Travel when Green Card Expired

[daisy16 0]

In mid March I drove to Ontario Canada and then back to the US through the Queenston/Lewiston crossing. Both the Canadian and US agents commented on the expiration of my Green Card on 03/30/08.

On the way to Canada I was told that I need a stamp in my passport when the card expires. I told her that I have a letter already that allows me to travel, she said that was okay.

When I came back, the US agent told me that I cannot travel with an expired card! I was anxious to get my Timbits home so I didn't bother correcting him.

However, it is clear that US officials don't know the rules! Be careful!

[danutuke 0]

I just returned from my business trip to Canada and I agree it was not a pleasant trip.

I had a stamp in my passport (valid only for 2 months) and expired green card, but since my passport was in my maiden name and all other documents in my married name- it was not a pleasant trip. They search me each way and I was pulled on the side while by boss was waiting for me. It was not a pleasant moment.

My boss want me to go to Japan for training, but I do not want to go because I am scared that I migth get stuck there. There is a huge difference between going to Canada and Japan and if officers in Canada are not aware of these stamps, I don't think that the ones in Japan will be better.

I am already waiting for 14 months for the I-751.......

[imailin 0]

In mid March I drove to Ontario Canada and then back to the US through the Queenston/Lewiston crossing. Both the Canadian and US agents commented on the expiration of my Green Card on 03/30/08.

On the way to Canada I was told that I need a stamp in my passport when the card expires. I told her that I have a letter already that allows me to travel, she said that was okay.

When I came back, the US agent told me that I cannot travel with an expired card! I was anxious to get my Timbits home so I didn't bother correcting him.

However, it is clear that US officials don't know the rules! Be careful!

Nothing new... neither other government agencies.... With the extension letter the social security dep. should be able to replace your social if lost... but not, for them the extension letter is not valid, they wont give a social unless you have your passport stamped.... well..... amazing... because the passport doe snot make you more or less legal than a letter directly form USCIS.... whatever!!!

[Cassie 8]

I just returned from my business trip to Canada and I agree it was not a pleasant trip.

I had a stamp in my passport (valid only for 2 months) and expired green card, but since my passport was in my maiden name and all other documents in my married name- it was not a pleasant trip. They search me each way and I was pulled on the side while by boss was waiting for me. It was not a pleasant moment.

My boss want me to go to Japan for training, but I do not want to go because I am scared that I migth get stuck there. There is a huge difference between going to Canada and Japan and if officers in Canada are not aware of these stamps, I don't think that the ones in Japan will be better.

I am already waiting for 14 months for the I-751.......

Now see, I've had a completely different experience travelling back and forth to Canada than yourself and Daisy. My passport and ticket are in my maiden name, the GC and other ID is in my married name. I have yet (knock on wood) to have problems. Since my card expired, I have used it/the extension letter once, and the POE officer was visibly pleased that I had my paperwork in order. He even gave me a rundown of the whole process and what was next to come (meanwhile, in my brain, I was thinking "dude, I read VisaJourney, I'm good" ). I really think it depends on what officers you get on any given day.

In the futurem danutuke, I humbly suggest that your tickets match your passport (book them in your maiden name) and carry a copy of your marriage certificate for reference if you are asked, I really believe that may cut down on your problems in the future.

[tammiandtom 0]

We drove to Canada last September (via the Peace Bridge at Niagara). On the way there it was totally fine, on the way back though.... the US person had never seen the extension letter before. And you know how the letter mentions sending in additional documents (like financial docs, bills, etc).? The officer was asking if we did that. But that's just a generic part of the letter. Finally, he let us through, but for awhile there I was ready to panic.

We are going again in May, before his letter expires technically, but this is why I want him to get his passport stamped before that (next week).

Edited March 31, 2008 by Tammi

[Cassie 8]

I will be travelling again in the next two weeks, and will report if I have any out of the ordinary experiences with the officers.

[tammiandtom 0]

I will be travelling again in the next two weeks, and will report if I have any out of the ordinary experiences with the officers.

Good luck!

[Ashish 1]

We are headed to Edmonton in July. Hopefully we get the card by then...