days and he requested the contract from the movers and declaration for customs. He then asked for all the docs related to the car (EPA form 3520, DOT HS-7, bill of sale, Canadian registration, letter of release from the manufacturer and letter of compliance from the manufacturer). All the forms were filled out and the officer said it seems ok. He checked the VIN number from the label/sticker under the hood and went back inside to complete the import and activation. We stayed in the car approx. 30 minutes. He came back and confirmed all was cleared and the car is duty free since it was manufactured in the US. He gave me back the forms and handed over the CBP 7501 form with a seal (I had to sign it) that will be required to register the car. He also gave me my visa with the stamp and confirmed it was valid for 1 year which should be sufficient since the GC should be delivered within 2 months. He also asked us to confirm the address we were moving to and re-entered in their system since the mailing address will be used to ship both SSN and GC. He wished us good luck and directed us to the exit. 
 
I understand some members from these forums had different experiences but I can say that all the CBP agents were extremely friendly and welcoming, and the experience was pleasant and easy overall. The whole process took about 1 hour (mainly to wait inside the car). During that time, we only saw 2 other cars going through customs!
Activating the visa is quick but if you intend to import your vehicle, the administrative and registration process can be time consuming. I suggest you fill out the necessary docs correctly as it will save you some precious time and prevent you to re-do them in person. 
 
I'll share an update when the SSN & GC are delivered.

Another update...
GC arrived yesterday and SSN arrived today!!

POE Update: My spouse and I crossed today at Peace Arch. Due to Covid and border restrictions, it was dead empty and we were the only car going through customs. It was awkward but convenient since we did not have to wait in line. The CBP officers seem bored and they were happy to see us. That was a first
 
The primary inspection just asked for our passports (my spouse is the US citizen) and I informed him that I wanted to activate my visa and import the vehicle at same time. He asked me the type of visa (it is IR-1), he said welcome to the US and congratulations, then put a sticker on the windshield and asked us to drive to the secondary inspection. 
 
We drove through a massive X-ray machine and a couple of agents re-directed us to park in secondary and wait for an officer.
The CBP officer showed up after 15 minutes. He asked for my passport and the CD with the X-ray from my medical (good thing I had kept the sealed envelop from Dr Cheema with me). He asked a few questions such as when and where we met, where we are heading to, what my job is and what we are transporting in the vehicle. We informed him that our household will be shipped in a few days and he requested the contract from the movers and declaration for customs. He then asked for all the docs related to the car (EPA form 3520, DOT HS-7, bill of sale, Canadian registration, letter of release from the manufacturer and letter of compliance from the manufacturer). All the forms were filled out and the officer said it seems ok. He checked the VIN number from the label/sticker under the hood and went back inside to complete the import and activation. We stayed in the car approx. 30 minutes. He came back and confirmed all was cleared and the car is duty free since it was manufactured in the US. He gave me back the forms and handed over the CBP 7501 form with a seal (I had to sign it) that will be required to register the car. He also gave me my visa with the stamp and confirmed it was valid for 1 year which should be sufficient since the GC should be delivered within 2 months. He also asked us to confirm the address we were moving to and re-entered in their system since the mailing address will be used to ship both SSN and GC. He wished us good luck and directed us to the exit. 
 
I understand some members from these forums had different experiences but I can say that all the CBP agents were extremely friendly and welcoming, and the experience was pleasant and easy overall. The whole process took about 1 hour (mainly to wait inside the car). During that time, we only saw 2 other cars going through customs!
Activating the visa is quick but if you intend to import your vehicle, the administrative and registration process can be time consuming. I suggest you fill out the necessary docs correctly as it will save you some precious time and prevent you to re-do them in person. 
 
I'll share an update when the SSN & GC are delivered.

POE Update: My spouse and I crossed today at Peace Arch. Due to Covid and border restrictions, it was dead empty and we were the only car going through customs. It was awkward but convenient since we did not have to wait in line. The CBP officers seem bored and they were happy to see us. That was a first
 
The primary inspection just asked for our passports (my spouse is the US citizen) and I informed him that I wanted to activate my visa and import the vehicle at same time. He asked me the type of visa (it is IR-1), he said welcome to the US and congratulations, then put a sticker on the windshield and asked us to drive to the secondary inspection. 
 
We drove through a massive X-ray machine and a couple of agents re-directed us to park in secondary and wait for an officer.
The CBP officer showed up after 15 minutes. He asked for my passport and the CD with the X-ray from my medical (good thing I had kept the sealed envelop from Dr Cheema with me). He asked a few questions such as when and where we met, where we are heading to, what my job is and what we are transporting in the vehicle. We informed him that our household will be shipped in a few days and he requested the contract from the movers and declaration for customs. He then asked for all the docs related to the car (EPA form 3520, DOT HS-7, bill of sale, Canadian registration, letter of release from the manufacturer and letter of compliance from the manufacturer). All the forms were filled out and the officer said it seems ok. He checked the VIN number from the label/sticker under the hood and went back inside to complete the import and activation. We stayed in the car approx. 30 minutes. He came back and confirmed all was cleared and the car is duty free since it was manufactured in the US. He gave me back the forms and handed over the CBP 7501 form with a seal (I had to sign it) that will be required to register the car. He also gave me my visa with the stamp and confirmed it was valid for 1 year which should be sufficient since the GC should be delivered within 2 months. He also asked us to confirm the address we were moving to and re-entered in their system since the mailing address will be used to ship both SSN and GC. He wished us good luck and directed us to the exit. 
 
I understand some members from these forums had different experiences but I can say that all the CBP agents were extremely friendly and welcoming, and the experience was pleasant and easy overall. The whole process took about 1 hour (mainly to wait inside the car). During that time, we only saw 2 other cars going through customs!
Activating the visa is quick but if you intend to import your vehicle, the administrative and registration process can be time consuming. I suggest you fill out the necessary docs correctly as it will save you some precious time and prevent you to re-do them in person. 
 
I'll share an update when the SSN & GC are delivered.