Travel between filing and approval

[jingo 38]

Hi everyone,

I know there are a few threads on this but I can't seem to find a straight answer.

I am currently in between filing/biometrics completed and approval on removal of conditions for 2 year green card.

I am traveling home to London for a week. Can I re-enter the US with expired green card and NOA1 letter OR do I need to make an infopass appointment?

Thank you in advance for any help!

[cathy2904 97]

You will be fine with just your expired GC and the original NOA1 letter. I travelled to London at Christmas and have just got back from Sydney using the extension letter. The only hassle I got was from the CBP officer at Atlanta on Sunday who asked me 'what had happened' to my GC. I pointed out that the letter confirmed receipt of my application to remove conditions.

[jingo 38]

Thanks!

Has anyone had trouble re-entering the States during this time?

[VolimTe 0]

I was just reading so so so many forums regarding your concern ( as well as mine). To make my story short, some people did have issues at the airport WHEN making a connection to United States BUT it was due to poorly trained employees.DONT PANIC! In case you come across one of those employees, just explain what that letter is all about. If they dont believe you, one of the VJ members said tell them that you will hold them responsible you have to fight for your rights sounds funny but it worked for her..obviously don`t start arguing and threatening them way too much many times they will still have to call their manager, or whoever it is...and that person is well-trained.. I just read one forum where one of the airline employees was giving this lady a hard time when she was traveling on a extension letter, had to call his manager, ..his manager showed up and as soon as he saw the letter he just said yea they`re fine .. and let them go right away... hope that helps!!

Edited March 31, 2014 by VolimTe

[jingo 38]

Thought I'd post an update:

I traveled to London for a week and back to New York (JFK) - the officer looked at my green card, then noticed it was expired, and asked to see the NOA1 letter. I showed it to him. All was fine and quick - he just mentioned that I have to make sure to travel with the letter while my GC is expired.

Worries over! No need for infopass or anything like that.

[VolimTe 0]

did they look at your green card in Europe or only in US?

[NickD 203]

After my wife showed the POE officer at Houston TX her expired condition green card and one year extension notice. He replied, at least you filed the I-751, you would be surprised at the number of people I have to reject because they didn't. Also commented, doesn't know why it takes the USCIS to process these.

Or in brief, no problems whatsoever in returning. Maybe because I was with her, no strip search either for drugs since we were returning from Colombia.

[jingo 38]

did they look at your green card in Europe or only in US?

I had my British passport in Europe so they didn't need GC.