Re application

[Helen Quail 28]

9 hours ago, Nitas_man said:

The application includes biometrics.  After it is sent in, a notice will come in to go do biometrics (fingerprints) at your nearest local office.  Leaving before biometrics means you have to come back and do it.

 

After biometrics, you can leave.  On the application it asks you where you want the travel document sent.  One of the options is a US embassy or consulate.

 

Some things we experienced (we were out of country for awhile)

 

- my wife’s biometrics were rejected and she had to repeat them

- the first travel document was lost in the mail, we had to refile, contact the Ombudsman’s office, get a second one expedited.  We have no idea where it was sent but since we applied for it several months before we left we had time to get it twice.  It was a pain.

 

Had we left during that time she would have had to fly back to take care of that.

 

Make sure that clear, explainable, provable US ties are maintained.  Bank account, drivers license, home address, stay on auto insurance, health insurance, etc.  This for removal of conditions later.  We maintained ties at what seemed at time to be ruinous expense but it was worth it.

 

Good luck

 

 

Yes thanks - I understand there are risks to leaving before it is "in hand".

 

So a question. How much of a difference does this make on return from a trip of say just under 1 year? Given that is is another $660(!) Does it ( more or less) safeguard re-entry then I take it?

I understand that trips of 6-12 months can raise questions but it is unpredictable as to whether one may face issues or not. He has been in US for a year, 2 of the 3 months since his green card was issued and is back in US now. 

 

My son doesn't have those sort of docs to prove ties, being only 16, but does have a bank account and Medi Cal.

 

Thank you!