Applying for N400 While i-751 Pending and Traveling While I-751 is Pending

[ultrasound000 0]

INFO:

- I got my conditional permanent resident card through marriage to a US citizen in April 2010 and it expired on April 2012. Still happily married

- I applied for removal of condition in March 2012

- As of right now, the I-751 application is still pending and looks like it will for a while. Currently VSC is processing applications from September 2011.

- I'm eligible to apply for Citizenship (N400) in January 2013. Based on the slow processing at VSC, I suspect my I-751 will still be pending by the time I'm eligible to apply for citizenship (N400)

QUESTION 1: Can I apply for Citizenship (N400) while the Application for Removing Conditions (I-751) is pending? Does it speed up the I-751 processing in any way? I understand that I-751 has to be processed and approved first, no matter what. Or is it better to wait for I-751 to be approved first, then apply for N400? The officer during my info pass appointment said I can send in the N400 when eligible even though the I-751 is pending, but I want to make sure that's the correct move and that it does not make things more complex (i.e. things getting lost).

QUESTION 2: I plan to travel overseas for 3 weeks in December. Is this safe? Anyone has experience with this? I already got the I-551 stamp on my passport. My understanding is that the only risk is if they call us for an interview while we are away. I just want to make sure it's safe to travel before we make travel plans.

Lastly, for anyone interested, I was able to set up a Info pass appointment here in NYC and the immigration officer stamped my passport with I-551 with no problem. It was a very quick and easy meeting. So, I recommend it for anyone that's in the same spot and is planning to travel. My I-551 stamp expires in July 2013, so he actually extended my status for about 3-4 months (I-751 expires in March).

Thanks in advance!

[No-Where-Man 147]

Hello,

for question 1 : YES you can apply for N-400 even if I-751 still pending, some members reported even going all the way to the N-400 interview while the I-751 still pending, in this case, a request is put to finalize your green card first before getting an oath date, since they take it then.

For question 2: YES its safe to travel, you should have received an extension letter for 1 year when you sent the I-751, I would recommend also applying for a re-entry permit I-131 if you want to be totally relaxed and secured (not sure you will get it on time, but if not, you are good still with both the extension, old green card and the stamp)

Edited July 26, 2012 by no_where_man

[ultrasound000 0]

thanks for the reply no_where_man.

For question 2: I did receive the NOA 1 year extension letter and also I got my passport stamped with I-551.

What is a re-entry permit and what's the process for getting it?

Thanks!

[gnasa 3]

ultrasound000, you do not need a re-entry permit for just 3 weeks of travel. Your current expired GC coupled with the extension letter is fine to take short trips with. You also have extra insurance with the I-551 stamp which has a validity date on it.

REP's are for LPR's who are going to spend a large amount of continuous time out of US, like 8 months < time out < 2 years.

[ayra 2]

I believe you should be fine. But, the whole process for I-751 for you and other applicants are ridiculous. You apply for I-751 and expect your green card to be renewed. Pay 590 $ for the application.

However, service centers are way to late to process applications. By the time you should have receive your GC, you are most probably eligible to apply for N-400 and pay another $ 600 fee.

Then what is the purpose to pay $590, extend all applicants GC till they are eligible to apply for N-400. For 9 months, people pay 590$ to renew their GC which they can not receive on time.

590 $ is I guess nothing for the USCIS.