Traveling with I-551 (but no green card yet) - any trouble on re-entry?

[ShadowCat170 0]

Hi all,

My husband was approved for an IR-1 visa and entered the U.S. on April 8th and got the stamp in his passport which means he has an I-551. I understand this functions as residence for one year, and that international travel is permitted. The physical green card hasn't arrived yet

We'll be traveling outside the U.S. June 1-21, and my questions are...

1. Has anyone had issues upon re-entering the U.S. with the I-551 (visa + stamp) but no green card in hand? Any extra / annoying questions asked by the immigration officer?
2. Should he go in the permanent residents' line or the visitors' line? I tend to assume the former, but I could be wrong.
3. Should we bring all our documents with us (the full NVC packet - marriage cert, proof of residence, etc.), just in case?

Thanks in advance!

[Elf 146]

The I-551 stamp is a green card: the physical green card is also an I-551, the stamp in the passport is simply the same document in a different format..

He shouldn't have any issues re-entering with an I-551 stamp, there's no need to bring the entire NVC packet with you and I wouldn't expect any additional questions either.

He's been a permanent resident since he entered the US on the IR-1, so he should use the permanent residents line.

Edited May 19, 2016 by Elf