Expedited Green Card Renewal

[MadBuddha 0]

Hey everyone,

I'm a little frantic so I hope I'm posting in the correct forum.

I've lived in the United States for 19 years as a permanent resident with a Green Card and UK passport. My father lives in Australia and is a bit older and not too healthy. I booked a one way ticket to go be with him, had my travel visa approved and am leaving in just over two weeks. My plan was to be away for about a month. I just looked at and realized my green card expired 3 weeks ago...

This trip means the world to me not to mention it's already quite expensive. I've made an appointment with USCIS for first thing Monday morning. With just 14 days between my appointment and my travels, what is the best way to proceed and what are the realistic chances of this working out?

I've printed out and will fill out an I-90 beforehand and have my Green Card and passport. I'll also bring my Australia itinerary and visa approval email. What other materials might I need to successfully expedite this?

I really hope someone can help me out with information. Thanks so much!

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

You only need the GC to return to the US. They should be able to give you a travel letter at the embassy if you don't have it by then. Your LPR status does not expire - just the card.

Since you haven't left yet maybe USCIS can give you some other options too (like a I-551 stamp in passport).

[milimelo 4,487]

Is there a reason you're not doing ONLINE I-90 renewal but going about it the long way (mailing form out)? If you do it online you'll have confirmation of payment right away and should be able to do a walk-in for biometrics. If all else fails, use the confirmation to book an appointment with your local embassy/consulate to get a transport letter back to the US.

Renew a Green Card

How to Apply To Renew a Green Card

If you are a permanent resident whose 10-year green card has expired or will expire within the next 6 months, you may begin the renewal process by:

• Online E-Filing Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card.
• Filing a paper Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card by mail.

How to Renew a Green Card If You Are Outside the United States

If you are outside the United States and your green card will expire within 6 months (but you will return within 1 year of your departure from the United States and before the card expires), you should file for your renewal card as soon as you return to the United States.

If you are outside of the United States when the card expires and you have not applied for the renewal card prior to your departure, you should contact the nearest U.S. Consulate, USCIS office, or U.S. port of entry before attempting to file Form I-90 for a renewal green card.

http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.eb1d4c2a3e5b9ac89243c6a7543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=8ae33a4107083210VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD&vgnextchannel=8ae33a4107083210VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD

Edited June 2, 2013 by milimelo

[MadBuddha 0]

Hi milimelo,

I'm not actually doing it the long way. I live in New York City where you must schedule an appointment to go to USCIS. It's one of the few exceptions nationwide it seems. I believe this is right but I've read so much online that I'm not 100%. I was also afraid to file something online as it might create an issue when I go and apply in person. I was just being overly careful I guess.

If I do decide to just go even without a stamp (which is not the plan) how long would you think that process would take with the embassy? I'm planning to stay as long as a month but have some obligations in the US. I may suddenly have to leave.

I was more worried that I show up on Monday and won't have everything I need. Do you guys think that my passport, expired green card, Australian visa, itinerary and maybe some communication with my father would be enough reason for an expedited renewal? Does anyone have experience with this?

Cheers

[Brother Hesekiel 2,236]

I would love to hear ONE, only a single ONE reason, why you as a Brit procrastinated for at least 13 years to become a US citizen, yet now find yourself in a situation where every day matters. I'm willing to learn . . .

[NickD 203]

Granted, rather limited experience on this subject, but every ticket price I have looked at, a round trip ticket is even cheaper than a one way ticket! Did you even look? And buying just a one way ticket can lead to further complications when entering a country. But varies widely from country to country., something else you should look into.

Another racket is paying more than twice as much for a refundable ticket. Ran into that last month where one piece of paper was required for a relative to make a trip. But took the cheapest route and purchased the cheapest ticket. That piece of paper didn't come in, so was just out 175 bucks by canceling that ticket.

Wouldn't even think about taking a trip without all the paperwork, and with the POE's customs, etc., not exactly dealing with reasonable people.

[hmh33 117]

I would love to hear ONE, only a single ONE reason, why you as a Brit procrastinated for at least 13 years to become a US citizen, yet now find yourself in a situation where every day matters. I'm willing to learn . . .

There are legitimate reasons (tax, employment, philosophical) for people not to want to naturalize. Personally, I intend to become a USC as soon as possible, but others aren't necessarily in the same boat.

[Dave&Roza 748]

Granted, rather limited experience on this subject, but every ticket price I have looked at, a round trip ticket is even cheaper than a one way ticket! Did you even look? And buying just a one way ticket can lead to further complications when entering a country. But varies widely from country to country., something else you should look into.

Unless you are like some people who claim you are throwing away money when they compare the cost of a one-way verses a round trip. Somehow they try telling me that by not using the other part of the RT it cost me more money than the one-way--the RT cost about $2000 and the one-way cost $3200. I left that debate as I only look at the out of pocket cost. I agree with you on the RT verse one-way and the refundable verses on-refundable. It all boils down to how many of those bills leave my pocket.

Dave