Traveling on expired green card and pending N-400

[diogomont]

Hello all,

I am currently in the process of naturalization (N-400). My interview was scheduled as of last week, but I haven't yet received the interview notice. I have airline tickets already - I am traveling out of the country in late May (will return in late June), and my current green card expires May 15th. I fell just 10 days short of the "6 month" rule for submitting the N-400 before expiration of green card. I am concerned about being able to re-enter the USA if my N-400 process does not conclude in time (which is quite possible).

I have an infopass appointment in two weeks, during which I will request an I-551 stamp. I have, however, been reading that USCIS has become very reserved with the use of these stamps and I am quite worried that I will not get one.

What are my options here? Can I re-enter the USA with an expired green card and my latest N-400 interview notice? What are the chances that I will be allowed an I-551 stamp?

If I submit an I-90, will I be able to re-enter with the notice of receipt and my expired green card? How long does the USCIS take to send out these I-797 notice of receipts?

Also, how long does the interview notice take to arrive after it's scheduled and how far apart are the interview and the interview notice?

Thank you very much for the help. My local office is Atlanta

[rayb]

I think your plans are somewhat unrealistic. Please see my comments in CAPS below:

Hello all,

I am currently in the process of naturalization (N-400). My interview was scheduled as of last week, but I haven't yet received the interview notice.

HOW DO YOU KNOW YOUR INTERVIEW IS SCHEDULED IF YOU DON'T HAVE AN INTERVIEW NOTICE?

I have airline tickets already - I am traveling out of the country in late May (will return in late June), and my current green card expires May 15th. I fell just 10 days short of the "6 month" rule for submitting the N-400 before expiration of green card.


I am concerned about being able to re-enter the USA if my N-400 process does not conclude in time (which is quite possible).

IF YOUR GREEN CARD IS EXPIRED AND YOU ARE NOT A U.S. CITIZEN, YOU SHOULD NOT BE OUTSIDE OF THE U.S.

I have an infopass appointment in two weeks, during which I will request an I-551 stamp. I have, however, been reading that USCIS has become very reserved with the use of these stamps and I am quite worried that I will not get one.

HAVE YOU APPLIED FOR A RENEWAL OF YOUR GREEN CARD WITH I-90 FORM? IF NOT, YOU SHOULDN'T BE PLANNING ON LEAVING THE U.S.

What are my options here? Can I re-enter the USA with an expired green card and my latest N-400 interview notice? What are the chances that I will be allowed an I-551 stamp?

IF YOU HAVEN'T APPLIED FOR A GREEN CARD RENEWAL, YOU ARE LIKELY TO BE DENIED AN I-551 STAMP.

If I submit an I-90, will I be able to re-enter with the notice of receipt and my expired green card? How long does the USCIS take to send out these I-797 notice of receipts?

I CAN'T ANSWER THIS QUESTION, AS I AM NOT SURE IF THE I-90 RECEIPT WILL ALLOW YOU ENTRY BACK INTO THE U.S. AN I-751 RECEIPT WILL ALLOW REENTRY, BUT THAT'S A DIFFERENT PROCEDURE.

Also, how long does the interview notice take to arrive after it's scheduled and how far apart are the interview and the interview notice?

INTERVIEW NOTICES ARE USUALLY SENT ABOUT SIX WEEKS IN ADVANCE OF THE INTERVIEW DATE.

Thank you very much for the help. My local office is Atlanta

[diogomont]

Rayb,

Thanks very much for your input. I know the interview has been scheduled because USCIS has a tracking system where you can call them or input your receipt number online and they will tell you the status. It was "inline for an interview" for about 3 months, but as of right now, the status is "Interview scheduled - you should receive your interview notice soon". This means they have sent the interview notice but it has not yet reached me (they ask to allow up to 30 calendar days).

I am hoping the interview date will be before my planned trip, as my office usually has same-day or next-day oath ceremonies. If not, and if I am denied the stamp, I will bite the bullet and send in an I-90 along with its sizable fee.

Does anyone know if I need to schedule another infopass session to get my passport stamped upon receiving the i-90 receipt or will the receipt and expired green card be enough for reentry?

By the way, it was my 10 - year GC that expired.

Thanks again.

[MaryH]

It seems like you are bent on traveling, regardless of the advise given. However, here is something else to think about; even if your interview date comes and is done before you leave, and I believe it will; are you willing to risk, traveling before your Oat Ceremony. You what will happen then, though?