Traveling with expired green card and extension letter

[sunshinestate2017 0]

Hello - My greencard application to remove conditions is in process. I'm planning to travel internationally with my expired greencard and the Notice of Action letter. Has anyone encountered any issues boarding the plane or reentering the States? I will be taking my passport, expired greencard and original letter of extension. 

 

Thank you in advance for your time.

 

 

[jetlagged 3]

I went to Canada last December with an expired GC and extension letter. The ignorant/stupid lady in the check-in counter of WestJet didn't even read my extension letter and just told me "unfortunately, I cant allow you to go because your GC is expired. Usually, the GC comes with a sticker that says it was extended blah blah"... I kept my calm and explained to her that I am waiting for my new GC and it is in process and the letter states that. She still wont check me in so I asked for the supervisor. After like 45 mins in the counter with a bored toddler they checked me in. Contrary to my experience entering US from Vancouver, I had no problems. There's a US pre-immigration in Vancouver airport and the immigration officer just checked my letter and passport and let me go. So I guess immigration officers are aware and knowledgeable about these situations but not all airline employees at the check-in counters. I have an upcoming trip to Cancun, Mexico and I am hoping I wont go through that hassle again at LAX. God bless your trip.

[Dashinka 24,718]

My wife just came back from Russia via China and had no issues.  Based on what I have heard which echo what Jetlagged wrote the issues seem to crop up when checking in at the airport.  Not all airline personnel are familiar with the extension letter, so like what jetlagged mentioned you may face a hassle.  Fortunately for my wife the Delta employees in Beijing were familiar and she had no issues checking in, once in Detroit, the only issue was that she could not use the self-serve kiosks, but she was not subjected to secondary.

 

My advice is to check with or call the airline you will be using for your return trip and see what their requirements are.  Some do require a stamp or boarding foil.  I am not very familiar with this, but if your airline requires it, I am sure you can find information.

 

Good Luck!

[sunshinestate2017 0]

Thank you, both! This is really helpful.

Edited March 31, 2017 by sunshinestate2017