I-551 Stamp and Extension Letter

[Brian&Larissa 73]

My family has been in ROC since Mar 2017.  We received the extension letter in April of 17, which at that time was 12 months.  This past March, wife/youngest minor child, went into the local office and had the I-551 stamp added to their passports giving them a another year.  Previously, my oldest step-daughter lost her GC and was instructed/advised to make InfoPass and discuss options with local office back in Aug of 2017.  Since we are in ROC, it was decided that she just get an I-551 at that time.  Now for the fun:  When we went back for my wife's I-551they were more than willing to provide the stamp, but at that time, they also requested that we hand over their green cards.  This is USCIS, right?  Can't really argue so we did.  Now, fast forward to today....In the past month I have received 2 extension letters:  1 for my wife and her youngest daughter(minor age 11) and a separate letter for her older daughter(age 20 - adult) stating extension was now for 18 months.  However, in the letter, it states that this extension applies WITH the green card.  Yes, it extends, as I think, the I-551, but along with the green card.  Called and spoke to Tier 1 today...now we have conflicting information.  He is saying the green card for my wife and minor should not have been taken by local office.  That the letter appears to work only in conjunction WITH I-551 in the passport and the green card!  Also, asked I regarding the 20-year old and now the Tier 1 is stumped.  So, now pending a Tier 2 to clarify and see if all is ok:

1.  The 20 year needs a new stamp and then it is valid for 18 months, or is just extended based on the letter, but what about the green card qualifier?

2.  Mom and minor child, are extended for 18 months from date of last I-551 stamp, but, again, what about the green card qualifier? 

3.  If green card shouldn't have been turned in, now what?

 

OK, experts....what do you all think?  Now, we have traveled out of the country WITHOUT the green cards and only the I-551, but now with this letter and the 18-month extension, I am a little perplexed.

[GreatDane 366]

Offices vary with taking the green card. There's another VJ'er who is in the same step in the process and had to get an I551 stamp the same week as me at the same office. They took mine and he kept his. Don't stress about them taking it - it doesn't have an effect on the process. 

I would proceed with the I551 being the valid document as proof of residency, etc. It will expire on the date listed on it (typically either six or 12 months). You should be 100% ok to travel with the I551 stamp.

Edited August 22, 2018 by GreatDane

[Brian&Larissa 73]

We all have traveled on the I-551 stamps....it's the extension of those stamps based on the letters we received from USCIS, that has me perplexed...do we need new stamps, or keep what we have based on the letter extending date for 18 months.  Does the letter only apply if you have a GC in hand, or does it apply to GC and/or I-551.

Traveling was easy, although coming back in was time consuming as they pulled us aside to a waiting area as they looked everything up....not a big deal, just another step in the return process.

[GreatDane 366]

7 minutes ago, Brian&Larissa said:

We all have traveled on the I-551 stamps....it's the extension of those stamps based on the letters we received from USCIS, that has me perplexed...do we need new stamps, or keep what we have based on the letter extending date for 18 months.  Does the letter only apply if you have a GC in hand, or does it apply to GC and/or I-551.

 Traveling was easy, although coming back in was time consuming as they pulled us aside to a waiting area as they looked everything up....not a big deal, just another step in the return process.

Disregard but keep the letters for your record. They aren't valid as you no longer have the original green cards. Renew the I551s when they are within 30 days of expiring.