Urgent travel before green card has been received

[emeraldrainbow 1]

I would really appreciate some advice on my situation. Last Friday (12/12) I had my i-485 interview and the same night we received an email notification saying that my permanent residency has been registered and a welcome notice has been mailed. Great news! On 12/15 my online case status changed to 'my card was ordered to be produced" and it has remained in this status since. I have not received the welcome notice in the mail yet.

I urgently need to travel outside of the US for 1 week on 12/23 (my flights are booked and paid for). There are no infopass appointments available at my local office (New York City, 26 Federal Plaza). I'm checking the website regularly.

Does anybody know if there is any other way to get an i-551 stamp in my passport?

Or.. can I still use my valid advance parole card for re-entry to the US, now that my PR has been approved? I'm not sure about this, and when I called the USCIS customer helpline, they were not sure either!

Please help!

Edited December 18, 2014 by emeraldrainbow

[icv21 110]

I have read about people using their AP in this forum.

I would say you would get welcome letter or something by the 23. Just bring all documents with you.

[emeraldrainbow 1]

Thank you IRIScv

Has anyone out there had experience of using their advance parole in this type of situation? I have submitted an email to CBP but apparently queries tak 2-3 weeks to process.... ;/

[icv21 110]

I'm going to try to find the post I read. I actually read something similar recently. If I find it I will post it here for you

[emeraldrainbow 1]

Thank you!

[icv21 110]

So I found it. I read about it this morning, but I'm not very sure to be honest, I mean you can see last message he said he got the stamp....and he was told he could use AP anyways.

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/527733-i94-and-green-card/

[emeraldrainbow 1]

Thank you so much, this is reassuring.

[icv21 110]

Thank you so much, this is reassuring.

You are welcome I would say you will be traveling without problem, specially because AP last a year.

[icv21 110]

Ok Im back at you because I was curious about this and I've been reading more posts and it all seems very contradictory around... Some people say once the green card is approved the EAD/AP expires and you need stamp

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/455294-travel-on-ap-after-i-485-interview-but-before-receiving-green-card/

[emeraldrainbow 1]

I have heard this too.... it is so confusing!

[NikeS 49]

Attempt a walk in at your local USCIS office to get the stamp in your passport tomorrow or Friday. Chances are the welcome letter will come by the weekend and your Greencard just before you leave on the 23rd. Let us know what you do and the outcome and congratulations on your successful journey.

[emeraldrainbow 1]

Thank you! I will try a walk in, I'm not sure if the New York city office at Federal plaza will let me in without an appointment, but I will try. Thanks for the congrats too :-)

[NikeS 49]

Under these circumstances, they should agree. All the best.

[Enigma11561 336]

I dont know where in NY you live but try the Long Island office. I think its in Hicksvile but not sure. I have been there several times in the past and walk ins are no problem. Not a very busy office. You can make an info pass on line with them as well..Much more pleasant people than NYC.

[BabyFaceWife 11]

_{You may actually get it in time! We got our notification on the 9th and then on the 15th we got the notice saying it had been mailed and we had it in hand on the 16th. I couldn't believe that it was delivered that fast!}