I-551 stamp received for travel

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

We went to the Tampa local office today to ask for a I-551 stamp in Nani's passport. Just don't want to worry about explaining this stupid letter to the folks at Bole airport in Addis Ababa when she returns from Ethiopia. To our surprise, the I-551 stamp was easily available. All we had to do was make an appointment and go there to ask for it. Took all of 15 minutes. Very fast and very friendly.

Then we went to take care of the bio appointment today as well. I'd say we were at the ASC for maybe 45 minutes. So, we're done for now - just waiting for them to get around to adjudicate our I-751. But with the I-551 stamp in the passport good until 8/29/08, we ain't all that concerned about this process anymore.

[chri'stina 190]

Good to know.

I had posted a Q about traveling, b/c as you said I am not sure if all airports in other countries know much about the letter. But it's good to know Sujeet could get the stamp easily.

[Marilyn. 340]

i think it depends on the office because if I remember correctly some people couldn't get the stamp so easily...

Edited August 30, 2007 by MarilynP

[Lugn 0]

Has anyone ever aksed for the stamp during the biometrics? If so, any luck??

Edited August 30, 2007 by Lugn

[tweety 1]

I remember that shortly after the AOS was approved, I went to the local office and was denied the stamp - they said they wouldn't do I551 stamps anymore. Not sure if it would be any different now.

Anyway, great to see yours went without problems. Happy traveling!

Tanja

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

Has anyone ever aksed for the stamp during the biometrics? If so, any luck??

We were at the Sub-Office for the stamp and at the ASC (other side of town) for the biometrics.

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

i think it depends on the office because if I remember correctly some people couldn't get the stamp so easily...

That's my understanding as well as I seem to recall VJ members saying they couldn't get the stamp. We made the appointment and went there encouraged by correspondence we had in writing from our Congressman's office advising us that the TSC informed their office that we could go for a stamp at the local office if we wanted to do that. We had that letter with us - just in case - but didn't need it at all. So, for those within the jurisdiction of the Tampa Sub-Office: The stamp is available upon request.

Stina,

If Sujeet is looking to travel, get that stamp. It's a low hassle approach and should make the traveling much easier. Just the thought of messing with this stupid letter makes me shudder.

[archie07 0]

Hey Big Dog, was that you sitting in the trailer this morning???

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

Hey Big Dog, was that you sitting in the trailer this morning???

???

[archie07 0]

I was at the tampa office too yesterday morning. there was a trailer on the side that is used for a waiting room. I thought maybe that was you and your wife sitting in it. I was the only person there with a filipina wife.

[Cassie 8]

Reinhard, were you just worried that the officials wouldn't recognize the letter? Because I had no trouble at all using mine.

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

Reinhard, were you just worried that the officials wouldn't recognize the letter? Because I had no trouble at all using mine.

Yes, I was worried that the Ethiopian officials and/or the Ethiopian airline crew would have trouble with this expired green card + extension letter deal. I wouldn't have been worried if she was going to Canada or Western Europe. But she's heading to Ehtiopia. If you had been there - as I have - you'd be worried too.

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

I was at the tampa office too yesterday morning. there was a trailer on the side that is used for a waiting room. I thought maybe that was you and your wife sitting in it. I was the only person there with a filipina wife.

What USCIS office were you at? The one on West Cypress? I did not see a trailer there. We walked right into the little building and took a seat down the hall on the right. If you came in between 7:00 am and 7:15 am, you would have walked by us. We were the only couple with a baby.

[Hamster Mom 0]

I feel jealous of Nali.

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

I feel jealous of Nali.

???