Flying International with expired green card!

[Brettnie 2]

Hello you all! I have a coming trip to Philippines this November bought the tickets and hotels already. The problem is my green card was expired, I renewed it on May got my I-797 Notice of Action and got my Biometrics done! Called the USCIS and the guy told me my status is good no interview I just have to wait 11 months more or less for my green card. What I’m worried about is returning  back here in US  and checking in going back with expired green card and I am aware of passport stamp I-551 for travel. I’m might not able to come back because of my status, a piece of paper stating that my green card was extended is questionable. My husband told it’s too risky which is right! And my lawyer advised me not to fly with inactive green card so I’m really drained about my situation! Whoever experienced this please advised me! I would appreciate it! 

[Grant PDX 183]

The "piece of paper saying your green card was extended" if it's the official letter is all you need, with your expired green card and passport.  I've been with someone who traveled to and from the Philippines with exactly that letter and it wasn't an issue.  That is the only document that will allow you to travel until the new green card arrives, so either cancel (delay) your trip or travel with the letter.  It is enough.

[Brettnie 2]

I see! Thanks for the input! If I don’t get my hotel refund I might go. It’s just scary to travel with invalid green card especially these days the Immigration is been wierd lately! 

[MarceCa 0]

I have been traveling with the greencard and the one year extension letter with no issues. I however just learned that the 1 year extension counts form the date in the one year extension and not form the expiration date in the card.

[broppy 204]

On 10/14/2017 at 6:27 AM, MarceCa said:

I however just learned that the 1 year extension counts form the date in the one year extension and not form the expiration date in the card.

It's the other way round - the extension letter extends the expiration date of the card by one year. The receipt date on the I-797 itself has no effect on the validity of the card.