British Expatriate Network

I sent in my I-751 before Xmas, so my 2 year provisional green card is converted to a 10 year one. My green card runs out on the 17th, and I still don't have a letter from the INS (Vermont branch) confirming that they are processing it.

Is it normal for the letter to take this long? Does it normally arrive after the expiration date? Can I keep on working?
Any help you can provide would be very welcome!

Cheers,
Darren

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by laceyd on 2002-02-12 0843 ]</font>

Sounds dodgy to me.

When my applied for the removal of my "conditional" status in 98 (wow - doesn't time fly) to Vermont I had a pretty swift response. First I was $5 short on the fee and they sent my paperwork back promptly.

When I resubmitted on 4/20/98 they replied to me 4/27/98 confirming
- receipt of dosh and it was being processed (min 30 day - max 2 months)
- conditional status extended a further 12 month while processing is taking place.

I don't have the date they approved it but it was no more than a month.

Seems to me they have no record of your paperwork and you need to sort this out before the deadline since they take a dim view of late applications.

I assume you took copies of the forms and affidavits - so I suggest you FEDEX a new set ASAP with delivery confirmation. At the same time it might be handy to find a local office you can get your status stamped up for an extension - I've always found local staff to be bloody helpful.

Private message me if you need more help or want to chat.

Thanks for the reply, even if it did worry me a bit! I have delivery confirmation of the posting, so I guess I better go to my local office and try the phone line and see if I can track it down.

I'm sure after 9/11, the INS are swamped, but you are right - shouldn't take this long... sad

Let me say to any of you sending out stuff to the INS - ALWAYS get delivery confirmation! I have confirmation now that the director of the Vermont Center signed for this petition, which is comforting in case they have lost my package!

If only we still ran this country... grin

I hope this gets taken care of soon for you. That was a good post from Englishman too - I'm about to file mine which I could do from January 20th onwards but haven't yet - and his post was a reminder for me not to be too blaise about it.

That's good that they automatically extend you for a year while they process it. The part I don't understand though is that if you are then three years into legally being a resident here, can't you just apply for citizenship then (if married to a citizen of course)? In which case, wouldn't that supercede your application for provisions to be removed if your application was taking longer than a year to process?

Thanks pilgrim - I hope so too! I'll let you know how I get on.

I would definitely recommend posting it ASAP, and getting delivery confirmation, and if you don't get a letter back in a month, you might want to call your Service Center (make yourself comfortable - I've been trying all day and the line has been busy). Best of luck!

As for the citizenship, well I guess you have to be an unconditional resident before you can apply for citizenship. Plus the citizenship process takes a number of years. But does it make sense? No....

Just a little more info on the I751 process

Within the 3 month window of being a resident alien (conditional) you file the I751. When you file, place yourselves in their shoes so that you make sure the information you supply is comprehensive and leaves no questions on their part. When I filed my wife and I were living in diferent states (new job) so I went the extra mile in the documentation and had no trouble.

As I said before, they acknowlege receipt with a letter extending your recidency for one year. I suggest this is a formality on their part in case it takes awhile to process you. For you this is an important piece of paper as it is your "right to work" beyond the expiry date of your temporary INS card and will not only keep your employer happy but will let you in to the country if you travel. Note letter is only valid in conjunction with the card.

OK - lets assume they approve you and they send the letter confirming your petition to have your conditional status is removed (notice how I'm brainwashed to use their terminology). To you and I it means you are perminent. But not so fast - there is more paperwork and potential aggro ahead.

Once you get the letter, its off to the photographer for your 3/4 profile mug shots (you do still have the specs for that, Right?), and off to an INS office to get yourself processed for a "Permanent Resident Alien Card". Please check their web sites for LOCAL offices - I needlessly trecked to Boston when I could have gone locally in NH.

TAKE YOUR PASSPORT WITH YOU. The card takes up to a year (their words) so they stamp your passport valid for ONE year stating you are a PRA. During this wait it is a bloody good idea not to move house.

In my case it took over a year so watch the date. If you are getting close to the deadline, get your arse down to the office and get another stamp. When they stamp you they will check its status in case they lost it!!!. Once you get the card you are golden - its valid for ten years.

Word of caution. In some states they restrict your driving licence date to your INS status. In NH I had to get my driving licence renewed 3 bloody times in the space of a year.

If I can be of any more help do hesitate to ask - see my profile for email.

Oh - the citizen bit!!! Not too hot on that since I'm still a resident. Basically I can't vote BUT I can't be called for dury duty. But to answer the question on the three year bit. Its a case of you have to be a PRA before you can apply. Which means to me, that once you have the letter staing you are a PRA you don't have to wait till the CARD arrives; only have to wait until you extend the 3 years before applying.

Cheers (I'm drinking Bass Ale draft while writing this) so sod the spelling mistakes

Thanks Englishman - lot of good info and potholes to look out for, good warning for those like pilgrim who are about to embark on this process. Nice to have advance warning about moving house, as we will probably be moving at years end to Rochester - great timing...

Thanks again, and if I am ever in NH, the missus and I will be sure to drop by the Bloody Goose and buy you a pint!

Last (hopefully) update! After being on hold for 20 minutes (long distance, after getting a busy signal for another 20 minutes), I talked to an operator, who said there was a 'computer glitch' with a BATCH of receipt letters, but I was in the system! grin They are sending out a letter today...

Here is the bad news; they are currently only processing petitions from JUNE 2000! Yes that is 2000! So my advice to anyone is send it in as soon as you can! My letter will expire before I get the new card she said, so I will have to go to the local INS office and get a 551 stamp. She said they are currently hiring new staff, so this may speed up somewhat roll

Pilgrim - good luck with your application, and make yourself comfortable - there is a loooong wait!

Did the INS cash your cheque? If so you have proof that they've at least started on it. You should maybe write to the office where you sent the paperwork including a photocopy of the cancelled cheque and see what they have to say.

Regards
Nigel