Stressed,worried

[jw07 0]

Hello everyone, i'm in a bit of a bind and will be contacting USCIS on Monday for direct answers (hoepfully) but until then am curious if anyone can provide me with any information that will either alleviate my worries or prepare me for the worst...

I haven't logged on here in quite some time so i'm not sure if my timeline is up to date. For a quick rundown i am a Canadian citizen with PR status through marriage to an American. My husband and i have been married 2 1/2 years and i received my conditional green card in December of 07. I for whatever reason had it in my head that my greencard expired on December 27th. I just realized today that it expires on the 18th. I realize that not only should i have read the reminder letter more closely but should have actually LOOKED at the green card to verify. Anyway, i know i've had a 90 day window to send in my application to remove conditions, but i have left it to the last minute due to a variety of things: money issues, busy with a new job, all excuses and i know i should have done this a while ago. But, i figured it wouldn't matter if i sent it in the beginning of the 90 day period, or near the end of it.

I was planning on mailing my application next week with the thought that it had to be in by the 27th which is cutting it close, but on time nonetheless. However, my brother passed away unexpectedly 4 days ago. I am leaving tomorrow to fly back to Canada to be with my family there. My return flight is on December 21, so my green card will be expired. I have assembled my application with necessary documents and my husband will be overnighting it on monday. I have made a duplicate copy of the entire application to carry with me when i attempt to re-enter on the 21st. What sort of problems should i expect to arise from this? Will explaining my situation help at all? I realize that even if USCIS receives my application as soon as this coming tuesday, that it will not be enough time for me to receive any sort of confirmation that my application is in process or pending.

I am hoping to find some sort of resolution when i contact USCIS on Monday. I'd hate to have to turn around and leave Canada and my family early with only a few days to visit, considering the circumstances.

Any advice is much appreciated...

[Chica Yeyé 41]

I am deeply sorry to hear about your brother

You are in time to send in your papers as you are planning to do. The 90 days window does not close until your GC expires.

However, it is not recommended to leave the country without having your NOA1, which extends the validity of your GC for one year. Now, if you manage to get a hold of USCIS, or better yet, make an Infopass appointment, you might be able to get a letter of extension of sorts. If not, you would have to return before your GC expires - unless someone can Fedex you the NOA1 while you are in Canada.

Again, I am sorry for your loss.

[v333k 59]

Hello everyone, i'm in a bit of a bind and will be contacting USCIS on Monday for direct answers (hoepfully) but until then am curious if anyone can provide me with any information that will either alleviate my worries or prepare me for the worst...

I haven't logged on here in quite some time so i'm not sure if my timeline is up to date. For a quick rundown i am a Canadian citizen with PR status through marriage to an American. My husband and i have been married 2 1/2 years and i received my conditional green card in December of 07. I for whatever reason had it in my head that my greencard expired on December 27th. I just realized today that it expires on the 18th. I realize that not only should i have read the reminder letter more closely but should have actually LOOKED at the green card to verify. Anyway, i know i've had a 90 day window to send in my application to remove conditions, but i have left it to the last minute due to a variety of things: money issues, busy with a new job, all excuses and i know i should have done this a while ago. But, i figured it wouldn't matter if i sent it in the beginning of the 90 day period, or near the end of it.

I was planning on mailing my application next week with the thought that it had to be in by the 27th which is cutting it close, but on time nonetheless. However, my brother passed away unexpectedly 4 days ago. I am leaving tomorrow to fly back to Canada to be with my family there. My return flight is on December 21, so my green card will be expired. I have assembled my application with necessary documents and my husband will be overnighting it on monday. I have made a duplicate copy of the entire application to carry with me when i attempt to re-enter on the 21st. What sort of problems should i expect to arise from this? Will explaining my situation help at all? I realize that even if USCIS receives my application as soon as this coming tuesday, that it will not be enough time for me to receive any sort of confirmation that my application is in process or pending.

I am hoping to find some sort of resolution when i contact USCIS on Monday. I'd hate to have to turn around and leave Canada and my family early with only a few days to visit, considering the circumstances.

Any advice is much appreciated...

My condolences to you and your family.

If your application is ready, then I recommend mailing it the way you are mentioning - Monday morning and overnight. The USCIS office will receive it and usually send you back your NOA letter with the one year extension. I've heard of so many people, including me, that have received it within a week after USCIS receives the packet. If you can appoint someone to check your mail while you are out and have them mail you the letter, then you should be fine to reenter the US with the letter and your GC.

I, however, encourage you as your first step to do as Chica Yeye suggested and get an Infopass if it is possible with your time frame. Calling the USCIS line sometimes gets you no where.

Please feel free to ask more questions - there is a wealth of knowledge between all the members of VJ. I am sure you will be getting answers and suggestions through here much faster than waiting on a phone line...

My condolences once again, my prayers will go out to you and your family....

[Dakine 26]

Hello everyone, i'm in a bit of a bind and will be contacting USCIS on Monday for direct answers (hoepfully) but until then am curious if anyone can provide me with any information that will either alleviate my worries or prepare me for the worst...

I haven't logged on here in quite some time so i'm not sure if my timeline is up to date. For a quick rundown i am a Canadian citizen with PR status through marriage to an American. My husband and i have been married 2 1/2 years and i received my conditional green card in December of 07. I for whatever reason had it in my head that my greencard expired on December 27th. I just realized today that it expires on the 18th. I realize that not only should i have read the reminder letter more closely but should have actually LOOKED at the green card to verify. Anyway, i know i've had a 90 day window to send in my application to remove conditions, but i have left it to the last minute due to a variety of things: money issues, busy with a new job, all excuses and i know i should have done this a while ago. But, i figured it wouldn't matter if i sent it in the beginning of the 90 day period, or near the end of it.

I was planning on mailing my application next week with the thought that it had to be in by the 27th which is cutting it close, but on time nonetheless. However, my brother passed away unexpectedly 4 days ago. I am leaving tomorrow to fly back to Canada to be with my family there. My return flight is on December 21, so my green card will be expired. I have assembled my application with necessary documents and my husband will be overnighting it on monday. I have made a duplicate copy of the entire application to carry with me when i attempt to re-enter on the 21st. What sort of problems should i expect to arise from this? Will explaining my situation help at all? I realize that even if USCIS receives my application as soon as this coming tuesday, that it will not be enough time for me to receive any sort of confirmation that my application is in process or pending.

I am hoping to find some sort of resolution when i contact USCIS on Monday. I'd hate to have to turn around and leave Canada and my family early with only a few days to visit, considering the circumstances.

Any advice is much appreciated...

IMPORTANT!!

Get your application in MONDAY and express mail it. USCIS goes by date of receipt not the mailing date.

If you don't get in there by GC expiration you will be out of status and not allowed to work or travel.

[Ian + Anne 0]

First off, sorry to hear the bad news on your brother

Monday morning, make an info appointment with your local office where you had your biometrics done to get your GC or do a walk in if you can and explain to them that your brother has passed away, you may need proof of this for them to see. Ask if you can have your passport stamped to allow you to travel beyond the 18th December to your brothers funeral and back to the USA. All you need is an extension of 2 weeks at the most.

If you don't get your passport stamped with this, you will not be allowed to return to the USA after the 18th as you will be out of status.

I wish you all the best.

Edited December 13, 2009 by Ian + Anne

[Ian + Anne 0]

The USCIS office will receive it and usually send you back your NOA letter with the one year extension. I've heard of so many people, including me, that have received it within a week after USCIS receives the packet. If you can appoint someone to check your mail while you are out and have them mail you the letter, then you should be fine to reenter the US with the letter and your GC.

This is also a good idea, but I would not mail it on to Canada, would not want to risk it getting lost in the mail system, have someone photo copy it and mail the copy or send it via an e-mail to where you are going to be so it can be printed off. When you return to the US all you need to do is show them the letter with your GC and explain to them why you was out of the country if they ask. I'd rather keep the original letter at home in a safe place myself.

[v333k 59]

The USCIS office will receive it and usually send you back your NOA letter with the one year extension. I've heard of so many people, including me, that have received it within a week after USCIS receives the packet. If you can appoint someone to check your mail while you are out and have them mail you the letter, then you should be fine to reenter the US with the letter and your GC.

This is also a good idea, but I would not mail it on to Canada, would not want to risk it getting lost in the mail system, have someone photo copy it and mail the copy or send it via an e-mail to where you are going to be so it can be printed off. When you return to the US all you need to do is show them the letter with your GC and explain to them why you was out of the country if they ask. I'd rather keep the original letter at home in a safe place myself.

I meant FedEx it to Canada...

[Old Dominion 26]

Sorry you have had this loss. I think the best course would be to reschedule your return flight. You are leaving on the 14th -- can you return the 17th instead of waiting longer? Everyone should understand.

[Brother Hesekiel 2,236]

Life is all about decisions. I lost my parents and could not attend their funerals. I could have, of course, but I chose not to in order not to jeopardize my life here.

You are in the same position. You do not need to be with your family, but you can choose to, if you are willing to accept the possible consequences.

Given your situation, however, the worst that can happen to you that you have to stay a bit longer in Canada until your NOA1 arrives. Most likely, that will only be a few days.

[jw07 0]

Just wanted to give a little update to how this situation has played out. I made a copy of my entire I-751 app and brought it to Canada with me. My package has been received in Cali. I called the border patrol in Winnipeg which is where i will be hitting US customs before arriving home in Chicago.

I was told quite simply that with my expired greencard, and a copy of my application to remove conditions, "not to worry about it" and that i'll be just fine getting through.

I was extremely stressed out assuming i'd need my NOA letter to get back in. I did explain my circumstances to the woman on the phone at border patrol and i'm not sure if the fact my brother just died had anything to do with her being so understanding, or wether they can be this leniant at any time. I will be bringing a copy of my brothers death certificate just in case as well as my airline ticket from my flight in showing that i wasn't here long. However, the woman on the phone also said that if my application has been sent in and received that they can look that up in their database and confirm it anyway.

Thank you to everyone who replied with advice.

[nancy07 0]

Just wanted to give a little update to how this situation has played out. I made a copy of my entire I-751 app and brought it to Canada with me. My package has been received in Cali. I called the border patrol in Winnipeg which is where i will be hitting US customs before arriving home in Chicago.

I was told quite simply that with my expired greencard, and a copy of my application to remove conditions, "not to worry about it" and that i'll be just fine getting through.

I was extremely stressed out assuming i'd need my NOA letter to get back in. I did explain my circumstances to the woman on the phone at border patrol and i'm not sure if the fact my brother just died had anything to do with her being so understanding, or wether they can be this leniant at any time. I will be bringing a copy of my brothers death certificate just in case as well as my airline ticket from my flight in showing that i wasn't here long. However, the woman on the phone also said that if my application has been sent in and received that they can look that up in their database and confirm it anyway.

Thank you to everyone who replied with advice.

Good luck with everything, sorry about your brother