Hi everyone,

My conditional green card expires on 10/27 this year. We are planning a trip to the UK, returning on 10/26. I will be filing the paperwork for I-751 on the first day of the 90 day window. Am I right in thinking the NOA1 will extend my current green card for one year? What do you think my chances are of getting the letter before 10/15, which is the day we leave for our trip. We are limited on the dates we can travel because we are using airmiles.

Hopefully, I will get the letter in time and take it with me, just in case. Does anyone have any experience of re-entering with an almost expired green card? Do you think the immigration people will give me a hard time if I don't have the letter?

Thanks,

Almost expired = STILL VALID the officer at POE will not deny you entry on a STILL VALID card. The only issue I see is that you are cutting it very close what if for some unforeseen reason your return flight were delayed by a few days?

Only thing I can think to do is while in UK, is to visit USCIS office located in the US Embassy in London, and see if they will stamp your passport with I-551 stamp.

If you can, take the NOA with you; hopefully you'll get it in time, just for insurance.

I like the idea of getting the stamp from the embassy, but you'll have to prove you sent off the petition. Would you be able to get the stamp here before you go?

I travelled to Canada in mid-March 08 with my card expiring 3/30/08, and the immigration official told me not to travel with an expired card! Obviously they cannot be expected to know all the rules!

If you haven't received your extension letter before you leave, I bet you could make an Infopass appointment at your local ASC and get the I-551 stamped in your passport (bring your plane tickets and explain your concerns).

I think I would be sweating bullets on the whole trip if you were counting on making it back into the country with only one day to spare!

Good luck!

Yes, it is the better option.

I agree. It's worth a try.