Traveling with I-551 from Pakistan

[sial2009 5]

Hi,

I am a new member but having been following this awesome site since I found it

About my immigration journey: I entered US once again on an SB1 visa in May 2014. At the POE, the immigration officer said she cant give me old green card back and I would have to wait for a new one. I waited one month, I asked a few lawyers and they all said to wait. After a month of waiting when I called USCIS, I was told that they cant do anything until 45 dsys have passed since I arrived. After 45 days and more waiting , I was told that I had to fill the I-90. I sent out I-90 in July 2014, had my biometrics in early August.

I had to travel to Pakistan, but my green card still hasnt arrived at my US address. My question is if anyone ever traveled from Pakistan with the immigrant visa with I-551 endorsement validity of 1 year? Did they have issues at tbe airport? I am worried because at times the airline staff isn't aware of such things.

Edited November 24, 2014 by sial2009

[sarahch 68]

do you really have to go back? Getting an SB-1 visa is so hard, why risk loosing your status?

[sial2009 5]

Actually I am already in Pakistan. I know how hard the sb1 process is, especially with US embassy in Islamabad, where they kept on making mistakes and not having of record of what I submitted.

It might not have been so wise to travel but I did, and now am really worried about my return to US.

[sarahch 68]

I know, my grandmother just went recently to apply for an SB-1 visa, and they denied her, they did the same as you mention, they werent keeping a record of anything she would submit such as receipts and all that, she had to keep reminding them, did they take your first green card?

You should have asked a lawyer before departing the US. , Pray that the port of entry officer is not to mean or that they let you leave from Pakistan,

[sial2009 5]

The CO (american)who interviewed me for my SB1 was really nice and understood my situation. The pre-interview was done by a pakistani, who discouraged me to go ahead with my application and kept of saying how white counselors were strict! I had to give in my first green card at the embassy and the envelope that I submitted at the POE had it. The officer was really strict and said I would have to wait for a new card in the mail.

I asked my lawyer and he said I could travel so long as I didnt stay out for 6 months and I had the stamp in my passport.

[hmh33 117]

The stamp is equivalent to a physical green card, so long as it's valid. Just don't stay in Pakistan too long.