Traveling on Extension Letter?

[Zcomuto 16]

I just want to chime in and say what my experience was like flying Gatwick to Denver on an extension letter.

 

Gatwick - the Norwegian Air staff didn't look like they recognised the letter, but they accepted it without question. My boarding card had a note on it (that I assume was manually added) stating 'Green card exp has ext letter". I had to present this letter 3 times - ones in the checkin line for the security stamp on the passport, one at the actual checkin, and once when boarding the plane itself.

 

Denver - I was automatically directed to the electronic machines to scan the green card by the assistants there, who wasn't surprised that it didn't take (Errored, said document expired, directed me to manual screening with an actual person). I took this slip, my passport, green card, extension letter and customs declaration to the CBP checkpoint and wasn't asked a single question. Let me in without hassle.

[BecnChris2018 4]

On 1/27/2018 at 5:17 AM, Zcomuto said:

I just want to chime in and say what my experience was like flying Gatwick to Denver on an extension letter.

 

Gatwick - the Norwegian Air staff didn't look like they recognised the letter, but they accepted it without question. My boarding card had a note on it (that I assume was manually added) stating 'Green card exp has ext letter". I had to present this letter 3 times - ones in the checkin line for the security stamp on the passport, one at the actual checkin, and once when boarding the plane itself.

 

Denver - I was automatically directed to the electronic machines to scan the green card by the assistants there, who wasn't surprised that it didn't take (Errored, said document expired, directed me to manual screening with an actual person). I took this slip, my passport, green card, extension letter and customs declaration to the CBP checkpoint and wasn't asked a single question. Let me in without hassle.

 

Exactly our experience, too, coming to and from Gatwick into Los Angeles. 

[AH&JH 10]

On 4/26/2017 at 9:54 AM, Derwood said:

There have been quite a few posts recently regarding traveling on an expired GC with the one year extension letter.

 

Page 38 of this document provides some reassurance:

 

https://www.cbp.gov/sites/default/files/documents/Carrier Information Guide- English.pdf

 

It also makes clear that the 12 month extension is from the card expiry date, not the receipt date of the I-797.

The link is not working anymore, but if you use the search bar and write Carrier Information Guide it will prompt you to the document.

Edited February 3, 2018 by AH&JH

[AH&JH 10]

Planning on traveling to Colombia this month, I have my expired GC, Extension later (expired already) and Stamp in my passport valid for 1 year. 

I want to stay one month but Im scared of having problems returning back.

 

Is one month ok or it would be more advisable to stay just 3 weeks? should I stay 2 weeks? Should I just not travel? 

 

I dont think USCIS will get to my case in the next 3 months.

 

Anyone has been in Colombia with extension letter or stamp and has return can please share the experience?

 

Thank you!

[theanswerisdance 144]

1 hour ago, AH&JH said:

The link is not working anymore, but if you use the search bar and write Carrier Information Guide it will prompt you to the document.

https://www.cbp.gov/sites/default/files/assets/documents/2017-Nov/carrier-information-guide-english.pdf

[llchun87 0]

So after the biometric appointment, after they approve the application, you have to go to another interview in order to get the 10 year green card right?

 

I had the biometric, just waiting to hear back now, but I want to travel to Japan and Hong kong for 2 weeks, I'm wondering how much time is there between the interview appointment and when I get notified about the appointment. I'm worried that if we get notified by mail when we are gone, I could miss it if it's only a few days or a week away. Is it possible to reschedule it if I get someone to check my mail for me.

 

Thanks in advance. This forum has always been my go to when I can't find answer else where, I'm glad.

[jlc201 47]

3 hours ago, llchun87 said:

So after the biometric appointment, after they approve the application, you have to go to another interview in order to get the 10 year green card right?

 

No, most ROC applications are approved without an interview. There is a possibility that you will be required to attend an interview if there are questions about your application, but that would happen long after the application is submitted (like more than a year), so no need to alter short-term travel plans.

[br9k 23]

Partially on topic - if they do require an interview, how far ahead do they notify you? I.e. how much time is there between the interview notification letter and the actual interview? 

 

We might be traveling closer to the one year mark from the original submission, so I'd like to plan in case we get interview invitation from USCIS while out of the country. 

[military-wife 9]

don't worry I travelled abroad with the letter stating I had an extension for a year (I went to the middle east to see my military husband stationed there), and I had no problem whatsoever. 

 

The airline didn't ask me anything. I just went to the counter that is for non-US citizens.

[wildcrdj 12]

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Edited February 23, 2018 by wildcrdj
wrong thread

[Roy&Chanel 109]

hey guys, I have just returned to US from Singapore. Remember to bring your PR card along with the extension letter.

Here's my experience. 

On Departure in Atlanta, had no issues with checking in and customs. 

I was flying from Singapore via Doha Qatar to US, in Singapore during my departure home to US, the check-in employee was unsure about the extension travel document, she had to seek her manager for assistance. 

As for Qatar transit was a little of problem, the staffs were clueless about whether to calculate days from the card or on the letter, I have to explain to them. Going through the customs at boarding was quite strict, I been checked body and with my handcarry 3 times. (they put a highlight marking on my boarding pass)

At POE in Atlanta, I have to go to the booth instead of machine scan, they asked a couple of questions, CPB officer is well aware of my extension letter. 

 

Edited February 25, 2018 by Roy&Chanel

[pmeyer1229 331]

I had a question that may not go here, but please direct me if applicable. My fiancé arrived in the USA last week and we will be getting married March 17 (K1 visa). My question is, where is she able to travel for our honeymoon? I would guess we could go to Hawaii as it is the USA....but what about an Alaskan Cruise that must make a stop in Canada. Or a Mexican cruise that leaves from Los Angeles. Not sure about the law here and don't want to get in trouble...Thanks in advance for your answer(s).

[sharin 41]

On 3/1/2018 at 2:11 PM, pmeyer1229 said:

I had a question that may not go here, but please direct me if applicable. My fiancé arrived in the USA last week and we will be getting married March 17 (K1 visa). My question is, where is she able to travel for our honeymoon? I would guess we could go to Hawaii as it is the USA....but what about an Alaskan Cruise that must make a stop in Canada. Or a Mexican cruise that leaves from Los Angeles. Not sure about the law here and don't want to get in trouble...Thanks in advance for your answer(s).

Your K-1 fiancé visa is only valid for one entry to the United States. If you leave the United States on your K-1 visa, you will not be able to reenter.
For your fiance to travel out of country & re-enter in US - you'll need to file for GREEN CARD which is adjustment of status I-485 (after marriage certificate in possession) along with travel permit (I-131 form) & work authorization (I-765) forms. 

 

Either wait to complete this formalities before honeymoon OR hire lawyer who can give you suggestions which will suit your requirement on traveling. I'd advise to go on honeymoon somewhere within USA (Hawaii is considered as part of US and return flight is treated as domestic flight which WONT be routed through Immigration & Passport control area). 

[mrs thb 331]

On 3/1/2018 at 12:11 PM, pmeyer1229 said:

I had a question that may not go here, but please direct me if applicable. My fiancé arrived in the USA last week and we will be getting married March 17 (K1 visa). My question is, where is she able to travel for our honeymoon? I would guess we could go to Hawaii as it is the USA....but what about an Alaskan Cruise that must make a stop in Canada. Or a Mexican cruise that leaves from Los Angeles. Not sure about the law here and don't want to get in trouble...Thanks in advance for your answer(s).

As others have said, you cannot leave until you get your adjustment of status approval.  You can however take a cruise that originates in the USA and returns to the USA and makes several POC to other places BUT you CANNOT get off the boat as you will be entering a new country and then reentering the USA.  You will need to keep your travel in the USA.  And, if deciding on Alaska/Hawaii/etc, be sure you're traveling on an American carrier, just to be safe. 

[sharin 41]

2 hours ago, mrs thb said:

As others have said, you cannot leave until you get your adjustment of status approval.  You can however take a cruise that originates in the USA and returns to the USA and makes several POC to other places BUT you CANNOT get off the boat as you will be entering a new country and then reentering the USA.  You will need to keep your travel in the USA.  And, if deciding on Alaska/Hawaii/etc, be sure you're traveling on an American carrier, just to be safe. 

She can leave country once advance parole / travel permit (I-131 form) is approved (processing time is 70-90 days) since submission - no need to wait until adjustment of status approval.