Issue reentering U.S. after filing I-751 Petition to Remove Conditions

[Kristy1456 1]

Hello! 

 

My husbands 2 year green card is expiring this October 2023 and we are planning on going to Europe during the same time his card expires. We are submitting the petition to remove conditions I-751 form currently in the next couple days. Can anyone help us on this issue? I am afraid that once we submit our paperwork his green card won't be approved on time before we leave. Will he have an issue reentering the U.S.? Is there a form the USCIS will send us saying that they will extend his green card so we are able to go to Europe and come back ok? If anyone could help we would greatly appreciate it! Thank you!

[OldUser 6,603]

Hi @Kristy1456

 

Some I-751 petitions take years to get approved. No wonder you have this question.

 

After filing I-751, few weeks later (2-6 weeks) you will receive a I-797 form, aka "extension letter". It will extend the green card by 48 months.

You can reenter the US with it, but need to have it with you as well as expired green card.

 

It's best to travel to Europe via big hubs such as Paris CDG. They'd know how to deal with it. Also big US airlines such is United can help eliminating issues.

 

Here is thread discussing travelling on such extension letter:

 

 

Edited July 31, 2023 by OldUser

[Timona 4,207]

His GC won't be approved for another 1.5 years

[carmel34 3,620]

16 hours ago, Kristy1456 said:

My husbands 2 year green card is expiring this October 2023 and we are planning on going to Europe during the same time his card expires. We are submitting the petition to remove conditions I-751 form currently in the next couple days.

File the I-751 package ASAP.  He should wait to travel to Europe until after receiving the 48-month extension letter, which typically takes a few weeks after filing to arrive.  He should be fine if you are planning to travel in October.

[Kristy1456 1]

Thank you so much everyone! Will do! 😊