Can I get a I-551 stamp on my passport from foreign branch of US Embassy?

[Shankar Chowk]

Hi so I'm stuck in India ,and my USA greencard is expiring on October 2020. I however don't want to travel for a few more months because of corona virus issue.

Is there anyway I can get the I-551 stamp on my passport so I can extend proof of valid greencard for travel purposes? So that way I'll travel on November or December 2020.

Thanks in advance!

[R78]

No. Consulates & Embassies do not issue I-551 stamps.
If you are outside the US and your greencard expires, you can travel on that expired document as long as:
- You have a 10 year greencard.
- Your return travel to the US is within 12 months of your original / departure from the US.
- Your return is within 6 months of the expiry of the greencard.

If you do not meet the above criteria, you can apply for an appointment at the US consulate for a boarding foil to return. The cost is approx $600.

[newacct]

If the airline refuses to board you with the expired green card (even though the US government allows them to), you will have to file I-131A with a US consulate to get a transportation letter (boarding foil), paying a $575 fee.

[Shankar Chowk]

Ok so i checked uscis and they say boarding foil only if greencard is lost damaged?

[newacct]

Ok so i checked uscis and they say boarding foil only if greencard is lost damaged?

Or if it's expired and the airline refuses to board you. See the I-131A page, under "Special Instructions":

Check with your airline or transportation carrier before you file Form I-131A because, in some situations, they may still refuse to let you board even if you are in one of the categories above. In that case, you will need to file a Form I-131A.

[Shankar Chowk]

Or if it's expired and the airline refuses to board you. See the I-131A page, under "Special Instructions":

Hi so yes I understand. Can I file Form I-131A before my greencard expires? (Expiration date: october 9, 2020).

[R78]

Only after it has expired.
Why would you waste $600 and wait for this document if you can board and return to the US ?

[Shankar Chowk]

Only after it has expired.
Why would you waste $600 and wait for this document if you can board and return to the US ?

Because of corona virus I’d like to postpone my trip as much as possible.

[Shankar Chowk]

No. Consulates & Embassies do not issue I-551 stamps.
If you are outside the US and your greencard expires, you can travel on that expired document as long as:
- You have a 10 year greencard.
- Your return travel to the US is within 12 months of your original / departure from the US.
- Your return is within 6 months of the expiry of the greencard.

If you do not meet the above criteria, you can apply for an appointment at the US consulate for a boarding foil to return. The cost is approx $600.

Hi so I guess I’ll have to talk to my airline if they allow expired green card travellers onboard? Not only airlines check greencard but also immigration authorities in the Indian airports. So I might not take a chance of travelling with expired greencard

[R78]

Yes, you'll need to do that.
The US government will not penalize airlines for boarding a passenger with an expired green card as long as they meet the below criteria
- You have a 10 year greencard.
- Your return travel to the US is within 12 months of your original / departure from the US.
- Your return is within 6 months of the expiry of the greencard.

[Shankar Chowk]

Yes the thing is, my airlines might allow, but Indian immigration authorities might not allow my expired greencard. And I can't ask their department now. So I might just apply for boarding foil if I travel later than October.