Once you have received an immigrant visa to the United States, you need to take several steps immediately after your arrival. Find out more about the algorithm of actions after arriving in the United States on an immigrant visa and how to legalise in the country

Legal counselling on migration issues for Ukrainians

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Emigration to the United States is a complicated path that hides many pitfalls.

In the previous article, we talked about how to apply for an immigrant visa and get the right to move to the United States.

However, it is important for all migrants to know what to do after arriving in the United States on the basis of an immigrant visa. How to become legalised in the United States and a detailed algorithm of actions are described in the article below.

Read more about moving to the United States under the Uniting for Ukraine programme here:

- How to get to the USA quickly and easily under the U4U programme;

- Rules for entering and living in the United States under the U4U programme;

- Tips to help you apply to the Uniting For Ukraine (U4U) programme in the USA;

- How to stay in the US after Uniting for Ukraine (U4U);

- What assistance can refugees receive in the United States in 2024?

- Who can be a sponsor under the U4U programme in 2024.

Visa to America and immigration package

After receiving your immigrant visa at the US Embassy, you will be given a sealed envelope (immigration package). This envelope contains all the documents you need to enter the United States and become a permanent resident (LPR).

Important:

- do not open the sealed envelope yourself;

- keep the envelope in your hand luggage when travelling;

- hand the envelope to the immigration officer upon arrival.

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What should I do with the fluoroscopic image?

A medical examination, including a fluoroscopy, is a mandatory part of the immigration process. Do not put it in your luggage, but rather keep it in your hand luggage during your trip. At the destination, you must provide the photograph at the request of the Health Officer.

Upon arrival, keep the results of the medical examination and the x-ray, present them to your doctor in the United States at your first visit, and make copies for your personal archive.

The lottery for Green Card 2026 has started. We will tell you how Ukrainians can apply and what you need to know here.

Moving to America: what happens when you arrive at the airport?

At immigration control, an officer will check your passport and immigration package, conduct a short interview, take your fingerprints, and put an entry stamp in your passport. This stamp is a temporary confirmation of your status as a permanent resident of the United States. It contains important information such as the expiry date, immigrant visa category, and the individual number of your future Green Card. This stamp is actually your temporary green card until you receive your permanent plastic card and confirms your legal right to live and work in the United States.

Keep in mind. Foreigners, including Ukrainians, are required to comply with visa requirements and have appropriate insurance to enter the United States.

We will tell you when insurance is required, what kind of policy is needed and where it is best to get it.

America for Ukrainians: what to do after arriving in the US on an immigrant visa?

After arriving in the United States on a work-based immigrant visa, Ukrainians have to take a number of steps to legalise and ensure successful integration in the country. If you have already arrived on an immigrant visa, this means that your employer has completed all the necessary steps (petition approval, job certification, etc.). You are already eligible to work in the US in a specialised or skilled occupation.

An immigrant work visa gives you the opportunity to apply for a Green Card. Upon arrival, you need to apply for a Green Card through Adjustment of Status (Form I-485). The application is processed through USCIS, and the procedure can take from several months to a year.

During the first few weeks, you should contact your employer, obtain a Social Security Number (SSN), and arrange for health insurance through your employer. To obtain an SSN, contact the nearest Social Security Administration office. Bring your passport and immigration documents with you. Keep in mind that it takes about 2 weeks to get a number.

If you came to the United States on a family-based immigrant visa, you are eligible for a Green Card. Upon arrival, you will usually have your passport stamped at US Customs, which gives you permission to temporarily reside and perform the functions of a Green Card. Within a few weeks (usually up to 120 days), you will receive your Green Card by mail to the address provided in the application form. Within the first few weeks, you must obtain a Social Security Number (SSN).

Important! If the family member's visa has the note ‘Valid only if accompanied by/for reunification with parent/spouse’, this means that there are two possible options for entry: the family can enter the United States with the main applicant (i.e. the one who received the main visa) or the family members can come later, but always before their visas expire.

Keep in mind that family members cannot enter the United States before the principal applicant. The principal applicant must enter first or together with the family.

For more information on how life in the US works and the key differences from Ukraine, please follow the link.

Algorithm of further actions for legalisation on an immigrant visa:

- Register your place of residence. Notify the USCIS of your change of address within 10 days of moving. Fill out the AR-11 form online.

- Open a bank account. To do this, choose a bank, take your passport, visa, SSN, and proof of address. It is recommended to open both a savings and a current account.

- If possible, get a driver's licence. To do this, you need to visit your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and pass the exams.

- Start building a credit history. This is important for further legalisation.

- Register with the tax service. Get a W-2 form from your employer, file an annual tax return, and keep all important financial documents.

- Take care of status verification. Keep copies of all immigration documents and keep track of expiry dates. Apply for an extension of your status in a timely manner.

Important tips:

- keep copies of all important documents;

- keep track of the expiry dates of documents;

- notify USCIS of any change of address in a timely manner;

- comply with tax laws;

- maintain legal status;

- consult an immigration lawyer if you have any questions.

For a better understanding of the emigration process, we recommend that you seek expert advice. Professional lawyers of Visit Ukraine portal provide full support and advice on visa and migration issues to successfully resolve any nuances.

Travelling to America for Ukrainians: how to become a US citizen on the basis of an immigrant visa?

To obtain citizenship, you must:

- live in the United States as an LPR (Legal Permanent Resident) for at least 5 years (3 years for spouses of US citizens);

- physically reside in the United States for at least 30 months out of the last 5 years

- be proficient in English;

- pass a test on the history and government of the United States;

- have a good moral character;

- submit the N-400 form and pass an interview.

Take care of your health while travelling abroad with health insurance from Visit Ukraine, which guarantees reliable protection. Ensure your peace of mind while travelling.

How long can I stay outside the US with LPR status?

As a permanent resident of the United States, you must adhere to the following rules:

- do not stay outside the United States for more than 6 months without a valid reason;

- if you need a longer stay (more than 1 year), obtain a Re-entry Permit;

- maintain permanent residence in the United States;

- file tax returns even while abroad.

How to plan a trip to Ukraine from the US in 2024 - read our previous article.

Just to remind you. A work permit in the United States can be re-obtained after the humanitarian password has been renewed, but the procedure has its own nuances. For more information on how to apply for a work permit and what to consider, please follow the link.

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