Expired green card / NOA - what to keep in wallet!

[milesinfront 2]

I have filed for removal of conditions, and my green card expires this week. I know that we are required by law to keep our green card on us at all times, but once it expires, should I perhaps keep a copy of the NOA in my wallet also?

[Kathryn41 3,205]

Yes, the NOA and the expired green card work together to show you still have legal status in the US, so even though it is a hassle, carry a copy of the NOA with your green card.

[mozplay 29]

I was not sure whether or not they wanted the original NOA to be kept on person at all times, but I was planning on bucking this particular rule and keeping a colour copy of the document. I know myself - it would get tossed on my mad "clean out my purse cause it's got too much junk in it" day.

[jasminelily 1]

I was not sure whether or not they wanted the original NOA to be kept on person at all times, but I was planning on bucking this particular rule and keeping a colour copy of the document. I know myself - it would get tossed on my mad "clean out my purse cause it's got too much junk in it" day.

I keep the expired GC and a black/white copy of NOA in my purse, left the original NOA at home.

[Killer_Clown_2009 0]

I think it's a good idea to keep the original letter at home. It's probably pretty rare that anyone just out and about is asked to show their greencard (maybe if you are arrested or something), so the letter is better off at home. Now that i think about, I often go for a jog or a walk and don't have my green card on me.....hmm, food for thought.

Edited May 19, 2009 by jane2005

[Immigrant2009 0]

I have filed for removal of conditions, and my green card expires this week. I know that we are required by law to keep our green card on us at all times, but once it expires, should I perhaps keep a copy of the NOA in my wallet also?

I would say Just keep "BenJamins in your wallets" On a serious note, Keep original letter at home and keep a photocopy with you in your wallet.

I always scan -> Image - > PDF my important documents. Please do that as well. It's good to have a soft copy. Soft copies of GC and other docs has helped me a lot. Backup always comes

handy, coz GC lost you can get a new one via I-90 but not NOA or biometric letter. On a second thought, you might get those as well after inquirying requesting USCIS million times.

So expired + copy of NOA .

Good Luck.

Edited May 20, 2009 by Immigrant2009

[cle_w2000 2]

You guys are so good.

I never have my gc with me. Yes, I know it is required by law. But so far I have not encountered a case where my driver's license is not sufficient.

I think it's a good idea to keep the original letter at home. It's probably pretty rare that anyone just out and about is asked to show their greencard (maybe if you are arrested or something), so the letter is better off at home. Now that i think about, I often go for a jog or a walk and don't have my green card on me.....hmm, food for thought.

[fozzie 41]

I never carry my GC! from what I understand it is a real hassle to replace it if it gets lost or stolen.

[Dakine 26]

I think a lot depends where you live as to what you carry. If you are filipino and live or travel near the Mexican border I'd carry originals.

States like Oregon Alaska, Hawaii, Idaho, Utah, Kentucky, Virginia etc are a different story.

I'm not sure about the Canadian border states. I doubt if there are many border patrol checkpoints up there. There sure are in Calif. Texas and New Mexico.

I rode a Greyhound bus along the border about 40 years ago and the Border Patrol stopped the bus and checked for illegals every 40 or fifty miles or so!

I've no idea what things are like down there now?

Edited May 20, 2009 by Haole