Does "IV Expires on" date mean my wife cannot re-enter the US?

[Matty Ice 0]

Hi everyone,

Please take a look at the attached image.  My wife and I moved back to the States in Dec '17. She received her Immigrant Visa on Nov 21, 2017. We have a planned trip out of the country next week and have already bought the tickets. We just realized today her Visa says: "IV expires on Apr 18, 2018". However, at the bottom of the Visa, it says "upon endorsement serves as a temporary I -551 evidencing permanent residence for 1 year". 

 

We consulted with a lawyer friend we know and he told us that the "Expires on" only means that that's the last date she can enter the US for the first time. As long as she has already entered the country, she can now come and go as many times as she pleases until 1 year has passed (Nov 21, 2018).

 

Before we get on the plane, I would just like to confirm that this is true. Can anyone either confirm or deny what the lawyer told us? 

 

Thanks so much for your help. 

[Ryan H 3,819]

***Moved from IR-1/CR-1 Process & Procedures to Working & Traveling During US Immigration forum.***

 

**Moderator hat off**

 

The lawyer is correct.  BTW, does she have her permanent Green Card yet?  If so, she would just present that along with the passport upon re-entry.

Edited May 28, 2018 by Ryan H

[Matty Ice 0]

Great news! Thanks. To answer your question: no, she has not received her green card yet. It has been lost in the mail. Does that change anything? 

[little immigrant 801]

Have you contacted USCIS about the lost GC and requested a new one? 

[Nitas_man 3,100]

The lawyer is correct.

 

If they issued a green card and you have not received it your answer at return is "we have not received the green card".

 

But you need to track it down ASAP or get a new one in the works.  It sometimes takes awhile.