Can't find I-751 extension letter

[NealandCari 0]

So... a very stupid thing happened to my husband and I. We are traveling back to London tomorrow so he can visit his folks and suddenly cannot find his NOA/extension letter. We can't really afford to cancel our trip...we have been saving up for it for a couple years. He has a photocopy of his NOA...will this suffice? I don't want to have to risk it, but I am at my wit's end. He may or may not be approved while we're away (we will be gone until May 24), but I don't know what to do. This is my worst nightmare. HELP!

Edited May 2, 2010 by NealandCari

[w8inglongtime 29]

So... a very stupid thing happened to my husband and I. We are traveling back to London tomorrow so he can visit his folks and suddenly cannot find his NOA/extension letter. We can't really afford to cancel our trip...we have been saving up for it for a couple years. He has a photocopy of his NOA...will this suffice? I don't want to have to risk it, but I am at my wit's end. He may or may not be approved while we're away (we will be gone until May 24), but I don't know what to do. This is my worst nightmare. HELP!

Sorry but a photocopy will not be accepted at any POE but you can try it. Does he at least have the physical expired GC? The CBP officer may give him a break and swipe the expired card which will reveal the extension on his/her computer.

On a side note, why would you wait till the day before an international trip to look for such important documents?

Good luck.

[NealandCari 0]

Sorry but a photocopy will not be accepted at any POE but you can try it. Does he at least have the physical expired GC? The CBP officer may give him a break and swipe the expired card which will reveal the extension on his/her computer.

On a side note, why would you wait till the day before an international trip to look for such important documents?

Good luck.

I know it's very stupid to wait till the day before, believe me. I have been preparing for this trip for a couple months now and just assumed my husband had the NOA. Additionally, my husband had just assumed it was with his other documents (Biometrics letter, etc) in our filing cabinet. I know what they say about people who assume too, haha. I have no idea what could have become of it to be honest and it may still show up. My husband has been working full time and going to school full time, so he has been very busy and stressed and it just came down to that really.

He does still have his green card, and he has his stamped biometrics letter and the photocopy of the NOA. Would it be possible to file for a travel authorization at the U.S. embassy in London?

And what would happen if they didn't let him back in? Would it just be a matter of him waiting in the UK until his new green card arrives?

[v333k 59]

So... a very stupid thing happened to my husband and I. We are traveling back to London tomorrow so he can visit his folks and suddenly cannot find his NOA/extension letter. We can't really afford to cancel our trip...we have been saving up for it for a couple years. He has a photocopy of his NOA...will this suffice? I don't want to have to risk it, but I am at my wit's end. He may or may not be approved while we're away (we will be gone until May 24), but I don't know what to do. This is my worst nightmare. HELP!

If your husband has his 2 year GC - then it may work without the extension letter. I've read others who have entered the US didn't need to produce the extension letter. His green card status is already extended in the system.

Now the question is, and excuse me for my ignorance, can he leave the UK without needing to show a valid entry document for the US? If so, then I think you will be just fine. Your GC is still valid despite the expiration date on it...

hope this helps!

[NealandCari 0]

If your husband has his 2 year GC - then it may work without the extension letter. I've read others who have entered the US didn't need to produce the extension letter. His green card status is already extended in the system.

Now the question is, and excuse me for my ignorance, can he leave the UK without needing to show a valid entry document for the US? If so, then I think you will be just fine. Your GC is still valid despite the expiration date on it...

hope this helps!

I think the main issue is with coming back into the POE...they don't check anything but the passport leaving the country I do believe. Then, coming back, you have to fill out the landing card and all that.

Ugh...can't believe this happened.

[w8inglongtime 29]

I think the main issue is with coming back into the POE...they don't check anything but the passport leaving the country I do believe. Then, coming back, you have to fill out the landing card and all that.

Ugh...can't believe this happened.

Don't lose sleep over this. You guys will be fine. CBP primarily goes by what shows up on their computer screen more than what paper you have in your hand. Since he got an NOA, his GC technically expires in 2011 and not 2010. safe travels and have fun without thinking about this too much during your trip. he's a PERMANENT residence of the U.S. That's what matters.

[TracyTN 237]

When does his green card actually expire?

[v333k 59]

When does his green card actually expire?

Based on their timeline, it looks like March 20 - approved for AOS.

[TracyTN 237]

Often the date on the card does not match AOS approval date (ours doesn't) - but I still suppose I could have looked for a ballpark idea! Was just thinking if they had time left on it, then it wouldn't be an issue to not have the letter.

[lovenjstar 0]

best way go to a infopass today! like right now! i know it might be too late to make a infopass appointment but sometimes they let you in without an appt. ask the IO to stamp his passport, the stamp will serve as his "temp greencard".

[NealandCari 0]

Just wanted to give an update for those that are curious...

We decided to just wing it, and travel with the green card and photocopy of the extension letter. They didn't seem to care too much; the CBP officer in Houston looked at it and casually told us we should carry the original next time but that was it.

Now I am sure it is up to the discretion of the CBP officer, but ours didn't seem too bothered...

As for anyone else checking, we were able to leave the airport in London just fine...one guy at check-in asked to look at the extension letter but didn't say anything about it being a photocopy.

[w8inglongtime 29]

Just wanted to give an update for those that are curious...

We decided to just wing it, and travel with the green card and photocopy of the extension letter. They didn't seem to care too much; the CBP officer in Houston looked at it and casually told us we should carry the original next time but that was it.

Now I am sure it is up to the discretion of the CBP officer, but ours didn't seem too bothered...

As for anyone else checking, we were able to leave the airport in London just fine...one guy at check-in asked to look at the extension letter but didn't say anything about it being a photocopy.

SWEEEET!!!! See, and there you were worrying for nothing. We (VJers) told you it will be alright. Hope you enjoyed your stay and didn't think too much about the POE.

[EstebanTrabajos 7]

Since I live on the border, I had to travel east. 100 miles from the border in every direction there are Border Patrol checkpoints. I had to go through one and I had my expired GC and the extension letter.

I showed them my GC, they saw it for a few seconds and never asked me anything regarding the expiration date or the extension letter.

[YOUTOO 2]

I think the main issue is with coming back into the POE...they don't check anything but the passport leaving the country I do believe. Then, coming back, you have to fill out the landing card and all that.

Ugh...can't believe this happened.

The problem is not UK immigration checking your passport upon departure. Your Air Carrier will not check you in for your return flight unless you provide valid documentation. They are on the hook if they let anyone board without proper paperwork. I am not so sure if presenting a photocopy and sweet talk will be sufficient, especially considering the current security circumstances we all have to deal with. Since I understand you already started your trip, I would strongly suggest that you contact the local Embassy/Consulate for assistance before attempting to return stateside.

Best of luck.

[JaEnglishGirl 34]

The problem is not UK immigration checking your passport upon departure. Your Air Carrier will not check you in for your return flight unless you provide valid documentation. They are on the hook if they let anyone board without proper paperwork. I am not so sure if presenting a photocopy and sweet talk will be sufficient, especially considering the current security circumstances we all have to deal with. Since I understand you already started your trip, I would strongly suggest that you contact the local Embassy/Consulate for assistance before attempting to return stateside.

Best of luck.

They have already returned.