Filing I-751 while abroad till November

[sokatatt 0]

I am a professional athlete currently playing soccer in Singapore with my spouse. My green card runs out on 8/26/11, however the season does not end until 11/01/11. After reading other posts I now realize I should have got an extension before I left but I was foolish and thought I could get it sorted from here. I know I have to file my I-751 within 90 days prior to my green card running out but after I file I do not know whats going to happen.

Will I get called for an interview?

Can I push the interview/ biometrics back until November?

How will I enter the US again?

Should I list Singapore as my address?

Should I include a personal letter explaining my situation when I file my I-751?

I really do not want to travel back to the US to get this sorted but I also do not want to loose my residency status as I can't afford to refile or pay for the flights.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

When you file, your receipt includes a 1 year extension which would get you back in the US after the card expires. Most biometrics happen about a month after application. I suppose you could file and get the extension, then deal with delay tactics for biometrics later. Most people don't have an interview, but it is possible. The problem I see with doing it abroad is gathering all the documentation of the marriage and co-mingling of assets unless you have copies of your joint bank statements, marriage license, joint income tax, car registrations etc with you in Singapore.

And have you worked out what being out of the country so long, even with a non-expired GC, means for a LPR? Are you in Singapore now? The US isn't keen on LPRs living outside the US for long periods, so maybe you should see how it affects you.

[rika60607 215]

No way to predict if you will be called for interview. Very few joint filers get interviews.

You can re-schedule biometrics and interview. To November? May be, if you file your petition close to the end of the 90 day window.

You could enter the US with expired GC and a NOA1 notice from I-751 filing.

You should not use your Singapore address. If you no longer have a mailing address in the US, then it may be concluded that you abandoned your residence in the US. You should look into maintaining residence FAQs on uscis.gov. I hope you did not lose it already!

You can include an explanation letter with your application (especially if you spent a lot of time abroad and your evidence is mostly from abroad), but be careful about what you write.

You are a professional athlete and can't afford tickets/filing fees? Wow. I thought you guys were well paid!

I am a professional athlete currently playing soccer in Singapore with my spouse. My green card runs out on 8/26/11, however the season does not end until 11/01/11. After reading other posts I now realize I should have got an extension before I left but I was foolish and thought I could get it sorted from here. I know I have to file my I-751 within 90 days prior to my green card running out but after I file I do not know whats going to happen.

Will I get called for an interview?

Can I push the interview/ biometrics back until November?

How will I enter the US again?

Should I list Singapore as my address?

Should I include a personal letter explaining my situation when I file my I-751?

I really do not want to travel back to the US to get this sorted but I also do not want to loose my residency status as I can't afford to refile or pay for the flights.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!