hi folks , just a quick one.. my cgc is expiring on the date I intend to travel back to the states. Imay have a scanned and e mailed copy of my extension letter but if not will I be allowed in on my not quite but almost expired gc ..lots of thanks as always for your esteemed advice ;-)

As long as your green card is valid on the day you are entering the USA (even if it expires the following day), you should be OK.

If your green card is expiring ON the same day you are arriving back in the USA, I don't know. I don't know if the date on the green card is "valid until" or "valid through".

Make sure you have your 1-year extension letter with you, just in case.

Rene

thank you for replying rene, do you know if they will accept a scanned and emailed copy of the extension letter ;-)

I can't say for sure, but probably.

Rene

thanks again, maybe somebody on here might've gotten through with one

Why don't you return the day before... and save yourself all that anxiety?


Good... bring it with you.


If your GC is valid the day you return, you'll be fine. If it expires the day before you return... that's not so good... and that's when you'll need the 1 year extension letter.

Ian

thank you mr nice.. I'm just hoping the scanned copy will be acceptable to them then I have no problem, it is a little difficult to go the day before , so do you think the expiry date is up until or through the date ? I know im obsessing on this, maybe I just need some sleep ..lol

If your card expires on May 5, 2013 and you arrive in the US anytime up to 11:59pm on May 5, 2013, the card is still valid. If you arrive two minutes later - at 12:01am on May 6, 2013 - then the card will be expired.

Ian

I would not want to be the one to test this theory, but, if the extension letter has been issued then the extension is in force. The POE inspector should have access to that info, and you should have no problem, whether you have a copy, original or nothing.

What is the worst that can happen? sent away, to return with the original extension letter a couple of weeks later?

Actually, anyone who has a claim to be a US PR is supposed to be allowed to enter the USA, even if just to see an Immigration Judge who will make the final determination on whether PR status is abandoned (or exists) or not.

Rene

Yes - the card is evidence of your status but your status does not depend on the card.

The fact that the card has expired does not mean that your status has.

If your status has been extended then you are still a permanent resident regardless of whether the card itself has expired or whether you have a copy of the extension letter. Of course, verifying all of that at the POE could be time consuming.

I would never carry around an original USCIS notice, only a photocopy. My original notices are left in a safe place where they can't be lost, damaged, or stolen. (Although, the safe place itself has been known to be forgotten, to be eventually rediscovered.)

Regards, JEff

thank you all once again, your replies have cleared up and put my muddled mind to rest, and may I say how honoured I am to receive BE's much admired elite faction's valuable and trusted advice I couldn't have done any of this without you guys and God Bless anyone who takes on this gruelling journey..lol

In dealing with the Dark Forces at the PORT OF ENTRY, I see no problem. However, do note that system imposes obligations on the carrier to make sure that bring over only people with documents -- we've had clients who were, as a matter of law, free to come and had proper documents, client checks with airline via phone, no problem and then is denied boarding.

BTW, Rene is a tad wrong -- the entry document or visa needs to be unexpired when one BEGINS the uninterrupted travel to the US. Do note that her mistake is one I've seen made by the airport people.

Thanks for the correction.

Rene