When should I pay for my Green Card?

[happyteacher]

I have an I-155 Visa approved and valid for the next 4 months. They tell me the green card would arrive 30 maybe 40 days after I pay the fee. If I pay it even before I depart for the USA, would that mean they will start processing immediately? Or after I am actually in the USA and the I-155 has been stamped and validated?

[newacct]

I have an I-155 Visa approved and valid for the next 4 months. They tell me the green card would arrive 30 maybe 40 days after I pay the fee. If I pay it even before I depart for the USA, would that mean they will start processing immediately? Or after I am actually in the USA and the I-155 has been stamped and validated?

An I-551 is a green card or other proof of permanent residency. You don't have an I-551 because you are not a permanent resident yet. What you have an immigrant visa, and when you enter the US, you immediately become a permanent resident, and your immigrant visa automatically turns into an I-551 valid for 1 year from the date of entry. If you have already paid the fee at the time of entry, they will start processing your card at the time of entry. If you haven't paid the fee, they won't process your card until you pay the fee.