Removing Conditions on 2 Yr Green Card + Travel

[kaussie 0]

Hi,

Question 1:

I am a 2-year green card holder and it is about to expire at the beginning of May 2014. I have overseas travel booked for work at the beginning of April. Will it be an issue if i I file my I-751 now and try to travel in April? Will it be an issue to travel with paperwork that is 'currently in process' (even though my green card will not have expired yet?)

Question 2:

I did not change my name when I got married because I was an E3 visa holder and did not want any confusion during my green card paperwork. Does it make sense to change my name now, prior to filing my I-751/applying for removal of conditions?

Any help is MUCH appreciated - the whole process is very confusing!

Kate

[Virtuous45 31]

Hi Kaussie,

As it relates to Question 1, from what I've read here, you are about into the 90 window before the expiration date of your Green Card, and as such should be looking to file for removal now. You can check out this guide. http://www.visajourney.com/content/751guide.

Have no info on Question 2.

That should be *90-day* window

[kaussie 0]

Thanks @virtuous45 - I am definitely in the 90-day window, but can you travel in that 90-day window if you file the I-751 or are you stuck until it is processed?

[nightingalejules 678]

You need to find out if you have to relinquish you conditional gc when you apply for removal of conditions. If not, and your trip will end before your conditional gc expires, travel away!

[Cheezees 1,514]

You can travel as long as your green card is unexpired. You are a valid permanent resident until that date.

Changing your name is not a requirement for anything. Why are you even considering it?

[needs help 0]

If you file the I 751 now, you can expect to get your appointment letter for biometrics in a few weeks. If you can do the biometrics before leaving USA, it would be good. However, if the biometrics is scheduled for when you are gone, you would need to re-schedule. it. So it just depends on your timing.

[kaussie 0]

Thanks everyone - would there be any scenario where it makes sense to wait to file until right before or even after my travel (which would be 1 month before my expiration date, and still within the 90-day window)? Just in case the biometrics appointment notification came while I was away?

[KASH2011 382]

Thanks everyone - would there be any scenario where it makes sense to wait to file until right before or even after my travel (which would be 1 month before my expiration date, and still within the 90-day window)? Just in case the biometrics appointment notification came while I was away?

[cathy2904 97]

Don't forget that you will need to have the original NOA1 letter (confirming receipt of the ROC petition) with you if your travel means you will return after your green card has expired so don't cut it too fine.

Edited March 2, 2014 by cathy2904

[ama537621 3]

Some countries do not like the expired GC and the NOA1 from the ROC.

I know in China they throw a fit and can give you a very hard time getting back into the states. Sometimes it is better to get an I-551 stamp in your passport if you travel during the ROC process.

[PDNK 5]

Hi,ama537621. can we walk in and get a stamp or we need make appointment first before we go local office.

Thanks