Can I Travel When My I-751 Is Submitted?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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You can still live, work, and travel freely just as you did before filing your I-751

. If you need proof of residence, you can contact USCIS and request an appointment to get an extension stamped in your passport.

Can I travel while in removal proceedings?

An applicant who is in removal proceedings

should never travel outside the United States until they are granted legal status and permission to travel abroad

. This is true even if the applicant receives advance parole.

Can you travel while waiting for removal of conditions?


Yes, as long as you have a valid unexpired green card you may travel internationally once you have filed your removal of conditions application with USCIS

.

Can I travel outside US after applying for Green Card?


You can't leave the country until you have your approved travel document in hand

, so you should expect to spend the 3–5 months after submitting your green card application in the United States. Theoretically, you could be out of the United States for as long as you have a travel document (one year plus renewals).

Can I travel while my i 90 is pending?

No matter the case, the processing time for an I-90 application is typically 8-10 months, which means, most likely,

the LPR in question will have to postpone international travel until they receive their new green card

.

Can I travel with form I 797c?

In case you receive this particular form I-797, then it means USCIS is notifying you about the approval of your application or petition. Of course, you should be aware that this isn't the actual document that you need – it's nothing but a receipt.

It cannot be used for jobs, travel or anything of the sort

.

How long does it take for I-751 to get approved?

Typically, USCIS adjudicates (makes a decision) within

12 to 18 months

of accepting your Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence.

Why is I-751 taking so long?

This change was made because

current processing times for Form I-751 have increased over the past year

. USCIS is now taking an average of 12 months to adjudicate the removal of conditions application, irrespective of whether the petition was filed jointly or as a waiver of the joint filing requirement.

What happens after filing I-751 petition to Remove Conditions on Residence?

If you properly file Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence,

USCIS will initially respond by mailing you a receipt notice that confirms receipt of your petition

. Formally known as Form I-797C, Notice of Action (see example below), the receipt notice typically arrives 4 to 6 weeks after filing.

Can I travel within the US while in removal proceedings?

If you are a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) and are currently in removal proceedings in court, you should be able to leave and re-enter the U.S., as long as you have both (i) a valid non-expired passport, and (ii) a non-expired green card, or a non-expired I-551 stamp in your passport or on …

Can I travel within U.S. while my asylum case is pending?

May I apply for a travel document to leave the United States and return while my application for asylum is pending?

You may apply for Advance Parole while your asylum application is pending

. If your application is approved and you obtain Advance Parole, you may depart and return to the United States.

Can I travel while waiting for advance parole?


Individuals may travel on the approved advanced parole document, provided the document is valid for the entire duration of the time abroad

. The pending Form I-131 will not be considered abandoned in this situation.

Can I travel while waiting for green card renewal?

An expired green card will generally cause a delay, may require the payment of a steep re-entry fee, and can potentially create more significant immigration problems. Even if you start the green card renewal process, it can take 8 to 10 months!

Don't travel abroad with an expired green card

.

Can I travel to the U.S. while my green card application is pending?

Family-based green card applications can take years to be processed. While your I-130 application is pending, is it possible to travel to the United States?

The straight answer is yes

, but it's important to understand what's expected of you when you take these trips..

Can I travel while I 140 is pending?


You should not travel internationally while the travel document is pending

, or the entire process will be considered abandoned and your adjustment of status denied. After several months of waiting, you should then be scheduled for an interview with a USCIS officer.

Can I travel with expired green card and I-751 receipt?

Finally, when you do leave on your trip,

you should be sure to carry both your expired Green Card and your I-751 Receipt Notice with you

and keep them in a safe place at all times. Failure to present your I-751 Receipt Notice to border patrol officials can result in a fine or denied entry.

Can I travel with my i 90 receipt notice?


Lawful permanent residents should not attempt to travel using a receipt notice printed on standard paper

. The revised I-797 receipt notice, together with an applicant's green card, will serve as temporary evidence of lawful permanent resident status for 12 months from the expiration date of the green card.

Can I travel with I-797 Notice of Action and expired green card?


A Conditional Resident with an expired PRC with a two-year expiration date can be boarded if they also are in possession of a Notice of Action

(Form I-797). Travelers who are unable to show Form I-797 cannot be boarded.

Is form I-797C acceptable for I 9?

The I-797C receipt notice

can be used as evidence of filing

. Follow instructions from the ISC to complete an I-9 under these circumstances.

What happens after I receive my I-797C?

If you prepared and submitted your application correctly,

the USCIS will typically respond 2 to 3 weeks later with a letter in the mail

. This receipt letter is called the Form I-797C, Notice of Action. Save this letter! You need the receipt number to check your USCIS status.

How do I check my i797c status?

  1. Visit the USCIS Case Status Online Tool.
  2. Enter the 13-digit USCIS receipt number. Enter the number without the hyphens.
  3. Click the “Check Status” button.

Can I file N-400 while I-751 is pending?

Applying for Citizenship When I-751 is Still Pending

Of course, USCIS won't approve Form N-400 until they have approved Form I-751.

As long as you meet the eligibility requirements for naturalization, you may file Form N-400 while the I-751 is pending

. USCIS will concurrently process both cases.

Can I file N-400 with a pending I-751 petition?

Even if you have submitted Form I-751 with the USCIS and you have not yet received an approval of the application or your physical 10-year green card,

you may still be eligible to pursue the Naturalization process by submitting Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, while your I-751 application is still undergoing

How do I know if my i-751 is approved?

After you file Form I-751,

you will receive a notice in the mail confirming that your Form I-751 has been received

. This receipt, also called a Form I-797, can be presented along with your existing green card to extend its validity for up to 18 months beyond the original expiration date.

Why is USCIS taking so long to process 2020?

This backlog is

largely due to the USCIS office closures amid the COVID-19 pandemic

. Form I-131 (“Application for Travel Document – Advance Parole”): Applications for advance parole saw a large increase in processing times, from 4.6 months in FY 2020 to 7.7 months in FY 2021.

Does I-751 require an interview?

As a matter of law (INA §216)

a couple must appear for a personal interview in order for USCIS to remove the conditions on residence

. But if USCIS is thoroughly satisfied that you did not marry for the purpose of evading the immigration laws, they may waive the interview and approve the I-751 petition.

Can I travel to Mexico with expired green card and extension letter?


The valid extension plus a valid passport plus your expired resident card are sufficient for travel back to United States

. The Mexican government makes their own determination of what documents they will accept for entry into Mexico.

Rachel Ostrander
Author
Rachel Ostrander
Rachel is a career coach and HR consultant with over 5 years of experience working with job seekers and employers. She holds a degree in human resources management and has worked with leading companies such as Google and Amazon. Rachel is passionate about helping people find fulfilling careers and providing practical advice for navigating the job market.