Three months until GC expiration...

[Pahars 0]

I'm a British citizen living in the States and my US green card expires at the end of November. I am debating whether to get a 10 year extension or apply for citizenship. (I know the pros and cons of each and I'm fairly easy either way although I'd prefer to get the latter)

From posts I have read, if I apply for citizenship, I gather I might be liable to pay for a GC as well - as my status will probably lapse before I receive a date for my ‘oath’.

I am on the fence at the moment as to what to do – I really do not want to fork out for two fees.( I realize I should have considered my options several months ago too!)

Also - I may be travelling internationally in December. If I decide to get citizenship – would I be entitled to an I-551 or ADIT stamp (or equivalent) on my ‘expired’ card or current British passport? Would I need one, or would receipt proof of pending citizenship be enough to satisfy immigration control?

I understand that if I am travelling during a pending GC renewal application, I’d be entitled to the stamp/sticker.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. thanks!

Edited August 27, 2014 by Pahars

[Smiley-one 13]

Is this your Conditional green card that will be expiring? If so you will need to file for Removal of Conditions before you can apply for Citizenship.

[Pahars 0]

Thanks for helping. No, this is my (first) 10 year regular GC that is expiring.

[Jawaree 718]

So U go ahead and apply for naturalization now,

some companies requires employees to update

expired GC asap as they R paranoid about the

immigration auditors visiting & all records R not

up to in their HR dept....but U can go for it

[JimmyHou 611]

I'm a British citizen living in the States and my US green card expires at the end of November. I am debating whether to get a 10 year extension or apply for citizenship. (I know the pros and cons of each and I'm fairly easy either way although I'd prefer to get the latter)

From posts I have read, if I apply for citizenship, I gather I might be liable to pay for a GC as well - as my status will probably lapse before I receive a date for my oath.

I am on the fence at the moment as to what to do I really do not want to fork out for two fees.( I realize I should have considered my options several months ago too!)

Also - I may be travelling internationally in December. If I decide to get citizenship would I be entitled to an I-551 or ADIT stamp (or equivalent) on my expired card or current British passport? Would I need one, or would receipt proof of pending citizenship be enough to satisfy immigration control?

I understand that if I am travelling during a pending GC renewal application, Id be entitled to the stamp/sticker.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. thanks!

See question 24: http://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/files/article/chapter3.pdf

According to this, since your green card is expiring in less than six months, you'll need to renew it before applying for naturalization. I have no idea how strictly they enforce this 6 month cut-off.

If you find that you cannot naturalize without renewing, then you could renew your green card and hold off on naturalization if money is an obstacle. You don't seem to be in a hurry to naturalize and a new green card will give you ten years to decide.

No idea about the temporary stamp; I'd assume that they wouldn't give you one while you wait to be naturalized just because that would make the above requirement (about 6 months) totally pointless.

Edited August 27, 2014 by JimmyHou

[Pahars 0]

Thanks for the clarification. GC renewal it will be then since I am within the 6 month window. Citizenship can wait...

[JimmyHou 611]

Thanks for the clarification. GC renewal it will be then since I am within the 6 month window. Citizenship can wait...

And just to confuse you, here's some advice from a legal website.

http://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/free-books/fiance-marriage-visa-book/chapter16-11.html

This says that you can go ahead and apply with an expired greencard, and I've read about people applying with long-expired green cards.

The link above also addresses travel and says that if you need to travel, you probably want to renew your green card.