I-751 December 2018 Filers

[Cardiofan 3]

I filed mid December. Got the notice of received application within a week.  January 7th I received Notice of Action: no Biometrics required. 

So far no more news. 

I wonder if the process is faster now and we don’t have to wait 15-19 months. I’m from California. Perhaps it’s back to 2-3... any info?

 

 

[jessinnyc 3]

Hi,

 

My package was received by Texas lockbox on December 5. I called USCIS to submit a service request on January 4 and received a letter dated on January 8 that they will send a duplicate notice (although I never received the original notice). I have not received anything since then.

 

I called to set up an infopass appointment on January 21. Apparently in NYC, USCIS submits a request and the local office from NYC calls me to schedule an infopass appointment within 48-72 hours (unavailable to do so online). They called me a few days later but I missed it. I called USCIS again on January 24 to submit the infopass appointment request again and they said based on the record, the infopass appointment request was denied because the acceptance of I-751 application by USCIS will automatically extend the green card. 

My green card will expire next week. I can't even schedule an infopass appointment and they haven't sent the receipt notice since they sent me the letter on January 8 (that they WILL send one). 

 

Do you know if I can travel with my expired green card? 

 

NYC local office doesn't accept walk-ins, either. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks. 
  

[MariaR323 199]

3 minutes ago, jessinnyc said:

Hi,

 

My package was received by Texas lockbox on December 5. I called USCIS to submit a service request on January 4 and received a letter dated on January 8 that they will send a duplicate notice (although I never received the original notice). I have not received anything since then.

 

I called to set up an infopass appointment on January 21. Apparently in NYC, USCIS submits a request and the local office from NYC calls me to schedule an infopass appointment within 48-72 hours (unavailable to do so online). They called me a few days later but I missed it. I called USCIS again on January 24 to submit the infopass appointment request again and they said based on the record, the infopass appointment request was denied because the acceptance of I-751 application by USCIS will automatically extend the green card. 

My green card will expire next week. I can't even schedule an infopass appointment and they haven't sent the receipt notice since they sent me the letter on January 8 (that they WILL send one). 

 

Do you know if I can travel with my expired green card? 

 

NYC local office doesn't accept walk-ins, either. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks. 
  

Try submitting a service request online yourself. I've read other people have had better luck that way.

[Sanjay & Laura 11]

2 hours ago, Cardiofan said:

I filed mid December. Got the notice of received application within a week.  January 7th I received Notice of Action: no Biometrics required. 

So far no more news. 

I wonder if the process is faster now and we don’t have to wait 15-19 months. I’m from California. Perhaps it’s back to 2-3... any info?

 

 

I sure hope you're right...maybe the process is faster than it has been in the past. 

[Kiolas 103]

Today I received biometrics appointment letter!

 

 

 

 

[Evetorres28 49]

2 minutes ago, Kiolas said:

Today I received biometrics appointment letter!

 

 

 

 

good news, for which day you have the Biometrics?

[Ksenia_O 696]

33 minutes ago, jessinnyc said:

Hi,

 

My package was received by Texas lockbox on December 5. I called USCIS to submit a service request on January 4 and received a letter dated on January 8 that they will send a duplicate notice (although I never received the original notice). I have not received anything since then.

 

I called to set up an infopass appointment on January 21. Apparently in NYC, USCIS submits a request and the local office from NYC calls me to schedule an infopass appointment within 48-72 hours (unavailable to do so online). They called me a few days later but I missed it. I called USCIS again on January 24 to submit the infopass appointment request again and they said based on the record, the infopass appointment request was denied because the acceptance of I-751 application by USCIS will automatically extend the green card. 

My green card will expire next week. I can't even schedule an infopass appointment and they haven't sent the receipt notice since they sent me the letter on January 8 (that they WILL send one). 

 

Do you know if I can travel with my expired green card? 

 

NYC local office doesn't accept walk-ins, either. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks. 
  

 

Wonder what do they mean under "the acceptance'. I've always believed it's a NOA-1 of I-751, which clearly states for how long your expired green card got extended - since Summer of 2018 it should be 18 months Extension Letter. 

 

DO NOT LEAVE the country without an Extension Letter or I-551 stamp in your passport. It's not about being allow in - it's about an airline and getting out of any other country. Most likely you won't be even boarded with an expired green card..... 

l

I'm so sorry you are experiencing this. But I'd say - there is nothing can be done, but keep calling or submit an online request...  

 

P.S.  I thought "2017-2018 I-751 season" was a mess, but apparently I was mistaken...

Edited January 30, 2019 by Ksenia_O

[ButterFinger 14]

3 hours ago, Cardiofan said:

I filed mid December. Got the notice of received application within a week.  January 7th I received Notice of Action: no Biometrics required. 

So far no more news. 

I wonder if the process is faster now and we don’t have to wait 15-19 months. I’m from California. Perhaps it’s back to 2-3... any info?

 

 

 So lucky you got immediate response. I probably should’ve delayed sending mine a bit, as a lot of people received quicker responses upon submitting mid-December. They received mine on 12/4, California too.

[Cardiofan 3]

54 minutes ago, Ksenia_O said:

 

Wonder what do they mean under "the acceptance'. I've always believed it's a NOA-1 of I-751, which clearly states for how long your expired green card got extended - since Summer of 2018 it should be 18 months Extension Letter. 

 

DO NOT LEAVE the country without an Extension Letter or I-551 stamp in your passport. It's not about being allow in - it's about an airline and getting out of any other country. Most likely you won't be even boarded with an expired green card..... 

l

I'm so sorry you are experiencing this. But I'd say - there is nothing can be done, but keep calling or submit an online request...  

 

P.S.  I thought "2017-2018 I-751 season" was a mess, but apparently I was mistaken...

Ksenia, I would first make sure you call and get an appointment with infoPass . But it did state that you just need that letter about 18 month extension AND. The green card to travel. Don’t go unless you have both.

[H-M 169]

1 hour ago, jessinnyc said:

Do you know if I can travel with my expired green card?

No, you cannot without the NOA extension letter or I-551 stamp.

You will not be allowed to board your flight back to US, let alone entry into US by CBP. Here is a list of documents airlines are required to check before allowing boarding to any US bound flight:

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

 

Keep trying to get an Infopass appointment. You can also try to do a walk-in at your local field office (even though the website says they don't accept walk-ins).

[Ksenia_O 696]

47 minutes ago, Cardiofan said:

Ksenia, I would first make sure you call and get an appointment with infoPass . But it did state that you just need that letter about 18 month extension AND. The green card to travel. Don’t go unless you have both.

And this is the problem jessinnyc is experiencing ,- cannot make an appointment  and an Extension letter has never been received.

 

Right, you need a "combo" of an Expired green card & Extension Letter ( I'm honestly having troubles to find where I've stated a green card is not needed,?t)  or you can request  -I-551 stamp -  if both, Ext. Letter and green card got expired, OR an Extension letter has never been received . Which is the case.

 

While my I-751 was pending, I traveled with tthe combo" and later, when it got expired,  just with the stamp in my passport -  both worked just fine.

 

jessinnyc, if no Extension letter and somehow you will be able to get an appointment scheduled, make a copy of your green card - it can be taken in exchange for the stamp - depends on your local USCIS office.  But you never know until you are there.

 

Hopefully, everything will work out for you!!!!

 

[jessinnyc 3]

1 hour ago, Ksenia_O said:

 

Wonder what do they mean under "the acceptance'. I've always believed it's a NOA-1 of I-751, which clearly states for how long your expired green card got extended - since Summer of 2018 it should be 18 months Extension Letter. 

 

DO NOT LEAVE the country without an Extension Letter or I-551 stamp in your passport. It's not about being allow in - it's about an airline and getting out of any other country. Most likely you won't be even boarded with an expired green card..... 

l

I'm so sorry you are experiencing this. But I'd say - there is nothing can be done, but keep calling or submit an online request...  

 

P.S.  I thought "2017-2018 I-751 season" was a mess, but apparently I was mistaken...

 

That's exactly what I don't understand. When I called USCIS today, I asked the agent what that means and she didn't know. It appears to indicate that the mere fact that my file is in their possession and that I have the receipt number (which indicates that they accepted my file) automatically extends my green card. But I haven't heard of this from anywhere else. 

 

The agent said she can submit the infopass appointment request again but given that it was denied, there is no guarantee that the local office will call me to schedule an appointment. 

 

I also submitted the online e-request myself two weeks ago but no luck....I'm freaking out now. 

 

Thanks everyone for the traveling info. I didn't know that you can't board the flight with proper paperwork.  

 

With respect to work permit, without receipt notice, would it be fine? My employer hasn't asked me about it but I'm afraid if they ask and I wouldn't have any proof for the extension at the moment (my green card will expire next week). 

 

[Ksenia_O 696]

16 minutes ago, jessinnyc said:

 

That's exactly what I don't understand. When I called USCIS today, I asked the agent what that means and she didn't know. It appears to indicate that the mere fact that my file is in their possession and that I have the receipt number (which indicates that they accepted my file) automatically extends my green card. But I haven't heard of this from anywhere else. 

 

The agent said she can submit the infopass appointment request again but given that it was denied, there is no guarantee that the local office will call me to schedule an appointment. 

 

I also submitted the online e-request myself two weeks ago but no luck....I'm freaking out now. 

 

Thanks everyone for the traveling info. I didn't know that you can't board the flight with proper paperwork.  

 

With respect to work permit, without receipt notice, would it be fine? My employer hasn't asked me about it but I'm afraid if they ask and I wouldn't have any proof for the extension at the moment (my green card will expire next week). 

 

As for your employer ... You are still an LPR, and your status is not expired. Just a green card, as a proof of that status. But not your status. 

 

My employer has never  asked for anything. And if you have a "normal"driver license, which is not expred at the same time as your green card, and unrestricted SS card, than you can provide your employer with this to comply with the I-9 . If asked.

So as long as you are in the US - you are  fine. But to travel...  Just an expired green card is not a proper paperwork.  That's why  it's advised not to travel if you have just an expired card..   

But you will be boarded either with an Extension letter+green card, OR I-551 stamp. 

 

Once again - I'm so sorry you're experiencing all of this... As I've said - call again, until you get on hold someone knowledgeable. Very often it a like "another day - another agent- another chance".... 

 

Edited January 30, 2019 by Ksenia_O

[H-M 169]

18 minutes ago, jessinnyc said:

That's exactly what I don't understand. When I called USCIS today, I asked the agent what that means and she didn't know. It appears to indicate that the mere fact that my file is in their possession and that I have the receipt number (which indicates that they accepted my file) automatically extends my green card. But I haven't heard of this from anywhere else

The agent is correct, actually.  As per CFR§216.4(a)(1):

Upon receipt of a properly filed Form I-751, the alien's conditional permanent resident status shall be extended automatically, if necessary, until such time as the director has adjudicated the petition.

 

However, you would definitely need documentary proof of your LPR status before travelling out of the country. Also, in my opinion, you should always have some documentary proof of current lawful status in US, particularly, if you live/travel in any of the border states (North & South borders both included).

 

18 minutes ago, jessinnyc said:

With respect to work permit, without receipt notice, would it be fine? My employer hasn't asked me about it but I'm afraid if they ask and I wouldn't have any proof for the extension at the moment (my green card will expire next week). 

 

Yes, you should be okay. Your current employer is not allowed to re-verify your employment status, even if your 2yr GC expires. And if you start a new job, you have the option of using an unrestricted social security card + driver license to fulfill the I-9/e-verify requirements,

https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/complete-correct-form-i-9/completing-section-3-reverification-and-rehires

 

 

Edited January 30, 2019 by H-M

[jessinnyc 3]

@Ksenia_O  @H-M thank you so much for the info. At least the fact that I should be fine on the employment front gives me huge comfort. Thank you!  

 

I will cancel my trip. I was going to go home to see my parents next month but I think I should wait a bit to figure out this receipt notice issue....things are so messy. I feel that there is nothing I can do now besides calling USCIS... 

 

I will keep you posted. Thanks!