What to do when 18 month extension expires? + talk to live USCIS person?

[Buzz15 3]

Hi All,

 

My wife's conditional resident 18 month extension letter (while the permanent green card is being processed) is set to expire in April 2021. 

 

1. What if anything can be done to get a second extension from USCIS if they continue to be super slow and are unable to process the permanent green card by that time?

 

2. If a second extension letter is not able to be obtained and the deadline passes how will my wife be able to prove her resident status for work, travel, driver's license etc...?

 

3. Does anybody have a step by step way of navigating the USCIS  phone help line (1-800-375-5283) to actually be able to talk to a live person? Before, you could enter your selections by touch tone but now they simply have a bot "answering" your questions and ultimately running you around in circles.

 

Any help would be much appreciated.

 

Thank you in advance. 

 

 

[kxxxy 0]

call the number and when it asks whether you have your receipt number, press 2, and then wait for like 20 minutes to talk to a live person

[Crazy Cat 41,886]

1.  Her status does not change, but there is no 2nd extension letter. 

2.  If she needs proof of status for travel, work, etc., make an appointment with USCIS and get an I-551 stamp in her passport.

[da95826 387]

Hopefully your case will be resolved before the expiration of your extension letter. As indicated above you don't need to do anything when your extension letter expires as your LPR status does not expires, only proof of your continued LPR status. So you remain in legal status and legally can work as a Legal Permanent Resident beyond the life of your extension letter.  

 

If you require proof of your LPR status like travel out of the USA, getting a new job, or renewing a driver's license you can use the USCIS contact center to make an appointment at your local USCIS field office to get a i551 stamp in your passport. During COVID USCIS requires you to demonstrate a need for a stamp like a ticket to travel, expiring drivers license or a job letter.

 

If you don't need proof of your LPR status you don't need to do anything. 

[Buzz15 3]

Thank you all for the feedback. My wife received her permanent green card yesterday. Appreciate the good vibes 

[Nichita 0]

Hi Buzz15,

 

I am in a really similar situation! And I am curious if your wife received her gree Card before the expiration expired?

 

Thank you,

[Buzz15 3]

Hi. Yes, she received her GC before the 18 month window expired. I got impatient and contacted USCIS through the online portal and told them the situation. Instead of answering my inquiry, it seemed like they just approved her because within a week we got a notice saying the GC was being created.

 

My recommendation is just to keep bugging them and maybe they will process your application.

 

Best of luck.

[Ben & Katy 168]

On 11/8/2020 at 2:10 PM, Lucky Cat said:

1.  Her status does not change, but there is no 2nd extension letter. 

2.  If she needs proof of status for travel, work, etc., make an appointment with USCIS and get an I-551 stamp in her passport.

Are you supposed to call that number mentioned above to get an appointment to stamp your passport after the 18 month letter is done? Or do you have to call your local USCIS office in your hometown to get it stamped?

[Crazy Cat 41,886]

Just now, Ben & Katy said:

Are you supposed to call that number mentioned above to get an appointment to stamp your passport after the 18 month letter is done? Or do you have to call your local USCIS office in your hometown to get it stamped?

Call the main number and ask for technical assistance at each prompt. .  I don't think you can call local offices.

[Ben & Katy 168]

On 6/18/2021 at 1:21 PM, Lucky Cat said:

Call the main number and ask for technical assistance at each prompt. .  I don't think you can call local offices.

Is your spouse now getting the 551 stamp? Or did they finally grant her the removal of conditions?  Thank you!

[Crazy Cat 41,886]

2 minutes ago, Ben & Katy said:

Is your spouse now getting the 551 stamp? Or did they finally grant her the removal of conditions?  Thank you!

Neither.  If she needs to travel before our I-751 interview, then we will get a stamp.  

[Ben & Katy 168]

9 minutes ago, Lucky Cat said:

Neither.  If she needs to travel before our I-751 interview, then we will get a stamp.  

You guys got an interview confirmation?  Have you tried to get help from a state rep to see what is the hold up?