I-551 is a pain in the A***
#1
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I-551 is a pain in the A***
So after my GC and my extension letter expired i got my I-551 stamp (thats only got 3 months left as well). I don't know if its new and due to Covid i havent travelled a lot, but you have to go to secondary each time you come back in.
This maybe new, but told the same by two border agents yesterday. So my last two returns to the USA have resulted in a secondary trip. Luckily they have been quiet and yesterday was very quick, but get the wrong flights in front of you and i guess it could be a couple of hours extra. What a crap shoot.
This maybe new, but told the same by two border agents yesterday. So my last two returns to the USA have resulted in a secondary trip. Luckily they have been quiet and yesterday was very quick, but get the wrong flights in front of you and i guess it could be a couple of hours extra. What a crap shoot.
#2
Re: I-551 is a pain in the A***
Why do you say the I-551 is a PIA? It strikes me that you have yet to receive it.
#3
DE-UK-NZ-IE-US... the TYP
Joined: Mar 2010
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Re: I-551 is a pain in the A***
I never had any problems with my I-551, if your concerned about time at the airport you can apply for Global Entry, I did this as soon as I got my GC and aircraft door to being out of customs was sub 10 minutes every time without a checked bag.
#4
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Re: I-551 is a pain in the A***
I am waiting on my AOS. I had a 2 year GC that expired over 2 years ago, Then the 18 month extension letter. Then you have to get an infopass appointment and an I-551 stamp in your passport. That is all I can now use to come back into the USA.
I have Global Entry, but you need a current GC to use it. Once expired your up the creek and its not valid.
So in addition to now having to use a standard first time visitor/visa line I have to do a secondary interview to verify the I-551 stamp in my passport is real. If you havent seen the stamp is really poor, hard to read and i imagine very easy to falsify. Nothing like the initial visa put in your passport with you picture etc. It looks like any stamp for entry into a country. Inserted a copy with sensitive info removed. This is my only proof of being legal.
I am just imaging arriving at EWR behing a flight from Columbia or Africa. Might take me a few hours now. As someone that usually flies 150-200k a year in normal time this isnt good.
I have Global Entry, but you need a current GC to use it. Once expired your up the creek and its not valid.
So in addition to now having to use a standard first time visitor/visa line I have to do a secondary interview to verify the I-551 stamp in my passport is real. If you havent seen the stamp is really poor, hard to read and i imagine very easy to falsify. Nothing like the initial visa put in your passport with you picture etc. It looks like any stamp for entry into a country. Inserted a copy with sensitive info removed. This is my only proof of being legal.
I am just imaging arriving at EWR behing a flight from Columbia or Africa. Might take me a few hours now. As someone that usually flies 150-200k a year in normal time this isnt good.
Last edited by Chins; Dec 28th 2021 at 12:01 am.
#5
DE-UK-NZ-IE-US... the TYP
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 2,855
Re: I-551 is a pain in the A***
I am waiting on my AOS. I had a 2 year GC that expired over 2 years ago, Then the 18 month extension letter. Then you have to get an infopass appointment and an I-551 stamp in your passport. That is all I can now use to come back into the USA.
I have Global Entry, but you need a current GC to use it. Once expired your up the creek and its not valid.
So in addition to now having to use a standard first time visitor/visa line I have to do a secondary interview to verify the I-551 stamp in my passport is real. If you havent seen the stamp is really poor, hard to read and i imagine very easy to falsify. Nothing like the initial visa put in your passport with you picture etc. It looks like any stamp for entry into a country.
I am just imaging arriving at EWR behing a flight from Columbia or Africa. Might take me a few hours now. As someone that usually flies 150-200k a year in normal time this isnt good.
I have Global Entry, but you need a current GC to use it. Once expired your up the creek and its not valid.
So in addition to now having to use a standard first time visitor/visa line I have to do a secondary interview to verify the I-551 stamp in my passport is real. If you havent seen the stamp is really poor, hard to read and i imagine very easy to falsify. Nothing like the initial visa put in your passport with you picture etc. It looks like any stamp for entry into a country.
I am just imaging arriving at EWR behing a flight from Columbia or Africa. Might take me a few hours now. As someone that usually flies 150-200k a year in normal time this isnt good.
#6
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Re: I-551 is a pain in the A***
Everytime i come back in they direct me to the visa/visitor line with an expired GC. They are now saying i always have to go to secondary with the I-551 stamp. My guess is people have been forging so they are checking its genuine. So even if i went to the USC line i would still have to go to secondary. I was with my USC wife yesterday and was directed to visitor/visa line. I was first off the plane and inline yesterday so not a major issue. My worry is in busier times
#7
Re: I-551 is a pain in the A***
So the problem seems an easy one to remedy. You travel a great deal. Bring all your paperwork with you and the next time you go through the airport, if you are not directed to secondary as to go there. Have them look at the documentation and ask for another I-551 in your passport.
Actually, I believe that the extension letter for the ROC is your proof of legality. Their computers will tell them that you are still awaiting adjudication. So you can't use the global pass, really big deal.
Actually, I believe that the extension letter for the ROC is your proof of legality. Their computers will tell them that you are still awaiting adjudication. So you can't use the global pass, really big deal.
Last edited by Rete; Dec 28th 2021 at 1:46 am.
#8
Re: I-551 is a pain in the A***
Everytime i come back in they direct me to the visa/visitor line with an expired GC. They are now saying i always have to go to secondary with the I-551 stamp. My guess is people have been forging so they are checking its genuine. So even if i went to the USC line i would still have to go to secondary. I was with my USC wife yesterday and was directed to visitor/visa line. I was first off the plane and inline yesterday so not a major issue. My worry is in busier times
#9
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Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 2
Re: I-551 is a pain in the A***
I think he is removing conditions not adjusting status.
A minor point.
Maybe there are residency issues as far as naturalization is concerned.
A minor point.
Maybe there are residency issues as far as naturalization is concerned.
#11
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Re: I-551 is a pain in the A***
So the problem seems an easy one to remedy. You travel a great deal. Bring all your paperwork with you and the next time you go through the airport, if you are not directed to secondary as to go there. Have them look at the documentation and ask for another I-551 in your passport.
Actually, I believe that the extension letter for the ROC is your proof of legality. Their computers will tell them that you are still awaiting adjudication. So you can't use the global pass, really big deal.
Actually, I believe that the extension letter for the ROC is your proof of legality. Their computers will tell them that you are still awaiting adjudication. So you can't use the global pass, really big deal.
The only remedy is for USCIS to actually process my removal of conditions and give me a new GC. Then I can use Global Entry again
#12
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Re: I-551 is a pain in the A***
Not yet. Will apply early next year. It was unplanned but due to Covid I was out of the country for over 6 months in 2020. Will file with over a full year back in country to show commitment !! I had been hoping to have my removal of condition sorted before as that started in July 2019 and I do keep checking online to check for progress. Did biometrics in 2019.
#13
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Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 2
Re: I-551 is a pain in the A***
Do you have a Re entry permit?
Have you discussed your naturalisation issues with a lawyer?
Have you discussed your naturalisation issues with a lawyer?
#14
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Re: I-551 is a pain in the A***
Not looked a talking to a lawyer yet and the border guy yesterday was not surprised I was at 2.5 years. The guy in front of me had exactly the same issue. His family went through and he was hauled off to secondary as well due to the I-551 stamp.
I hate to think how long applying for citizenship will take at the moment.
#15
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Re: I-551 is a pain in the A***
I was wondering if you had a Re Entry Permit (131) when you were out for more than 6 months, maintaining residency is one thing, qualifying for citizenship another hence the Lawyer comment.