poons02

This brings up another question based on the memorandum letter which I just printed (in Poons02 message). It says on the letter that the the BCIS officer should "collect the expired form I-551 (green card?) and issue either..... etc. etc Does this mean when she returns to the US they will take her expired green card at that time and not return it? Maybe this is a stupid question. thanks.

Hi. In the memorandum, it says that the BCIS officer will collect the expired green card and give I-551 stamp, only if the Green card has expired AND I-797 NOA has also expired. If you have a valid I-797 NOA and travel within its validity period, they will not collect your green card.

Quote from the memo

"If a conditional resident whose I-551 has expired and whose I-797 has “expired” or is about to “expire” requests documentation of his or her status for travel or employment purposes, the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services (BCIS) officer who is processing this request should first check MFAS. If the Form I-751 is still pending, the BCIS officer should collect the expired Form I-551 and issue either:

• A temporary I-551 stamp with a 12-month expiration date in the conditional resident’s unexpired, foreign passport (if the expiration date of the passport is one year or more); or

• If the conditional resident is not in possession of an unexpired foreign passport, a Form I-94 (arrival portion) containing a temporary I-551 stamp with a 12-month expiration date and a photograph of the conditional resident."

Hope this answers your question.

Hi. I was worried about this too. I am about to travel internationally and my case was pending (till today. I got the card production ordered email, today).

I went to USCIS to get I-551 stamp in my passport and they refused stating that an expired green card and a valid I-797 NOA is sufficient for international travel.

I did lots of research on the Internet about traveling while case is pending and here is an important USCIS Memo. http://www.uscis.gov/files/pressrelease/CRextensn120203.pdf

I suggest that you travel with your passport, expired green card, valid I-797 NOA and a copy of the above memo.

Here is additional documentation to help you with your trip

http://www.cbp.gov/linkhandler/cgov/travel..._info_guide.pdf

It clearly says that an expired green card with a valid I-797 is a valid proof for travel.

Good Luck! Have a fun trip.

I-751 timeline

Feb 24th 2008 - Submitted I-751 to California Service Center

Mar 4th 2008 - I-797 NOA

Mar 11th 2008 - Biometrics appointment letter

Mar 29th 2008 - Biometrics

Jun 12th 2008 - Card Production ordered email

Hi All,

I got an email from USCIS this morning. And I am HAPPY.

"Application Type: CRI89 , PETITION TO REMOVE CONDITIONS OF PERMANENT RESIDENT STATUS RECEIVED

Current Status: Card production ordered.

On June 11, 2008, we ordered production of your new card. Please allow 30 days for your card to be mailed to you. If we need something from you we will contact you. If you move before you receive the card, call customer service. You can also receive automatic e-mail updates as we process your case. Just follow the link below to register.

If you have questions or concerns about your application or the case status results listed above, or if you have not received a decision from USCIS within the current processing time listed*, please contact USCIS Customer Service at (800) 375-5283."

Thanks to everyone in this forum for your advice and help. Good Luck.

Here is my timeline

Feb 24th 2008 - Submitted I-751 to California Service Center

Mar 4th 2008 - I-797 NOA

Mar 11th 2008 - Biometrics appointment letter

Mar 29th 2008 - Biometrics

Jun 12th 2008 - Card Production ordered email

Hello,

I got a pending I751 waiver at Vermont service center. I'm planning on travelling overseas this coming July, so I made an info pass last week & got an I551 stamp in my passport, but I've noticed that EAC number that she wrote down below my Alien # on passport does not match my receipt number on Biometrcis & Extension letter!! Is this normal? would it be a problem at POE coming back? I don't know how they came up with that number. I made another info pass for next thursday but it will be a hassle w/ work! it's a waste of time.

Thanks,

Hi BaltoBuy, I am trying for the same I-551 stamp too. I went to the San Francisco USCIS with Infopass last week and they refused to give me I-551 stamp. They said with the I-797 and expired green card I can travel internationally and will not have issues coming back to the US.

Please help, how did you manage to get the I-551 stamp? Some people say it is ok for me to travel without I-551 stamp, some are advising me against it. I am confused and need help.

What did you say at the Vermont service center to get the I-551 stamp? Please help.

Thanks Kathryn41. That's exactly what the official at USCIS told me last week. I was just worried if I would not be allowed back into the US.

But the confusing part is the following paragraph in this link https://egov.uscis.gov/crisgwi/go?action=of...r.zipcode=94030

"Temporary Evidence of Permanent Resident Status

To request temporary evidence of your Permanent Residence Status, you must schedule an INFOPASS appointment, on our website, to visit this office in person.

Remember to bring the following items, to the office, for your appointment:

•Form I-797, ''Approval Notice'' from the Service Center or an approval letter to process a Form I-551 card

•2 new passport style photos and a valid passport

•If you do not have a valid passport, bring 3 passport-style photos with you."

This part confused me. Thanks again for your advice and help.

Hi. I have a conditional green card that expires this year. I applied for I-751 to have conditions removed. I received the I-797 (NOA) stating that green card has been extended for 1 more year. I also had the bio metrics done.

I need to travel abroad now. I came to know that I need I-551 stamp on my passport in order to re-enter the US. I got an Info pass appointment and went to the USCIS. There they refused to give I-551 stamp stating that my expired green card and I-797 NOA should be enough for me to come back to the US. But I am worried. My immigration lawyer insists that without I-551 stamp I should not leave the US. But USCIS is not giving me the stamping.

Do I need I-551 stamp? How to get it?