Wife forgot to take the Extension Letter - Can she Travel?

[SteveInBostonI130 3,434]

All,

 

My wife forgot to take her I797 Notice that extended her expired conditional green card.   She has a copy of it on her phone.   Can she travel back to the US or will the airline deny her boarding?

 

Her flight is on Play airlines tomorrow, July 12.  Flying from Reykjavik to Boston.

 

I have a feeling I will need to fly out there with the NOA, but I hope there is another solution.

[Crazy Cat 41,841]

Oh no...  I'm sorry to hear that.  She needs the original paper document.  Of course, the airline might not know that.  I'd wait and see what happens....but be prepared to take a trip.

Edited July 11, 2023 by Crazy Cat

[Crazy Cat 41,841]

Reminder- LPR Boarding 20210305.pdf (cbp.gov)

 

 

Edited July 11, 2023 by Crazy Cat

[Crazy Cat 41,841]

***Moved to Working & Traveling During US Immigration**********8

[Timona 4,207]

Just print the one from her online account or scan and email the the one you have. 

 

I would choose printing from online account. Then just show the agent. Most probably, they'll let her through 

[Dashinka 24,490]

I agree with @Timona, print out the photo and that should get you on the plane.  She may be given a hassle by CBP and possibly be pulled into secondary to verify the letter, but you should be fine.

 

Good Luck!

[SteveInBostonI130 3,434]

11 minutes ago, Timona said:

Just print the one from her online account or scan and email the the one you have. 

 

I would choose printing from online account. Then just show the agent. Most probably, they'll let her through 

 

The I-797 is not on her online account.  There is the receipt number for the ROC with the status that on XX date her biometrics were taken.  There is no documents tab for the I-797.

 

I can scan the I-797 and email it to her to have her print it out.

[Crazy Cat 41,841]

33 minutes ago, SteveInBostonI130 said:

 

The I-797 is not on her online account.  There is the receipt number for the ROC with the status that on XX date her biometrics were taken.  There is no documents tab for the I-797.

 

I can scan the I-797 and email it to her to have her print it out.

I would try that.

[Adventine 3,196]

Have her print it out and hope that the boarding gate agents don't know the difference between the NOA1 original printed on security paper and a clear printed copy.

 

You may want to meet her at the US POE with the original NOA1.

[Timona 4,207]

6 hours ago, SteveInBostonI130 said:

 

The I-797 is not on her online account.  There is the receipt number for the ROC with the status that on XX date her biometrics were taken.  There is no documents tab for the I-797.

 

I can scan the I-797 and email it to her to have her print it out.

 

Scan it well though, so that it prints out and looks legit and not disoriented/ snitch on itself that it's a scan. 

 

Keep us posted to know how it pans out. 

[SteveInBostonI130 3,434]

Fingers crossed.  I sent her a high res color scan, and she printed it out in color as well.

 

I just read the CBP carrier liaison program:

 

https://www.cbp.gov/sites/default/files/assets/documents/2021-Dec/Reminder- LPR Boarding 20210305.pdf

 

It states that LPRs with expired 10 year greencards can be boarded, no other document needed.

 

For 2 year conditional GC, it requires the I797 extension letter.

 

IF USCIS did its job and processed wifie's I-751 within 6 months, we would not be in this situation.  I am strongly considering the DIY WoM method posted a while back.

[SteveInBostonI130 3,434]

Update:

 

Wifie successfully checked in.  She is in the terminal, waiting at the gate.  

 

I don't know if there will be a second document check prior to boarding.  I know they do it for passengers going to US on connecting flights, but this is a direct flight.

[Crazy Cat 41,841]

2 minutes ago, SteveInBostonI130 said:

Update:

 

Wifie successfully checked in.  She is in the terminal, waiting at the gate.  

 

I don't know if there will be a second document check prior to boarding.  I know they do it for passengers going to US on connecting flights, but this is a direct flight.

She's in the clear!!!   Good!!!

[Carpe Vinum 2,327]

My wife travelled with the extension letter in June. When we went through US immigration the system had been updated to show a 10 year expiration date though we have still not received a card or a notice of approval. Your wife may find the same when she travels back. USCIS is fubar...

Edited July 12, 2023 by Carpe Vinum

[SteveInBostonI130 3,434]

Next-to-last update before I head to Logan to pick her up.

 

As she and our nephew were going to the gate our nephew was stopped for a random document check.  He has a valid B2 visa but they held an impromptu interview.  Wifie didn't notice at first and had to walk back to them.  She interpreted for him and they were let go to board just as the gate was closing.

 

They didn't question her or asked for her documents.  Last text was from her on the shuttle bus to the plane.