Passing internal checkpoints with an I-797c?

[Fearvier 0]

Hi guys

 

So a bit of background first. I was on a student visa for about three years, got married early this year. My F1 status expired due to me not enrolling around May. My I-94 however, says D/S. My Visa on my passport also was only valid until June 2017.

 

I filed for AoS this August (married to a US citizen) and for some personal reasons we have to cross the internal checkpoints between Phoenix and San Diego.

 

I have received my first NOA, the I-797Cs. I was curious if I showed this to the CBP staff at the internal checkpoints while travelling within the USA, would it be sufficient? Anyone gone through the same process before? Thanks.

Edited September 8, 2017 by Fearvier

[Hypnos 6,576]

Usually, yes.

 

You should certainly carry a photocopy of it around with you until you have your green card. There's a 99% chance you won't need it, but if that 1% comes up you will be glad of having it. Especially in this current anti-immigrant political climate.

[Fearvier 0]

11 minutes ago, Hypnos said:

Usually, yes.

 

You should certainly carry a photocopy of it around with you until you have your green card. There's a 99% chance you won't need it, but if that 1% comes up you will be glad of having it. Especially in this current anti-immigrant political climate.

Thanks, I'm just confused because I am getting mixed information online since the 797C notice also says "Not proof of any immigration benefit or status" and my passport would have an expired visa, so would my I-20.

[Hypnos 6,576]

Right, but until you have an EAD or green card you literally have nothing else to carry, and so I'd rather carry something than nothing at all. They can look up your receipt number in their system if they want to confirm your AoS is still pending.

 

As I said, it's a microscopic chance you'll need it, but better safe than sorry.

[azblk 338]

3 hours ago, Fearvier said:

Thanks, I'm just confused because I am getting mixed information online since the 797C notice also says "Not proof of any immigration benefit or status" and my passport would have an expired visa, so would my I-20.

i-797C doesn't  confer any benefits but its better to have a copy of it with you than to not. And if you are so worried about it drive through LA instead of Yuma, its a longer drive but no internal check points on that route.

[junkmart 320]

On 9/8/2017 at 5:02 PM, Fearvier said:

Thanks, I'm just confused because I am getting mixed information online since the 797C notice also says "Not proof of any immigration benefit or status" and my passport would have an expired visa, so would my I-20.

Did you run into any issues? I may be doing the same thing in May, but my attorney has advised me not to travel if I'm passing an internal checkpoint.