OshunMY

Hello,
 
My case has been approved and I just got my green card. Phew! We didn't hear back for more than a month after submitting RFE, and that was really stressful because my 18-month extension was coming up. Does it seem like there are a lot more RFEs this time around? 

Thank you so much for the support of this forum. And all the best to everyone! 

Is there a particular format to follow for the affidavit? And how did you get it notarized? Thanks for answering my questions!

Thanks everyone for answering my questions about Infopass and the i-551 stamp. I'd like to share my experience.
 
1. To get an Infopass appointment, try very early in the morning, like at 5am. I overheard someone working there giving this advice. I tried at midnight too and saw some openings. 
 
2. I went in today to ask about the stamp because I am traveling in February. Technically, I don't need it. My GC expired in May 2017 and my letter, which is dated February 2017, should extend it to May 2018. But I told the officer about the confusion with the extension, whether it extends from the date of the GC or letter, and he gave me the stamp! The stamp is valid for a year from the date it was given and is good for travel and employment. 
 
Hope this info helps. All the best, everyone! :-)

I agree with nightingalejules. I would bring proof of travel arrangements if you have it, especially if your Infopass appointment is before May 20th (30 days before your I-797 expires). I might wait for an appointment after May 9th (30 days before your trip), but it's always possible they could approve the stamp earlier if you have proof you'll need it.
 
If your appointment's after May 20th, I think they'll probably give you the stamp regardless of whether you have travel plans or not. Though you still might as well bring evidence if you have it, just in case.
 

Yes, you will need to make an infopass to get the stamp - California is SOOOOOOO backlogged. I think you're safe to make the appointment in May - keep in mind that you'll likely be booking an appointment 2 weeks out from the day you check, so you could start looking for an appointment mid-April.
 
You'll need at least:
Expired GC
I-797
Unexpired Passport
State issued ID (probably your driver's license)
The appointment notification sheet (print it when you make your appointment)
I would also bring proof of your travel plans, although they may not ask for them (particularly since you're pretty close to the "1 month" guideline.)
 

Try at midnight or very early in the morning. That's how I got my appointment. Good luck!

Yes, the letter extends the GC expiration to one year. You can get I-551 stamp few weeks or one month before your GC expiration. It is hard to get an I-551 stamp few months before the GC expiration but you could schedule an infopass appointment and give it a try. You don't need an I55-1 stamp now because your letter has not expired and it has extended your GC validity. You have to keep your GC and extension letter all the time during traveling. 

No because you will be back before the letter expires

Yep, you should be fine. If anyone gives you any trouble at immigration (unlikely), insist that the letter is valid until a year after the GC expiration date, and they'll soon realize you're right.