Replace GC at age 14; can this be done while in India

[vjdallas2001]

I have been visiting this board for a while, very useful and relevant; helped me take a decision to successfully go for CP and navigate the erstwhile INS. Now I need some specific advise on my situation.

Background: My wife, daughter and I got our plastic new version GC in Oct 2001, valid for 10 years. My daughter turns 14 in June 2003. For personal reasons, my wife and daughter need to be in India a few days after the birthday for upto 18 months or so on a re-entry permit. I will continue to maintain my residence in the US.

Per law we need to file an I 90 to replace the GC upon turning 14, within 30 days of the birthday.

Question 1: Should we file the I 90 in the local office, return the plastic card and travel on the I 551 stamp in the passport? I believe BCIS will ask here to be present again in a couple of months for finger printing. Not showing up for finger printing they say will abandon the application process.

Question 2: Can the I 90 be filed in Bombay, within the 30 day period. Is that permissible? Will the plastic card be mailed out by BCIS to an India address?

Question 3: What are the consequences of not filing the I 90 within 30 days of turning 14, if she is not in the US. Will she be permitted to return in under 2 years within the validity of the re-entry permit and be allowed to then file the I 90 in the US? And maybe charge a penalty for late filing etc. Is that allowed?

Need some answers to this situation, all advise is appreciated.

Thanks

Vigi

[JoeF]

Re: Replace GC at age 14

Question 1: yes
Question 2: no
Question 3: $1000 and 6 months prison for the parents, see www.immigration.gov/lpBin...1/slb-7066

[vjdallas2001]

Re: Replace GC at age 14

JoeF

So as a followup; Option 1 seems best, but how do we avoid the fact that she will not be able to turn up for the fingerprint since she will be in India for an extended stay. WIll that abandon the process, or, when we visit the local BCIS office to submit I 90, they complete the finger print process that very same day.

Thanks

Vigi

[JoeF]

Re: Replace GC at age 14

Well, she will have to show up for the fingerprinting appointment. The penalty also applies if she doesn't show up for fingerprinting.