What happens when your 2yr GC is about to expire

[Messybrownhair 251]

I just got my 2 yr GC a month ago, and I was wondering what happens when you file ROC 3 months before it expires, but it doesn't arrive in 3 months? Does that mean in that period you cannot work or travel? Just curious because the time I file for ROC will be the time my husband comes back from his deployment so it would be nice for us to travel then, but I realize it might not work out as planned. Hope someone can explain it to me! Thanks

[Saddle Bronc 124]

The NOA-1 of the ROC is a letter extending the conditional-GC by one year--for travel outside US within that one year, it does add the restriction that (should the 10-year version not arrive before you board a flight leaving US) you need to carry that letter with you to show at re-entry (and sometimes also for trip-transit--such as if the traveller is an Indian GC-holder with a ticket transitting Heathrow).

[Messybrownhair 251]

I see.. I did not know that! That is good to know.. Thank you!

[Saddle Bronc 124]

Also, for your return trip to US, use 4.5 hours (rather than common-recommendation 3) to arrive prior to departure--use the assumption that those handling check-in will not know how to handle ROC.