ROC on I-751 waiver is taking too long

[galephys 12]

So I heard that VSC is backlogged like crazy. I sent my RFE response 2 months ago next Monday and have not heard back yet. Online it still says "Initial review". I am starting to worry that I won't get my GC on time.

Right now I have a CGC, expired on December 6 2012, and a letter which extends it for a year, dated October 19. To my knowledge it means my GC is now valid till December 6, not October 19, right?

I didn't expect it to take so long and bought tickets to go see my family over Christmas...

What happens if:

1)I get an interview, get approved, but it's less than 30 days before I need to travel, and chances are I won't get my GC on time? I read there is some sort of a passport stamp I can get while waiting for actual GC, is that right?

2) If it all gets going for too long and I don't hear anything or don't have my interview scheduled until after my extended GC expires? If I don't get it straight until December 6, I will loos my job, my house and all in between. If the case takes more than a year, does USCIS send me another extension letter?

My case is strong: joint property, joint lease, joint bank accounts, utility bills, car insurances, affidavits, photos, letters and tickets to reflect 4 years of relationships, as well as divorce papers, police reports and psychologyst treatment summaries. RFE was for divorce decree and address clarification, which they lost along the way:( I am not worried that USCIS won't believe me, because I told a true story and supported it with evidence, I am worried I will lose my awesome badass best-in-the-world job in December.

Thank you for any advice and information.

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

You can get a I-551 stamp in your passport. No need to stress.

[galephys 12]

You can get a I-551 stamp in your passport. No need to stress.

That is if I am approved before traveling. But what if it's a case 2: I don't hear anything until December... Then I am stuck: no letter on approval, no extension letter and status expires!

[newlyweds2010 208]

You can apply for an extension of the extension.

[galephys 12]

You can apply for an extension of the extension.

Is there a form for that? How is it done?

[newlyweds2010 208]

Is there a form for that? How is it done?

You do it by means of an InfoPass appointment when your extension letter is about to expire. If you haven't received an approval notice a month before your extension expires, you can go online on the USCIS website, schedule an appointment, and go talk in person and request an extension of your extension. Also, it's very possible that you will be approved before that time. I wouldn't stress too much.

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

That is if I am approved before traveling. But what if it's a case 2: I don't hear anything until December... Then I am stuck: no letter on approval, no extension letter and status expires!

Nope; you are mistaken. Once the extension runs out you can get a stamp. Your status also does not expire. Your are misinformed and that is causing you stress; the situation is not as bad as you think it is.

[VanessaTony 3,567]

That is if I am approved before traveling. But what if it's a case 2: I don't hear anything until December... Then I am stuck: no letter on approval, no extension letter and status expires!

As Harpa stated, you are misinformed. You don't need approval to get the I-551 stamp, you are already an LPR and the stamp is proof of that.

By filing ROC you are filing for an extension on the expiration date of your GC.

You did not lose status once your GC expired, you just didn't have proof of status without the extension letter. Likewise once the letter expires your status does not expire, just your proof and that's why you get the stamp.

[galephys 12]

Oh... I see. geez, it was getting on my nerves! Alright. So: If I don't get approved a month before my GC expires, I set and InfoPass and get a stamp or another extension letter. If I get approved too close to the date of travel, I still set an appointment and get a stamp or a letter.

And last, but not least: If I don't do any of that and my GC extension expires, it doesn't mean my status expired and technically i can still work, right?

I got all confused because when I went to Social Security to change my name back after a divorce they said they need an new GC as a proof of my legal status here. Didn't accept the letter or anything else. Then at work they also want my GC extension letter as a proof, and these gals should be used to stuff like this because we are a big international facility, 30-40% of the workers are foreigners.

Thank you!

[VanessaTony 3,567]

Oh... I see. geez, it was getting on my nerves! Alright. So: If I don't get approved a month before my GC expires, I set and InfoPass and get a stamp or another extension letter. If I get approved too close to the date of travel, I still set an appointment and get a stamp or a letter.

And last, but not least: If I don't do any of that and my GC extension expires, it doesn't mean my status expired and technically i can still work, right?

I got all confused because when I went to Social Security to change my name back after a divorce they said they need an new GC as a proof of my legal status here. Didn't accept the letter or anything else. Then at work they also want my GC extension letter as a proof, and these gals should be used to stuff like this because we are a big international facility, 30-40% of the workers are foreigners.

There is no new letter, just the stamp.

And yes, about a month before it expires (if you haven't got an interview letter yet or you do and it's after the 12 month extension time) then just make an INFOPASS and ask for an I-551 stamp in your passport. Shouldn't be a problem.

The SSA is wrong about accepting the extension letter, you probably just got a moron. The stamp should work for that (and work) too.

No stress You still have legal status.

[Hypnos 6,578]

An I-551 stamp carries the same weight as a full green card, it just has an expiration date of usually one year (instead of two years for a conditional green card). It should be accepted by the Social Security Administration, CBP (when re-entering the country) or anyone else who needs to see proof of lawful presence.

[galephys 12]

There is no new letter, just the stamp.

And yes, about a month before it expires (if you haven't got an interview letter yet or you do and it's after the 12 month extension time) then just make an INFOPASS and ask for an I-551 stamp in your passport. Shouldn't be a problem.

The SSA is wrong about accepting the extension letter, you probably just got a moron. The stamp should work for that (and work) too.

No stress You still have legal status.

hmmmm... so if I make an InoPass apt now and get a stamp it will shut up both SSA and my workplace? Or USIC won't give it to me because it's too early?

Thanks! Life is getting easier post be post:)