Travelling while waiting for conditions to be removed?

[starchic 0]

Hi,

I'm planning a trip home to Canada in the next 3 weeks for one week, and my conditional Green Card expires in August.

I am submitting my paperwork this week to have the conditions removed so it will be within the 90 days prior to expiration that is recommended.

However, I am concerned that when coming back into the US from Canada, immigration will give me a hard time as I will be re-entering on a card that will be expiring in 2 1/2 months.

Am I being a worrywart or is this a valid concern?

Would it be prudent of me to bring in photocopies of the forms I am submitting to prove that I am working towards having my conditions approved and does immigration have a right to prevent me from re-entering the US as long as my card hasn't expired yet?

Also, is there anyone who has submitted their paperwork before or at 90 day suggested period and NOT received their new card before their old one expired?

Thanks in advance.

[aidan80 9]

If it's still valid there shouldn't be any problems? I can't see any reasons for you to be refused admission back into the US if you already have residency even if the card is due to expire in a few months. The immigration officer in Orlando looked at my card earlier this year and said ohh.. your expiring soon. Gave me a stamp and sent me on my way, no problems.

I'm sure others can advise better than I could with your other questions.

Good luck and enjoy the trip back home!

Edited April 28, 2008 by aidan80

[Kathryn41 3,205]

You shouldn't have any problems. The green card is still valid. If they mention anything, you can always reply 'yes, I know. I have already applied to lift conditions and am just waiting for their decision'. If your NOA arrives before you leave, you can always take that with you as proof - not that I think you will need it. Have a good trip!

And yes, unfortunately, the majority of people do not receive their unconditional 10 year card before their conditional card expires even when they have filed exactly 90 days before its expiry. There are some people who have been waiting a year now for the I-751 to be approved.

Edited April 28, 2008 by Kathryn41

[Cassie 8]

You are being a worrywort.

If your card doesn't expire until August, and you're travelling in May, you will have no problems.

Lots (if not all) of people don't get their 10 year card before their 2 year card expires, that's why you receive an NOA1 that doubles as an extension letter. And many of us have had to get the I-551 stamp to extend the extension letter, since a year has passed since initially filing. For many of us, this part has not been a fast process.

[motu 5]

My wife came back to USA from a 3 month trip to Colombia on March 5th - her greencard was expiring on April 16th - No questions asked (she didn't even have the extension letter either because it wasn't filed till she came back). Don't worry - Good Luck

[starchic 0]

Thanks so much to everyone! I admit I'm a worrywart, the whole process is so forgein (literally!) and I feel like whenever I travel home there is something that comes up that I didn't execpt so now I plan ahead as much as possible, LOL.

This forum is so warm and helpful, I am appreciative that I found it.