My green card expires on January 18, 2007. Do I need to leave USA if I don't get my extension letter by then ?

And if I leave USA then what ???

Can somebody please tell me what my options are ?

Thanks a lot

Ana

ooops I meant 2008

No, you don't need to leave, and you shouldn't, because getting back into the US will be more difficult without the NOA (extension letter) in hand. Filing the application on time extends your status, the NOA is just the written proof of your filing. If you have already filed, you could have also sent the application in a recommended letter and paid with a personal check, to have more proof of your filing before the NOA arrives at your place, have you done so? Or will you file soon?

You don't have to show your current employer the NOA, and the employer should not ask for it. You need it for any new job though, and for travel.

Regards,

Peter

I would advise you not to leave - if you do, you will likely not be readmitted.

Where are you in the filing to remove conditions (and get a new 10-year green card)?

I submitted my removal paperwork but I did it kind of late and now I worry if I will receive that letter on time.

but if I don't leave doesn't it mean that I am staying here illegally ?

You are not here illegally if you have pending application. You're sort of in....a gray area. You can legally stay, but if you leave the country you won't be readmitted.

I am not a lawyer, so take my word for what it is - an opinion of an informed layperson:
You are not in a gray area - if you have filed in time, you remain a permanent resident, with or without NOA, until the USCIS adjucates your case. If people loose their NOA, they don't become illegal either. If you would have to leave the country without NOA on a short notice, e.g. for a funeral, you would be readmitted, but it would be a long and tedious processing at the border - by the way, when I reentered the US with my NOA, it was a long processing, too: they didn't trust the paper, but first had to find me in their database. In summary: After filing timely, you remain in legal status, but it is always good to have written proof of your status, which is the NOA.

How long ago did you submit it?



If it has been a couple of months you might want to do an info pass. Did you make a complete copy of the packet? How did you send it, did you get a tracking number for the packet?

I don't think my husand made a copy He was putting it together and mailing it. I only mailed it around December 18, so a month before my GC expires. They received the package as we had a tracking number.

Ana

Jasman, how can I have my timeline showing under each of my posts ?


I have noooooooooooo clue

Ana