Arriving in the United States with an immigrant visa is a major milestone. Your first entry is different from an ordinary visit because, for many immigrant visa holders, admission by United States Customs and Border Protection (“CBP”) is the point of when their lawful permanent resident status (“Green Card”) begins.
The first day may feel overwhelming. You may be wondering what will happen when you arrive, which documents you need, and what you should do once you leave the Port-of-Entry.
At Enterline and Partners, our U.S. immigration attorneys help clients prepare for the immigration process before and after their visa issuance. Knowing what to expect when entering the U.S. as a new immigrant can make the transition easier and help you avoid preventable problems.
What Happens When You First Enter the United States as an Immigrant?
After you arrive at a U.S. airport, you will go through the CBP immigration inspection. If you enter by land or through another authorized port of entry, the process is similar.
You will present your passport with your immigrant visa and any other documents you were instructed to carry. The CBP officer will review your information and decide whether you may be admitted into the United States as a lawful permanent resident “Green Card Holder.’
If the Embassy or Consulate where you had your immigrant visa interview gave you a sealed packet, it should be handed to the CBP officer upon request. Some cases are now processed electronically, so you may not receive a sealed packet at all. If your visa says “IV Docs in CCD,” your immigration documents are available electronically to CPB officer.
Once CBP admits you with your immigrant visa, you become a lawful permanent resident Green Card Holder. This applies to many family-based and employment-based such as EB-1, EB-2, EB-3 and EB-5 cases.
Please keep in mind that not every new arrival follows the same process. K-1 fiance(e) visa holders for example have different procedures. Be sure to follow the instructions that apply to your specific immigration category.
What to Expect at the U.S. Port of Entry
Immigration inspection may be quick, but it can also take time. If you have a connecting flight, leave enough room in your schedule.
At the Port-of-Entry, a CBP officer may:
- Review your passport, immigrant visa and other documents;
- Confirm your identity;
- Ask questions about your trip or immigration documents;
- Review any items you need to declare;
- Send you to a secondary inspection area if more processing or review is needed.
Being sent to secondary inspection does not automatically mean something is wrong. The CBP guidance explains that travelers may be referred there for additional review or even selected for secondary processing at random.
After CBP admits you as a Green Card Holder, your immigrant visa in your passport can serve as temporary evidence of lawful permanent residence while you wait for your physical Green Card. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) recognizes a foreign passport containing the appropriate temporary I-551 notation on a machine-readable immigrant visa as evidence of lawful permanent resident status.
What Documents Should You Keep With You?
Keep your passport and immigration documents on you throughout the trip. You may need them as soon as you reach immigration inspection.
Depending on your case, useful documents may include:
- Your passport with the immigrant visa;
- Any sealed immigrant packet you received;
- Medical documents or X-rays if you were told to carry them;
- Copies of important civil documents;
- The U.S. address where you plan to live;
- Contact details for the person meeting you, if applicable;
- The USCIS immigrant fee payment information, if applicable;
- Any additional documents requested by the Embassy or Consulate.
Important: After you enter the United States, keep your passport and immigration records somewhere safe. Your Green Card may take time to arrive, so the temporary evidence in your passport can be especially important during your first weeks in the country.
A new immigrant arrives in the United States.
Important First Steps After You Arrive in the United States
You do not need to complete every task on your first day. However, our U.S. immigration attorneys recommend taking a few early steps to help prevent problems later.
- Confirm your mailing address. The USCIS will use the U.S. address in its records to send your Green Card. If you move, you are required to register a change of address within 10 days of moving.
- Check whether you paid the USCIS immigrant fee. The USCIS encourages immigrants who must pay the fee to do so after receiving the visa and before traveling. You may still pay after entering the United States, but USCIS will not produce your Green Card until the required fee is paid.
- Know whether you already requested a Social Security Number (“SSN.”) If you requested one during the immigrant visa process, you generally do not need to visit a Social Security Office immediately after arrival. Your card should be mailed to the U.S. address provided.
If you did not request an SSN during the visa process, you can apply after you arrive.
You can handle many other practical matters over the following days and weeks. These may include getting a state ID or driver’s license, opening a bank account, arranging health care and enrolling children in school.
Common Problems New Immigrants May Face After Entry
Even after a smooth entry, a few issues can still come up. Common problems include:
- An outdated mailing address: If USCIS does not have your current address, your Green Card may be delayed or sent to the incorrect address. You can change your address online or by mail.
- An unpaid USCIS immigrant fee: If the fee applies to you and remains unpaid, USCIS will not produce your physical Green Card.
- A delayed Green Card: If your card does not arrive within the expected timeframe, you may need to check your case status or contact USCIS.
- A delayed Social Security Card: If you requested a SSN during the immigrant visa process but the card does not arrive, you will need to contact the Social Security Administration.
- Questions about your admission: If CBP questioned your entry, your passport contains unexpected information or something changed before you traveled, you may need legal guidance to understand whether any further action is required.
If you run into one of these issues, the right place to seek help depends on the problem. You can contact USCIS for Green Card or immigrant fee concerns, the Social Security Administration for SSN issues, and a U.S. immigration attorney if you have questions about any part of the process.
FAQs About Entering the U.S. as a New Immigrant
Your first days in the United States may raise practical questions as well as immigration-related ones. The answers often depend on where you arrive, where you plan to live and which documents you already have:
When will my Green Card arrive?
If you paid the USCIS immigrant fee before entering the United States, USCIS says your Green Card may take up to 90 days from your date of entry to arrive. If you paid after entering, it may take up to 90 days from the payment date. The USCIS will not produce the card until the required fee has been paid, although some immigrants are exempt.
How do I access funds or open a basic bank account shortly after arriving in the United States?
You may want to arrive with more than one way to access money so you are not relying on a single card or account. Bank requirements vary, but you may be asked for identification, a U.S. address and other personal information. Some banks may also ask for a Social Security number or another form of taxpayer identification.
What are the best options for temporary accommodation for new immigrants near major entry points?
Your best option will depend on your budget, arrival city and how soon you expect to move into permanent housing. You may stay with relatives or friends, book a hotel or extended-stay property, or use a short-term rental. If you use a temporary address for immigration mail, make sure someone can receive important documents there and update USCIS if you move.
Family reunites at the airport.
Let Our Attorneys Help With the Next Stage of Your Immigration Journey
Your first day in the United States does not have to involve doing everything at once. We recommend that you focus first on entering properly, keeping your documents safe and making sure important government mail can reach you.
At Enterline and Partners, our skilled U.S. immigration attorneys help clients with family-based, employment-based, investment and other immigration matters.
Our guidance does not necessarily end once your visa is issued or you enter the United States. We can also help you understand what comes next and address questions after arrival.
Questions can still come up after you arrive. Our team can help you understand your status, address unexpected issues and determine the right next step. Contact our office today.
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Copyright 2026. This article is for information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. This article may be changed with or without notice. The opinions expressed in this article are those of Enterline and Partners only.
