I am a U.S. citizen and I sponsored my mother for a green card. The consular post in Mumbai issued her an immigrant visa earlier this year, with an expiration date in October 2023. She entered on the visa a few weeks ago, but has not yet received her physical green card. Would it be best for her to wait for the green card before she travels internationally?

Answer

Once a person enters on an immigrant visa, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer at the U.S. port of entry should have placed an I-551 stamp in the visa / passport, which serves as temporary evidence as status as a green card holder for up to one year. During that period, the individual generally may use that endorsement for purposes of travel. (21.Sep.2023)

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