Yellow Packet U.S. Visa – What is it?

This article was last updated and fact checked on October 11, 2024 by Mani Karthik.

If you’ve ever applied for a U.S. visa, particularly an immigrant visa, you might have heard about the yellow packet. But what exactly is it, and why is it so important?

Let’s break it down.

What is the Yellow Packet?

The yellow packet (also known as the “Visa Packet”) is a sealed envelope given to successful applicants after their U.S. immigrant visa interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate.

It contains critical documents that U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers will need when you enter the U.S. for the first time as an immigrant.

Why is the Yellow Packet Important?

The yellow packet contains official immigration documents that prove you have been granted an immigrant visa.

These documents are essential for your entry into the U.S. and are used by CBP officers at the Port of Entry to process your immigration status.

The contents of the yellow packet are usually not shared with you. You must not open the envelope under any circumstances. It should remain sealed until it is presented to the CBP officer when you land in the U.S.

Tip: Do NOT open the yellow packet. Let the CBP officer handle it when you arrive at your destination in the U.S.

What’s Inside the Yellow Packet?

While the exact contents of the packet are not revealed to the applicant, it typically contains:

• Your immigrant visa
• Copies of your medical examination results
• Your biographical information
• Other necessary documents for the processing of your Green Card

These documents are needed to complete your immigration process when you arrive at a U.S. port of entry, and they will be reviewed by a CBP officer.

What Happens at the U.S. Port of Entry?

When you land in the U.S. with an immigrant visa and the yellow packet, here’s what you need to do:

1. Present Your Passport and Yellow Packet
   As you go through U.S. customs and immigration, you’ll need to present both your passport (with the immigrant visa stamp) and the yellow packet to the CBP officer.
2. CBP Officer Reviews the Documents
   The officer will open the packet, review the documents inside, and verify your immigration status. They may ask you a few questions about your visa and travel plans, similar to a regular customs check.
3. Temporary I-551 Stamp
   If everything is in order, the CBP officer will place a temporary I-551 stamp in your passport. This stamp serves as proof of your permanent resident status until you receive your Green Card by mail.

How Do I Receive the Yellow Packet?

You will receive the yellow packet after your immigrant visa interview if your visa is approved.

This is usually done at the U.S. consulate or embassy in your home country. Along with the yellow packet, you will also get your passport with the immigrant visa stamp.

What Happens After I Enter the U.S.?

After you arrive in the U.S. and complete the immigration processing at the port of entry, you will be mailed your Green Card (permanent resident card) to the U.S. address you provided in your visa application.

It typically takes a few weeks to a few months to receive the Green Card.

Tip: Make sure your address on file is correct and up-to-date, as your Green Card will be mailed there.

Final Thoughts

The yellow packet is a crucial part of your immigration journey to the U.S. It contains all the necessary documents that immigration officers need to finalize your entry as a permanent resident.

Tip: Keep the yellow packet safe and secure, and never open it! Present it at the U.S. port of entry, and you’ll be one step closer to officially becoming a U.S. permanent resident.

Now that you know what the yellow packet is and how it works, your U.S. immigration process should feel a little less intimidating!