We finally got a 90 day stamp for Jie, so that she can travel and get back into the US. :cheering:

Since we could not find anything in the FAQ section on the process of fixing the card and getting the passport stamp, I thought I would document it here. We learned a few things about this process that came with both a time and financial cost to us (cancelled plane tickets), and I hope this helps anyone who runs into the same problem we had.



Part 1: Fixing an erroneous Green Card (due to USCIS admin errors)

When you get the Green Card (I-551), CHECK and DOUBLE CHECK for errors. If there are errors you must:
a: Complete an I-90 http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/i-90.pdf
b: Return the I-90 with the original erroneous green card to the service center
that issued it (address is on the welcome letter or letter that comes with the GC)
c: Send supporting evidence with the correct information (Passport, visa, birth cert, etc)
d: Although not required, I suggest sending a cover letter detailing the error. I have a
copy of ours below
e: Make copies of everything you send, including the green card.
f: Send it in such a manner that requires a signature from the recipient at
USCIS (i.e. certified or registered mail, or return signiture, etc)
g: For USCIS administrative errors, do not send any fees

USCIS says it could take up to 6 months to get a new green card, so be patient.

Part 2: Travel when you have an erroneous green card

1) If you already have the USCIS stamp in your passport, you are good to go. However, if USCIS did not stamp your passport, and you need to travel, you must get one. After you have done all of the above, make an infopass appt at the USCIS center nearest you. Here is the site: http://infopass.uscis.gov/

2) At the appt, bring copies of the I-90 & evidence, passport, proof of mailing the I-90, etc

3) Will you need confirmation from USCIS that they got the I-90? At our first infopass appt, the IO said before she can stamp the passport, we have to bring a USCIS confirmation letter that they got the I-90. THIS IS INCORRECT!!! We did NOT get a receipt. So, I called USCIS and they told me "We do not send confirmation for I-90's sent for USCIS admin errors."

So, today at our 2nd infopass appt, a different IO asked again for this confirmation. I told her what USCIS said. So, she looked at our copies of the I-90, the USPS signature receipt, copy of the green card, then did some checking in the computer, talked with a supervisor, and guess what: she issued a 90 day stamp!!!

AGAIN: USCIS does not send confirmation that they got the I-90!!!

4) The IO said if we do not get a new GC within the 90 days, to schedule another infopass 1 to 2 weeks before it expires, bring the information again, and they'll grant an extension.



Thats all folks!!! I hope this helps anyone else who recieves an erroneous green card. Here is the cover letter I sent with the I-90:

December 3, 2006

From: Ping Doe SO A# 000 000 000
123 Anywhere
Anycity, Anystate Zip

To: USCIS National Benefits Center

Re: Incorrect I-551

Dear USCIS National Benefits Center,

I am submitting an I-90 due to incorrect information from a USCIS administrative error on my I-551 card as follows:

The incorrect card states (give error)
The correct information is XXXXXX

I am enclosing the following supporting documentation: (Note this evidence may vary depending on the error)
***Copy of the I-797 Welcome Letter
***The original incorrect I-551 card
***Copy of my passport identification page
***Copy of the K1 visa in my passport that was issued to me in China
***Copy of the I-94 attached to my passport and visa
***Copy of my work card showing the correct information
***Copy of my birth certificate (translated)

Thank you for your attention to this!

Sincerely,


Ping Doe
A#000 000 000

Did you ask this before????

it takes months to get a replacement card and there is no point in making an infopass appointment until more than 30 days after the date of processing on the uscis system....

It took me 8 months to get my replacement card and that is average...

Kez

.....

I do have the temporary I-551 in my passport and am moving forward with re-instating my SSN.

So could I then start work without the green card? Do you think employers generally accept this instead of a green card?

I had a SSN when I lived in the US as a student but it was only valid to work for that time (or so I have been told). Although I can't confirm that because just to add to everything I cannot now find that SSN card! So I need to have it re-issued regardless. Could you please confirm what an I-9 is though?