Dilemma! Need Advice

[kimozone 0]

Hey Folks,

I really need you guys's advice and expertise on this:

my wife and i have filed for removal of status form (I-751).

Once the USCIS receives the packet we have sent, we will get a NOA I-791c, which will extend my wife's green card for a year. which is good to travel internationally and re-enter the US with no issues.

upon the approval of the lifting of conditional status. we should receive a letter stating something like this:

Your Request for the removal of the conditional basis of your permanent resident status has been approved. You are deemed to be a lawful permanent resident of the United States as of the date of your original admission or adjustment of status.

You must obtain a new alien registration receipt card (Form I-551) To do so, appear in person at the service office shown below. Bring your passport and three recent photos of the same type as on your present alien card (if needed, exact specifications may be obtained from the service office show below). You new alien registration receipt card will be mailed to you within six months. You should not travel outside the United States before receiving your new card unless you have first received a passport endorsement from this service indicating that your new card is being processed.

If my calculation is correct we will be overseas when the approval letter arrives! my wife is traveling from mid-MAY-10 to end-July-10, if the letter comes while we are overseas are we in big trouble??

since we have traveled outside of the US & according to what i have been reading/researching, Once the petition gets approved. the letter that extends your green card( NOA I-791c) is void.

is this true? if that's the case, what should we do? please advice, i am really bothered by this as we have planned this trip since last year

thank you all for your help!

[Bill B 0]

I have read somewhere that if you are overseas you need to go to the nearest US Embassy. I would call USCIS to double-check.

[Brother Hesekiel 2,236]

You can travel internationally until the expiration date on the Green Card.

After that date you will need the NOA1 or you will have problems getting be allowed in. Keep in mind the NOA1 is not automatic. If something is obviously missing, you can wait for it until the end of time.

A few weeks after the NOA1, the NOA2 appointment will take place. If you miss that, you're in trouble.

The NOA1 is not voided by travel. It becomes meaningless once you have received your 10-year GC, however.

[karenkaye 1]

You can travel internationally until the expiration date on the Green Card.

After that date you will need the NOA1 or you will have problems getting be allowed in. Keep in mind the NOA1 is not automatic. If something is obviously missing, you can wait for it until the end of time.

A few weeks after the NOA1, the NOA2 appointment will take place. If you miss that, you're in trouble.

The NOA1 is not voided by travel. It becomes meaningless once you have received your 10-year GC, however.

I have a question - I thought that the biometrics took care of photos for the new 10 year gc - this post indicates that once the conditions are lifted you get a letter telling you to appear again at the service office, bringing photos and talks about a new form 551 - which is what I believe is a card that you put in your passport. I have a 2 year gc, have never had to show my passport at a POE since receiving it - I always show my gc and I've crossed back and from to and from Canada many times. Is the 551 for use until receipt of the new gc? I am confused. If anyone could clarify I'd sure appreciate it. Thanks!

Edited February 3, 2010 by karenkaye