US Warns Immigrant Visa Holders on Critical Steps

The US Department of State has formally warned immigrant visa holders about essential procedures to follow after their visas are approved. Upon approval, a consular officer provides the applicant with their passport containing the immigrant visa and a sealed packet of supporting documents.

The Department cautions that this sealed packet must not be opened by the visa holder, as it is intended solely for inspection by US immigration officials at the port of entry. Visa holders must also enter the United States before the expiration date on their visa, as failing to do so could invalidate it.

Additionally, if traveling with family members on immigrant visas, the principal applicant must enter the US either before or simultaneously with their family members; they cannot arrive ahead of the principal applicant. Tampering with the sealed packet or missing the entry deadline could complicate or block admission into the United States.

The full guidance is available on the US Department of State's official website.