GC expiring & will apply for citizenship but needs to travel in the meantime

[Kbsb 14]

Hello all,

I've been browsing the forum trying to find answers to my specific situation but couldn't find any so I started a new topic here. Here's my situation;

 

My 10 years GC is expiring in April of this year (2018). I've been meaning to apply for citizenship but couldn't do it due to financial reason and honestly just waiting for the GC to expire so I save some money with the filing fee (renew vs applying for citizenship). Right now, I am filling out the application for N400 and will send it in some times this week, hopefully by Tuesday. I've read here that it could take up to 6 months or more for the process to be completed (I live in Indiana). In the meantime, I always travel back home to Thailand every summer. My mom is visiting and I'm hoping to head back together this year around June. So my question are:

 

1) Can I travel with the expired green card? If not, what should I do?

2) I've heard people talking about an extension letter. What is that? Does it cost money to extend my GC validation? I also noticed most people that did it were the conditioned GC holders.

3) I've also heard of a stamp on the passport that let people know I can reenter. Will this help?

 

I'm just trying to see if I should leave or stay in the country or if I can even leave. I just want to make sure I can re-enter without problem. So, any help is greatly appreciated!

 

[Hypnos 6,576]

1) You can leave, certainly, but may not be able to return.

 

2) An extension letter is only for holders of conditional green cards.

 

3) To obtain an I-551 passport stamp a USCIS office will usually want to see an I-90 receipt showing you've filed for a replacement green card first.

 

So, no, you shouldn't leave before either (i) becoming a US citizen and obtaining a US passport, or (ii) filing an I-90 to renew your green card, and using the receipt notice to obtain an I-551 stamp in your passport.

[Kbsb 14]

Thank you for the reply, Hypnos!

Will the receipt for the N400 also warrants me a stamp? I'm not renewing my green card but just applying for the citizenship. I don't want to have to pay both fees.

[milimelo 4,224]

No. Only I-90 receipt will get you the stamp. 

[Kbsb 14]

Well chucks! Basically, if I don't want to spend money, I have to wait until my naturalization process to complete before I can leave, correct?

 

Is there any other way I can leave and return safely or do I just need to pray for the process to complete before I leave in June?

 

Frustrating...

[milimelo 4,224]

All something you should’ve researched before. USCIS is not at fault here. Maybe rethink the summer plans until you’re a citizen. 

[Lemonslice 4,563]

6 hours ago, Kbsb said:

Well chucks! Basically, if I don't want to spend money, I have to wait until my naturalization process to complete before I can leave, correct?

 

Is there any other way I can leave and return safely or do I just need to pray for the process to complete before I leave in June?

 

Frustrating...

With your plan, you're paying less, however you're losing the convenience of having valid documents... 

Being able to travel to travel freely is essential for me, I would renew my green card in your situation. Up to you to decide if it's worth it for you.

 

[Kbsb 14]

10 hours ago, milimelo said:

All something you should’ve researched before. USCIS is not at fault here. Maybe rethink the summer plans until you’re a citizen. 

Not saying or implying anyone or USCIS is at fault here. Just voicing my frustration. I'm merely getting a feel for how I should proceed. The frustration is of the process in which everything is capitalized by fees. And I did my research that's why I came here to post before proceeding with my plan which hasn't happen yet if you have read my post carefully. . While I sincerely appreciate your quick reply, your judgemental undertone , however, is not appreciated. Thanks for your help.

[little immigrant 800]

Why is it renewal versus applying for citizenship? You've been a Green Card holder for more than 5 years so you've been eligible for a while. You don't have to wait for your Green Card to expire. 

 

I applied via mail and it took a year. Maybe online it's a little faster but I wouldn't plan anything until you have your certificate and passport in your hand. Remember the passport application also takes 6-8 weeks. 

[Kbsb 14]

5 hours ago, Lemonslice said:

With your plan, you're paying less, however you're losing the convenience of having valid documents... 

Being able to travel to travel freely is essential for me, I would renew my green card in your situation. Up to you to decide if it's worth it for you.

 

A valid point. Thank you for your help. At this point, my plan is to make sure everything is completed and I can leave. If not, there's always Christmas break

[Kbsb 14]

1 minute ago, little immigrant said:

Why is it renewal versus applying for citizenship? You've been a Green Card holder for more than 5 years so you've been eligible for a while. You don't have to wait for your Green Card to expire. 

 

I applied via mail and it took a year. Maybe online it's a little faster but I wouldn't plan anything until you have your certificate and passport in your hand. Remember the passport application also takes 6-8 weeks. 

It's the cheapskate in me who don't see the point of paying extra money when something is still valid (GC) and the procrastinator in me who waited till the absolute last minute to get my behind moving. I'm uploading my documents to complete the online filing any minutes how. I hope it goes a little bit faster. If it's not, it's no big deal. I'm just getting advice from the experts here to see how I should proceed.

 

I'm aware of how long it'll take to get the passport. I might have to pay for the expedited service if needs be. If not, there's always next year. Thank you for your input!

[little immigrant 800]

1 minute ago, Kbsb said:

It's the cheapskate in me who don't see the point of paying extra money when something is still valid (GC) and the procrastinator in me who waited till the absolute last minute to get my behind moving. I'm uploading my documents to complete the online filing any minutes how. I hope it goes a little bit faster. If it's not, it's no big deal. I'm just getting advice from the experts here to see how I should proceed.

 

I'm aware of how long it'll take to get the passport. I might have to pay for the expedited service if needs be. If not, there's always next year. Thank you for your input!

I hope everything goes well and you can travel to your birth country soon. Will you keep your Thai citizenship (if that's possible)? 

[Kbsb 14]

1 minute ago, little immigrant said:

I hope everything goes well and you can travel to your birth country soon. Will you keep your Thai citizenship (if that's possible)? 

Thank you! Giving up Thai citizenship is voluntarily so I'll have to do some more research before I decide. I've heard of people who have both and travel using both passports to re-enter each country. More convenient, legal wise I guess.