After your visa has been approved, you must apply for admission and arrive in the United States before the visa expiration date occurs.  This date will be printed on your visa. Generally, an immigrant visa is valid for up to six months after the date the visa was issued. 

One exception to this rule is that if your medical examination expires prior to the visa expiration date, your visa will only be valid up to that date. In this case, your visa will be valid for less than six months.  If you have additional questions regarding this timeline, an Immigrant Visa I-130 USCIS Lawyer NYC can assist you further.

Another thing to keep in mind when traveling to the U.S. after receiving your visa is that the primary applicant is required to enter either before, or at the same time as any derivative family members entering the U.S. with visas. Also, remember that a visa does not necessarily guarantee entry into the United States. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials, along with the Department of Homeland Security have the ultimate authority to grant or deny permission.

Once you are admitted to the U.S, you will enter the country as a Lawful Permanent Resident (green card holder). You will then be permitted to live and work in the United States pursuant to your immigrant visa.