Getting ahead of myself by scheduling an I-551 stamp appointment?

[Kimberleigh 4]

Hi!

 

I admit I get anxious about things like this and want everything tidied up and sorted - the thought of accidentally breaking the law breaks me out in sweats!

I married my USC husband on 10/21/2013, had minimal problems with the initial green card application and filed for removal of temporary status on 06/20/2016. Biometrics was on 07/19/2016 and since then it's been quiet. I know the process takes a while and I was fine with waiting. 

My i-797 expires on 06/20/2017 and when I try send in a request about my case status I get the "your case is within normal processing times" message. 

Today I hit panic mode as it's nearly the end of the school year and we are not technically supposed to take any days off during this last bit unless it's for emergencies. But I explained my immigration status to my principal and she was fine with me taking a day to get my I-551 stamp in my passport. I booked my appointment for 2 June and I wanted to know if anyone else had been in a similar boat and how the process went? Am I getting ahead of myself and will therefore, annoy a USCIS officer (which I really don't want to do!) or is it a good idea to get the stamp for work purposes? I will not be traveling anytime soon as traveling on a South African passport is a pain.

Also, my GC and passport are in my maiden name but, when I filed my I-751 I used my married name but put my maiden name under the "previous names" section. My I-797 letter is in my married name (as is my school ID - the only proof of my married name with a photograph that I have. They accepted my marriage certificate as proof of my new name). Will this cause any issues?

 

Apologies for all the questions! I just don't want to mess up and lose the job I love and have to jump through a billion hoops to get things back in order.

 

Thank you for any advice!

Kim

[Sukie 1,439]

You do not need to book an appointment until about one month before the expiration date ON YOUR GREEN CARD.  The I-797 gives you another year from the green card date.  The date of the letter has NOTHING to do with it.  I know some people on here are sure it's the letter date, but it is not.

 

When did your 2-year green card expire?  Add one year to that.  Then, try to get an appointment about a month earlier.

 

Good luck!

 

Sukie in NY

[Kimberleigh 4]

Thank you Sukie!

 

My temp green card expired on 11 July 2016 and I sent my I-751 in on 20 June 2016. I received my I-797 letter giving me a year extension on my status while they reviewed my case. My letter is due to expire on 20 June 2017 and, since schools are sorting teachers and placements for the new school year, I don't want to let anything lapse and not be able to keep my job. Hence making an appointment for 2 June 2017 to get the I-551 stamp in my passport so I can continue to work until I receive my new 10 year green card. 

 

Good luck for your process too - it certainly is a long one!

[mindthegap 2,521]

59 minutes ago, Kimberleigh said:

Thank you Sukie!

 

My letter is due to expire on 20 June 2017

Ignore the date on the letter. 

The letter is valid until July 11th 2017- one year from expiry of the conditional GC. 

Important to remember that even if you didn't go get an extension stamp, your status is not affected,  merely your ability to prove that status,   and your right to work etc is unaffected even if you don't obtain a stamp. Sadly this can cause problems due to many people and HR depts being totally unfamiliar with this process (not to mention the DMV), so getting one is unfortunately the sensible thing to do.

Just remember that the letter/stamp serve as proof of your status - they do not dictate it.

 

I got one of my stamps 50 days before expiry of the current one- as long as it is a month or two before expiry of your current proof of status (or of course after it), they will do it. 

Edited May 20, 2017 by mindthegap

[Kimberleigh 4]

Thank you!

 

I'm sorry it's taken me so long to respond. End of year madness.

It's a relief to know I have until 11 July but am booking an appointment for as soon after school finishes as possible - I don't want to write anymore sub plans this year.

 

Good luck with your case - it looks like you have been through a lot in 2 years!