Houston we have a problem.

[Freakindj 0]

Need some advice and information folks.

 

Good friend of my wife and myself needs some help. She was married and living in Florida with her husband on a K-1 visa and got her Permanent Resident Green Card. That’s were things turned for the worse.

 

Even though they both worked at what appeared to be good paying jobs that afforded them extensive travel across the United States. Her and her husband fell on some difficult financial times, and lost the home in Florida. Together they decide to move back to Cebu Philippines and continue working Online.

 

The Husband ended up passing away from complications of Covid / diabetes in Cebu. Unfortunately, some time after that through neglect, and lack of financial resources she allows her Permanent Resident Green Card to expire as well.

 

Is there anyway she can file to restore her Permanent Resident Status as the widow of an American Citizen. 

 

[pushok 231]

Is it conditional GC? 

I would follow the steps here to determine the next steps. 

https://www.uscis.gov/i-90

[Crazy Cat 41,844]

7 minutes ago, Freakindj said:

Need some advice and information folks.

 

Good friend of my wife and myself needs some help. She was married and living in Florida with her husband on a K-1 visa and got her Permanent Resident Green Card. That’s were things turned for the worse.

 

Even though they both worked at what appeared to be good paying jobs that afforded them extensive travel across the United States. Her and her husband fell on some difficult financial times, and lost the home in Florida. Together they decide to move back to Cebu Philippines and continue working Online.

 

The Husband ended up passing away from complications of Covid / diabetes in Cebu. Unfortunately, some time after that through neglect, and lack of financial resources she allows her Permanent Resident Green Card to expire as well.

 

Is there anyway she can file to restore her Permanent Resident Status as the widow of an American Citizen. 

 

2 year or 10 year card?

Need a timeline of events.  

[Freakindj 0]

She was here in the USA for 7 years so it had to be the 10 Permanent Resident Card.

 

[Ontarkie 14,220]

~~Moved to Effects of Major Family Changes, from What Visa DO I Need.- As similar topics are discussed here.~~

[Crazy Cat 41,844]

12 minutes ago, Freakindj said:

She was here in the USA for 7 years so it had to be the 10 Permanent Resident Card.

 

Then, she needs to get on a plane with that Green Card and return to the US.  She can board a flight with an expired 10 year card.  She might have to answer some questions at the border.  Once inside the US, she can file an I-90 to try to renew the card.

Edited February 9 by Crazy Cat

[nastra30 2,284]

I agree with@Crazy Catbut I will do it in reverse. Essentially apply online right now to renew greencard. With online filing you should get a receipt usually within a week or less. The receipt will grant automatic 24month extension. The greencard together with the receipt should get you to board a flight with less hustle.

[bakphx1 789]

Being a widow or married isn’t the issue.  She is a permanent resident for life unless she abandons the green card.  Even if her husband were alive she would be in the same boat-if she’s been out of the US for years, they will consider her to have abandoned her green card unfortunately.   

[Skyman 321]

8 hours ago, Crazy Cat said:

Then, she needs to get on a plane with that Green Card and return to the US.  She can board a flight with an expired 10 year card.  She might have to answer some questions at the border.  Once inside the US, she can file an I-90 to try to renew the card.

The RP might not let her leave on an expired GC.

[Boiler 45,482]

How long has she been gone?

[Timona 4,207]

First, you need to confirm if she has a 10 or 2 years GC

[Freakindj 0]

On 2/10/2024 at 5:50 AM, Timona said:

First, you need to confirm if she has a 10 or 2 years GC

Yes she had a 10 year Green Card which expired last Nov.

[Freakindj 0]

On 2/10/2024 at 5:32 AM, Boiler said:

How long has she been gone?

She has been in the Philippines for a couple of years now. Her former husband passed away from complications of Covid / Diabetes in 2021

[Freakindj 0]

On 2/9/2024 at 3:16 PM, nastra30 said:

I agree with@Crazy Catbut I will do it in reverse. Essentially apply online right now to renew greencard. With online filing you should get a receipt usually within a week or less. The receipt will grant automatic 24month extension. The greencard together with the receipt should get you to board a flight with less hustle.

This is exactly what we are doing with her

[nastra30 2,284]

1 hour ago, Freakindj said:

This is exactly what we are doing with her

Ok. But there's going to be an appointment for biometrics so make sure she plans this well and return before the biometrics appointment. 

 

There could be bumps in the road but take inspiration from post below. Read it carefully.