Traveling Abroad During I-751 Review

[coip 1]

My wife's 2-year provisional Green Card expires on May 12, 2015. I understand that, 90 days before then (i.e. February 12, 2015), we should file her I-175 to get a 10-year Green Card for her, to replace her expiring one. She would really like to visit her sister back in Japan before mid-March, for a few weeks. I just want to confirm that this is okay. Elsewhere on this site I found the following information:

• After you mail in your I-751, "You will receive a notice of receipt for the form stating that 'Your alien card is extended one year - employment and travel authorized'. Keep the receipt with your green card.". Also, it was written that "I-751 cases are generally completed in 6-12 months" and that an interview may or may not be required.

My interpretation of that is that, come February 12 2015, we can submit her I-175 and then, after some time, she will receive the "Your alien card is extended one year - employment and travel authorized'" form that will enable her to travel internationally, meaning that once she receives that she can visit her sister in Japan. Alternatively, what if she doesn't wait for that and goes to Japan anyway--as long as she's back before May 12 2015, that shouldn't be a problem, right? Finally, since the cases typically take 6-12 months, even if she does get called in for an interview, it is unlikely to happen before April, right?

[Caryh 5,206]

My wife's ROC was approved before her green card expired. The new card arrived about about a week after her old one expired. There is normally a biometrics appointment which she will need to show up for. Interviews are not common on ROC applications, only a small percentage seem to get them.

Ah the wonderful extension letter, which doesn't come on any type of NOA form, but came on a standard white piece of paper that anyone could type out and print at home. But people do re-enter with them with their expired green cards. Personally it would make me rather uncomfortable, but presumably CBP can look up her status in order to know the letter isn't a fake.

[Operator 1,925]

My wife's 2-year provisional Green Card expires on May 12, 2015. I understand that, 90 days before then (i.e. February 12, 2015), we should file her I-175 to get a 10-year Green Card for her, to replace her expiring one. She would really like to visit her sister back in Japan before mid-March, for a few weeks. I just want to confirm that this is okay. Elsewhere on this site I found the following information:

• After you mail in your I-751, "You will receive a notice of receipt for the form stating that 'Your alien card is extended one year - employment and travel authorized'. Keep the receipt with your green card.". Also, it was written that "I-751 cases are generally completed in 6-12 months" and that an interview may or may not be required.

My interpretation of that is that, come February 12 2015, we can submit her I-175 and then, after some time, she will receive the "Your alien card is extended one year - employment and travel authorized'" form that will enable her to travel internationally, meaning that once she receives that she can visit her sister in Japan. Correct. Alternatively, what if she doesn't wait for that and goes to Japan anyway--as long as she's back before May 12 2015, that shouldn't be a problem, right? Correct. Finally, since the cases typically take 6-12 months, even if she does get called in for an interview, it is unlikely to happen before April, right? ​Her interview may not but her biometrics appointment might. However you can do a walk-in at most locals.

Edited October 9, 2014 by Operator

[Pitaya 2,576]

My wife's ROC was approved before her green card expired. The new card arrived about about a week after her old one expired. There is normally a biometrics appointment which she will need to show up for. Interviews are not common on ROC applications, only a small percentage seem to get them.

Ah the wonderful extension letter, which doesn't come on any type of NOA form, but came on a standard white piece of paper that anyone could type out and print at home. But people do re-enter with them with their expired green cards. Personally it would make me rather uncomfortable, but presumably CBP can look up her status in order to know the letter isn't a fake.

Ah yes, those GC extension letters are an interesting USCIS vestige. My wife's GC extension notice was contained on the official letterhead I-797 NOA form. My stepson's GC extension notice was on a plain piece of paper with an illegible stamped signature.

OP: Either way should work for you, given your stated parameters.

Good luck on your immigration journey.

[coip 1]

Thanks, everyone. I think we'll probably just file right away 90 days out and then have her take the trip in March, hoping that the biometric thing comes either before March or after March. A little risky, but I imagine if you get the notice to come in for biometrics that there isn't an imminent deadline on it, right?

[Caryh 5,206]

Thanks, everyone. I think we'll probably just file right away 90 days out and then have her take the trip in March, hoping that the biometric thing comes either before March or after March. A little risky, but I imagine if you get the notice to come in for biometrics that there isn't an imminent deadline on it, right?

There is a deadline, show early and get in, or go by the date. Failure to show can cause issues. Are you applying to California or Vermont? Currently California is very fast, and Vermont is very slow.

[Operator 1,925]

You don't want to miss your bio appt. I think they consider it abandonment of the petition.

Go early if possible.

[coip 1]

Vermont, probably. We're on the East Coast.

Okay, I'll have her go in mid-January to mid-February instead, and then apply as soon as she gets back.