Need urgent advice – Green Card expired, extension letter valid, but I must travel to see my sick mother

[Sabela 16]

Hi everyone,

I’m a U.S. permanent resident whose Green Card expired in 12/2024. I have the I-797 letter that extends it by 48 months, so I know I’m technically still in status.

 

But my personal situation is devastating right now. I’ve been on medical leave from work due to major depression, and recently my mother’s chronic illness and dementia have worsened drastically. I’m overwhelmed, crying daily, and all I want is to fly home (Europe) to be with her.

 

I know CBP doesn’t make exceptions for emotional reasons, but I’m not overstaying or abandoning my status — I just need to go for a couple of weeks and come back.

 

Questions:

1. Will traveling with the I-797 extension letter and expired green card be enough for reentry? Realistically.

2. Does it make a difference to go through a preclearance airport like Dublin?

3. Would traveling with my U.S. citizen husband help make my case stronger in case of questioning?

 

I’m desperate for any realistic advice. Any experience or advice would be greatly appreciated 😭

[TBoneTX 47,095]

Thread is moved from the CR-1 Case Progress subforum to the Working & Traveling forum -- topic is travel.

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Sincere sympathies.  Folks here will be along to help soon.

[Treasure1 251]

54 minutes ago, Sabela said:

 

Hi everyone,

I’m a U.S. permanent resident whose Green Card expired in 12/2024. I have the I-797 letter that extends it by 48 months, so I know I’m technically still in status.

 

But my personal situation is devastating right now. I’ve been on medical leave from work due to major depression, and recently my mother’s chronic illness and dementia have worsened drastically. I’m overwhelmed, crying daily, and all I want is to fly home (Europe) to be with her.

 

I know CBP doesn’t make exceptions for emotional reasons, but I’m not overstaying or abandoning my status — I just need to go for a couple of weeks and come back.

 

Questions:

1. Will traveling with the I-797 extension letter and expired green card be enough for reentry? Realistically.

2. Does it make a difference to go through a preclearance airport like Dublin?

3. Would traveling with my U.S. citizen husband help make my case stronger in case of questioning?

 

I’m desperate for any realistic advice. Any experience or advice would be greatly appreciated 😭

Go ahead, book that flight and travel, there’s absolutely nothing to worry about, your husband does not need to travel with you. I just got back from Nigeria with same documentations and i had zero issues. All the best to you and i hope your mom gets better

[appleblossom 4,003]

1. Yes

2. & 3. Not needed as you have what is required. 

 

You can travel anytime, so get the flight booked asap. I wish you the very best. 

 

Edited Tuesday at 07:25 AM by appleblossom

[Dashinka 25,550]

Sorry for the issues you are facing.  Traveling with an expired GC and the extension letter for a few weeks will be just fine, and nothing to worry about.  My wife traveled multiple times this way and had no issues as it is fairly common.  No need for any other documentation assuming the name on your GC and foreign passport match, if they don't, take along a copy of your marriage certificate just in case.  It doesn't matter which POE you use, Dublin, or somewhere stateside, and there is no difference if your spouse is with you or not.

 

Good Luck!

[Buckaroo 12]

My wife recently traveled under the same circumstances with no issue.

Take the original extension letter with you in carry on and I recommend having an extra copy in your luggage and smart phone if you know how to scan documents to a note. 

Have a safe trip

[Sabela 16]

Thank you all :'(

[TBoneTX 47,095]

Be sure to let us know how the trip itself went, and about your mother.  Prayers.