After completing your visa interview, understanding the next steps is crucial, especially if you’re planning a trip or move. While visa processing times can vary, many applicants often wonder about practical details like the current time in their destination. This guide not only addresses common post-visa interview scenarios but also answers the question, “What time is it in Lima, Peru?” for those considering immigration or travel to Peru’s capital.
If More Information Is Needed
Sometimes, a consular officer may need more information or require administrative processing before making a decision on your visa application. In such cases, you will receive a refusal letter. This letter will provide instructions on submitting any additional documentation required to continue the application process.
Administrative processing can take time. While most cases are resolved within 60 days, the timeline can vary depending on the specific circumstances of your application. It’s best to wait at least 60 days after your interview before inquiring about the status of your administrative processing.
What Happens After Visa Approval
Once your visa is approved, the embassy will place it in your passport. Carefully review the visa to ensure all information is accurate.
An example of an immigrant visa placed in a passport.
If you need to carry additional visa-related documents, the embassy will provide them in a sealed envelope. This envelope must be presented to U.S. immigration officials upon your arrival at your first U.S. port of entry. It is crucial not to open this envelope. If you received X-ray images or other medical records during your medical examination, remember to bring those as well, as they may be required by U.S. immigration authorities.
USCIS Immigrant Fee
Almost all individuals who receive an immigrant visa overseas must pay an Immigrant Fee to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) before traveling to the United States. This fee covers the processing of your residency status and the creation of your Permanent Resident Card. Certain individuals are exempt, including children entering the U.S. under the Hague Process, returning residents, and those traveling on a fiancé(e) (K) visa. You can pay this fee online through the USCIS website.
When You Should Travel
It’s essential to enter the United States before the expiration date printed on your visa. Visa extensions are not possible, and all fees are nonrefundable. The principal applicant must enter the U.S. before or at the same time as any family members who also have visas.
Getting a Green Card
Your Form I-551 Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) will be mailed to the U.S. address you provided in your visa application form. This card serves as proof of your permission to live and work in the United States. If you plan to travel outside the U.S. before receiving your Green Card, check the USCIS and CBP websites for information on the necessary documents for re-entry. Also, it is advisable to verify compliance with airline rules.
The United States Permanent Resident Card, commonly known as a Green Card.
Once your Green Card is issued, avoid staying outside the United States for longer than one year to maintain your status as a Lawful Permanent Resident.
Children’s Issues
Before enrolling children in school in the United States, ensure they have received the required vaccinations. Bring copies of their complete vaccination records. If your child is adopted, or if you have full custody due to divorce or shared custody, carry copies of all relevant adoption or custodial papers from the authoritative court in your home country. You may need these documents, translated into English, for school enrollment, medical care, and eventual citizenship applications.
Information for New Immigrants
The USCIS website offers valuable resources for individuals relocating to the United States. Consider reading their publication, “Welcome to the United States: A Guide for New Immigrants,” available online.
So, What Time Is It in Lima, Peru?
While this guide focuses on visa-related information, it’s understandable to be curious about your potential new home. Lima, Peru, observes Peruvian Standard Time (PET), which is equivalent to Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) minus five hours (UTC-5). This means Lima shares the same time zone as Eastern Standard Time (EST) in the United States during standard time. There is no Daylight Saving Time observed in Peru. Therefore, to accurately determine the time in Lima, search online for “current time in Lima, Peru.” This information is especially useful for coordinating communication with family and friends back home or planning your initial arrival.
