And not a citizen... Does AMCAS or Med schools require a copy of the permanent resident card (green card)? Do I have to show it during interviews or turn it in with my secondaries? I am asking because I am supposed to receive mine in a few months and I am wondering how long I should wait before applying. Thank you in advance.
Applying as a permanent resident..
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If you apply now, you can't write that you're a permanent resident on your AMCAS, unless that status has already been granted to you. It might be helpful to e-mail the schools and notify them that your status will be changing soon. You should also notify them when you do become a permanent resident. So schools will ask to see a copy of your green card when or after you submit your secondary, which you can mail in or e-mail
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I was never asked for a copy of my green card until after i got in. During the application and interview stages all they ever asked for was my alien number. I don't know, however, whether other schools would deal with our status differently (i applied early decision). Hope that helps.
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It takes a while to get the card even if your status has already been adjusted. Maybe this is the OP's situation.
I am in the process of getting my status changed. My lawyer said I would have it in my hand by November 09. I just wanted to submit my primary application so I am not missing deadlines to most schools and wasting a year. AMCAS did not ask for the permanent resident A#, so by the time schools ask for it, I would have it by then. I was just wondering when the schools would ask me to show it. I appreciate the input everyone..
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You could probably just show a copy of the paper that says you have permanent residency, if you need proof before you receive your card. Just ask your lawyer, s/he will probably know all about what you need in this case.
if u dont have a card, u cant prove, and thus u r not a permanent resident. I think they do background checks.. in which case, u'll not be shown as a permenant resident and thus u'll taken as a false claimer...or something
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Does your passport (where you're a national) have a stamp to state that you're a permanent resident? When my residency status changed to permanent resident, I had to go for an interview with USCIS where they stamped my passport with the A# that's on my green card.
The stamp expired in 1 year and its purpose is to allow people to exercise their permanent status while waiting for their permanent resident card (which could take any where between 3-6 months, from my experience). I would imagine if that's good for customs to let you re-enter the country, it should be good enough for med schools. 🙂
So as far as advice goes, I'd say talk with your lawyer and call/e-mail the schools to ask before you spend your money on primaries.
The stamp expired in 1 year and its purpose is to allow people to exercise their permanent status while waiting for their permanent resident card (which could take any where between 3-6 months, from my experience). I would imagine if that's good for customs to let you re-enter the country, it should be good enough for med schools. 🙂
So as far as advice goes, I'd say talk with your lawyer and call/e-mail the schools to ask before you spend your money on primaries.
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It sounds like the OP doesnt have the stamp in his/her passport yet but is expecting it very soon. I was in this position 4 years ago during the college app process. You cant say youre a PR before you have the stamp, even though you are expecting it. You would have to file all apps as an international student essentially, but making a note to each school that you expect a status change before interviewing or matricuating.
Unfortunately, if you'd rather not file as an international student, you would have to wait until you have a stamp/A number in hand. When I applied to med schools this past cycle, all secondaries asked me for the A number and every school I interviewed at either asked for a copy or to see the actual card on interview day to make a copy for their records. Even if you will have that stamp/ card in hand by the time you complete secondaries or interview, it will not be in your favor that the date you became a legal PR is later than when you first claimed to be on the primary application. (In fact, im fairly sure that is illegal)
I applied as an international student for college, btw and got my status change right in the middle of the process--did not end up affecting my app to schools or my financial aid apps, just file your AMCAS early and let the schools know youll be a PR soon.
I know how frustrating this type of thing might be, but hang in there, it will work out. PM me if you have other questions.
Unfortunately, if you'd rather not file as an international student, you would have to wait until you have a stamp/A number in hand. When I applied to med schools this past cycle, all secondaries asked me for the A number and every school I interviewed at either asked for a copy or to see the actual card on interview day to make a copy for their records. Even if you will have that stamp/ card in hand by the time you complete secondaries or interview, it will not be in your favor that the date you became a legal PR is later than when you first claimed to be on the primary application. (In fact, im fairly sure that is illegal)
I applied as an international student for college, btw and got my status change right in the middle of the process--did not end up affecting my app to schools or my financial aid apps, just file your AMCAS early and let the schools know youll be a PR soon.
I know how frustrating this type of thing might be, but hang in there, it will work out. PM me if you have other questions.
My husband went through that whole process of becoming a permanent resident after we got married, and I'll tell you one thing... it can take a long time, even with all your ducks in order. I don't know how far you are through the process, but hold-ups happen for the silliest reasons. This is not to say that you won't get your paperwork done by November like your lawyer said, but you should be prepared for it to take longer. Also, like a couple people have said, even after your green card interview you will have a passport stamp for a month or more while they push paperwork some more, and THEN finally send you the actual card.
If I were you I would communicate to the schools that you are in the process of gaining your green card. I'm pretty sure there is a place on the AMCAS which asks you if you are a citizen/permanent resident, do definetely don't jump the gun and lie...that'd get you way into trouble later.
If I were you I would communicate to the schools that you are in the process of gaining your green card. I'm pretty sure there is a place on the AMCAS which asks you if you are a citizen/permanent resident, do definetely don't jump the gun and lie...that'd get you way into trouble later.
