Form I-751 - Process surpassing Expiration of Current Green Card

[Steve & Hazel 5]

Hi there,

I'm due to submit Form I-751 to remove conditions from my green card. I understand that we have to submit the form 90 days before card expiration. My question is that while we wait or our new green card, what happens if it surpasses expiration date of our current one? I doubt that USCIS will have everything processed and my new green card sent within the 90 days before my current one expires. Will this affect my ability to work?

Thanks for the help in advance, I am somewhat in panic mode already.

Hazel

[tiredlongroad 0]

When you submit your application, they send you a letter extending you 'legal status' for one year. The letter + your expired green card are good enough. I used the letter+expired GC when travelling so many times and had no issues at customs when coming into the country. Airlines had not problems with it except BA.

[Steve & Hazel 5]

When you submit your application, they send you a letter extending you 'legal status' for one year. The letter + your expired green card are good enough. I used the letter+expired GC when travelling so many times and had no issues at customs when coming into the country. Airlines had not problems with it except BA.

Thank you!

Once you submit your I-751 application, you will get an extension letter that extends your status by one (1) year from the date your conditional green card expired. During this one year, you are allowed to travel and work. If USCIS has still not finished adjudicating your I-751 by the end of the one year, you can get an InfoPass appointment closer to the extension's expiry date and get an I-551 stamp on your passport which will further extend your legal status. In other words, there is nothing to worry about since you are provided ample time to preserve your legal status. Good luck!

Thanks very much!

[LionessDeon 2,060]

Mailing the Packet & What to do While You Wait

The I-751 form and accompanying documents are mailed to either the USCIS California or Vermont Service Centers (click here to see the filing location for your state) depending on your state of residence. (Use certified mail or priority mail with delivery confirmation, and write "Attention: I-751 petition to remove conditions of status" on the envelope under the address.) You will receive a notice of receipt for the form stating that "Your alien card is extended one year - employment and travel authorized". Keep the receipt with your green card. If by some chance you are not approved within a year you will want to make an InfoPass appointment to go to your Local Office to request an I-551 stamp in your passport. This does happen as it sometimes it takes over a year to be approved. After your NOA extension expires, this is your only evidence of legal status which you are required to have, by law. This happens occasionally, that a case takes over a year, but it's rare. Local Offices will not give an I-551 stamp if you have another type of evidence of status (ie, expired Green Card + extension letter).