Once the Immigrant Visa has been Issued
How long is the Immigrant Visa valid?
In general, from the date of issuance, the immigrant visa is valid for 6 months for entry into the United States. Upon admission into the U.S., the Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will mail the permanent resident card (green card) to your U.S. address. Information regarding how to maintain your status as a green card holder can be found on USCIS website.
Will I be eligible to work on entering the United States on an immigrant visa?
On entering the United States on an immigrant visa you will require no further authorization from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) in order to take up employment.
Will I owe customs duty on my household effects when I move to the U.S.?
Household effects owned by immigrants for one year or more, as well as personal effects intended for their own use and not containing any prohibited items, such as firearms and drugs, are admitted free of duty. Only very limited quantities of tobacco, spirits and wines can be taken into the United States duty free. www.customs.gov
How do I become an American citizen?
An immigrant can become an American citizen by naturalization by living in the United States for a specified period, usually five years (three years if married to a citizen) and passing a naturalization examination. However, there is no requirement that an immigrant become a citizen and he/she is free to live in the United States as long as he/she wishes regardless of his citizenship, so long as he/she abides by the laws of the land, which are applicable to citizens and aliens alike.
How do I get a Social Security number?
By law, each immigrant or refugee admitted to the United States must obtain a Social Security number. Social Security numbers are required to work in the U.S., to open a bank account, to pay taxes, and for many other purposes.
If you requested a Social Security number card as part of your immigrant visa application and are age 18 or older when you arrive in the United States, the information needed to issue you a card will be shared with the Social Security Administration (SSA) by the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. You do not need to fill out a special application or go to a Social Security office. The Social Security Administration will assign you a number and mail your Social Security card to the U.S. Mailing address where the Department of Homeland Security will send your Permanent Resident card. You should receive your Social Security card within 3 weeks after you arrive. For further information please visit their website at www.ssa.gov
A health certificate is required to bring a dog or cat from Sweden into the U.S. Such a certificate is usually required by the airlines and the airlines should be contacted concerning any time limitations or other details. Sweden is a rabies-free area, so the pet will not be quarantined and will not need a rabies vaccination unless required by the state or local authorities at your final destination. www.customs.gov
How about the education system?
Education is compulsory and free for children between the ages of 6 and 16 (18 in some states). Kindergartens are usually available and free of charge. Children will ordinarily be accepted for immediate enrollment in the local school system of the community in which an immigrant family settles. Private schools, both day and boarding, are available in many larger communities but are expensive. There are many universities, some private and some Government-supported. Further information may be obtained by writing to the Superintendent of Education of the community in which you intend to reside or from Fulbright Commission.
Will I still get my Swedish pension?
Information regarding the payment of a Swedish Pension in the United States is available from the Social Security Administration at www.ssa.gov.
There is no limit on the amount of money, which may be taken in or out of the United States. However, any amount in excess of $10,000 in currency, travelers checks or negotiable instruments, must be declared to the United States Customs at the time of arrival in or departure from the United States. www.customs.gov
The amount of money, which may be taken out of Sweden, is a matter under the jurisdiction of the Swedish Government. Further information is available from any bank in Sweden.
New Immigrants
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Learn more about the rights and responsibilities of lawful permanent residents in our new pamphlet entitled
"Welcome to the United States: A Guide for New Immigrants" (PDF 1.56 MB)