Entering the United States
How long will my immigrant visa be valid?
Immigrant visas are normally valid for travel to the United States for six months from the date on which they are issued. In individual cases the validity of the visa can be limited.
What happens when I enter the United States?
You should present your passport and surrender your immigrant visa packet to an immigration officer at the port of entry to the United States. The I-551 Alien Registration Card, commonly known as a "green card", will normally be mailed to the address of your final destination in the United States at a later date.
The immigrant visa in your passport will be stamped to show the date you have been admitted as a lawful permanent resident and that your application for a "green card" is being processed. A stamped passport with an immigrant visa in it serves as a temporary evidence of permanent residence for one year from the day of admission.
What if I want to leave the United States before receiving the green card?
If you leave the United States before receiving the "green card", you may reenter the United States on the immigrant visa in your passport, endorsed with an entry stamp, within one year from your first entry. Should the stamp expire while you are abroad, but your stay outside the United States has been less than one year, you should contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate having jurisdiction over your place of residence for issuance of a transportation letter. Questions concerning the "green card" should be addressed to the office of the USCIS in the applicant's district of residence in the U.S. If you are in Poland, you should contact the Correspondence Unit for further information.