OldUser

Yep, big city. Easily coming at ridiculous times. I've seen my mail man so late that I questioned my sanity.

I put Hold Mail request, so don't anticipate mail man having the package with them. Also they come randomly anywhere between 7-8 am and 8-9 pm

It happens to small percentage of cases, maybe 5-10%. Approvals with USCIS are very unpredictable.

Ahaha yes we're getting closer. Got tracking number. Not on USCIS website, just a text message by USPS about package coming this Saturday (the day of move haha) USPS intercept did not work with this tracking number. Got message: "Unfortunately, this item is ineligible for USPS package intercept". Tried adding delivering instructions, also got error. So hoping hold will work.

I'm sorry about your situation, massive layoffs s**k! You can live outside of the US indefinitely. You're a US citizen and have the right to live anywhere and comeback to the US any time. You may be asked questions, but you cannot be denied entry or denaturalized on spot. Ain't happening!

You have to show original, it's watermarked. You can try showing a copy and be lucky. But if you're not lucky, you won't board a plane.

Hi @Fer Schvarztman I'm sorry you're going through separation and heading towards divorce. You don't want to wait for the ROC interview. You may be approved for 10 year GC without interview. If this happens, you could have big problems at later stage, during naturalization. You may be accused of fraud or misrepresentation. You need to file for divorce and convert your petition to divorce waiver by notifying USCIS. How long a typical divorce would take in your state? Did you consult a family lawyer?

Interestingly, USCIS website mentions USPS Hold Mail service: Holding my fingers crossed this is going to work!

Thank you very much @Olga&Jared! Your approval will also eventually come, holding finger crossed it's going to be soon! I was already entertaining the possibility of filing writ of mandamus, but somehow got lucky 🙂

Update: the card was mailed to me, according to status. However, no USPS tracking number available.

Understood. Good luck and let us know how it goes!

Still not clear as to what the end goal is? If it's just a cool thing to do, I wouldn't go for it. Too many complexities and unknowns that it result in when travelling. Also, what do you do when your stage name changes? That can happen. Would you go through this procedure again? How easy is it to keep changing? I'd investigate that before trying.

Is there a significant benefit for you to do this? Think twice, as this is not a usual piece of information in passport. Even though US is cool with it, other countries may be scratching their head when looking at your passport. Have you tried filling DS-82?

One of the trusted traveller programs for quick re-entry to USA. https://www.cbp.gov/travel/trusted-traveler-programs/global-entry I have Global Entry too, but it never helped me boarding planes without showing GC and extension letter. Was there CBP preclearance at the departure airport @nerdcouple?

Yeah, you're right. In other words - physical presence test. Yes, this and continuous residence apply from "resident since date"

In addition, @Jacobr511 she should first apply for I-751 within 90 day window (prior to) her 2nd anniversary of becoming a LPR. That is: “resident since” date on her GC + 2 years - 90 days

What is a 30 months rule?

Amazing story, glad to hear you were lucky @nerdcouple Whenever I travelled to Europe and back I was asked to produce GC and extension letter multiple times: during check in and during boarding + connecting flight boarding.

DHL is also an option which is may be fast for shipping to and from Germany / EU

First status was "We ordered your new card" In few days it was followed by "Case Was Approved" USCIS sent approval notice, but not the card.

Update: I went to the USPS office and talked to an employee. I explained the entire situation and the fact this mail from USCIS is super important. Based on employee's explanation, if I was to put a Hold Mail, the mail would not be attempted to be forwarded. According to him, the forwarding bit happens at the location location (not sure if it's 100% accurate) and if hold is in place, mail will be held. I asked whether I can put any note or mark in their system to hold and not forward / return mail to USCIS. He gave me a yellow piece of paper, Authorization to Hold Mail, addressed to Post Master. I guess this form is the same as the one I filed online already. But I just want to make sure it's held for collection. He asked me how far I would be living now, and agreed it's a short drive to pick it up. Overall, he seemed sympathetic. I hope this works!

Sometimes text message never comes. It's not very reliable. I would worry if you haven't received extension letter 6-8 weeks after filing.

Your husband can get unrestricted social security card and state ID or driver's license. That's all he needs to show to employer for I-9 verification. No need to show GC and deal with explaining how extension letters work to HR. Your husband can apply for citizenship under 3 year rule when becomes eligible. That's 3 years minus 90 days from Resident Since date on GC. Of course, he needed to live with you all this time in marital union, haven't had trips longer than 6 months and meet physical presence requirements, be of good moral character and pay taxes.

Very tough situation, @nerdcouple You may get lucky and get boarded but I would say it's 1% chance. You need both expired GC and valid extension letter. Otherwise, options are: 1. Fly to Mexico or Canada and cross to the US by land 2. Get boarding foil from US embasy (fees and wait apply) Keep us updated!

This is a gamble in your situation (upcoming divorce while joint petition is on file etc). I agree with @Mike E