Hi Guys,

I am going to be mailing out the I-751 packet tomorrow. Her GC is set to expire on June 9th, 2008 (I know I should have done this earlier). We are planning a trip to Aruba from May 29th - June 2nd. Will there be any problems? Will we get something that extends her GC by then? Please help I really hope there aren't any issues.

good luck... 17 days is cutting it tight to get the NOA1

I guess my question, if I don't get the NOA1 by then, are there any issues with her coming back into US on Jun 2nd, even though her GC doesn't expire till the 9th.

Expiration date is the expiration date... If it is not expired it is still good.

I wouldn't worry about it since you will be back by the time it is going to be expired!

I agree, no need to worry since you will be back before the GC expires. Even after your gc says it expires, if you filled the paperwork, means that it isn't actually expired, and they should be able to tell that at the POE, however I imagine that would be a hassle, but have been told by one employee of the USCIS that at the POE they would be able to tell.

Thanks everyone for their replies. You guys are the best. I was getting really worried.

Just out of curiosity, how much time does it normally take for an NOA1 to arrive from Vermont?

Just make sure that you do come back before the gc expires.

kmineo, if the gc is expired, one must have either an extension letter or an I-551 stamp before departing the US. One must not assume that the USCBP person at the POE has visibility of one's I-751 application.

Eau_xplain, I agree you should have it, but the first time my wife tried to get another stamp because hers was expiring before her trip, the USCIS person on the phone said "it wasn't needed, and that they would be able to tell at the POE." So I don't know how you can say you MUST have either... According to the USCIS employee that is not true. It makes a bit of sense, because what if something happens to that piece of paper. There is still record of your file on the computers. The ease of accessing it is questionable no doubt.

However, I made my wife go get another infopass appointment despite what that representive told her and get an extenstion anyway. One must assume that the USCBP person at the POE has the ability to discover that your GC is still valid. However i do not think this would be a speedy process at all, I am sure supervisors would be involved.

We are definitely coming back before the GC expires. BTW does anyone know how long it normally takes for the NOA1 to arrive. We are filing it in Vermont.

Glad to hear that your wife did get a stamp.

Was it someone from the USCIS 800 Information line who told you that one won't need an extension letter nor an I-551 stamp if the GC is expired?

Yes it was someone at th1 1-800 number. Like I said it makes sense that the are able to tell, but I imagine you might be waiting around a while before they could verify it. Anyway no point to risk it in my eyes. That is the last thing you want to deal with after traveling 24 hours.