N400 pending at since March 2020

[newcomer78]

I have applied for naturalization around the 2nd week of March 2020 right before the pandemic hit. Got the receipt notice on March 19th. Since then no updates on the USCIS website for my case or no biometrics interview was scheduled. 

Have called USCIS to open a service request but was denied as the application was under normal processing time frame. My GC card will expire in May 2021.  Will the impending delays, I guess I'm left with no option other than to get I-551 stamping in the passport.  Some questions though....

1) Can we even apply for GC renewal with N-400 application pending with USCIS? With the lengthy timelines for GC renewal, I don't think this even makes sense but want to check if its an option or not.

2) Can we make an appointment at local USCIS office to check the status? How to make an appointment at the local USCIS office?

3) If I were to get the I-551 stamping, what is the process?

Thanks in advance

[pontevecchio]

What should I do if I have already applied for naturalization and my Permanent Resident Card, also known as “Green Card,” is expiring?

A lawful permanent resident is required to have valid, unexpired proof of lawful permanent residence in his or her possession at all times.  Applying for naturalization does not change this requirement.  For this reason, you must generally apply to renew your expiring Green Card even if you have applied for naturalization. For more information on renewing your Green Card, visit uscis.gov/green-card/after-we-grant-your-green-card/replace-your-green-card or uscis.gov/i-90.

 

COVID has upended the whole process. Patience is still needed. But I would get in touch with your federal Senators Office and ask for any help they may be able to give. Be very polite in all communications with the Senators Office.

[newcomer78]

Thanks for your response.

[guest33]

On 12/22/2020 at 5:34 AM, newcomer78 said:

3) If I were to get the I-551 stamping, what is the process?

Hello newcomer, pontevecchio,

I'm also in a similar boat. I'm considering applying for GC renewal. Does the "180 days before expiration rule" for GC renewal still apply?

I'm also curious to know about the 1-551 stamping process.

Additionally, are there any travel restrictions while citizenship and GC renewal applications are pending, assuming I still have a valid GC? How close to GC expiration date can one expect to travel?

Any advise from gurus will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[newcomer78]

On 1/8/2021 at 9:16 PM, guest33 said:

Hello newcomer, pontevecchio,

I'm also in a similar boat. I'm considering applying for GC renewal. Does the "180 days before expiration rule" for GC renewal still apply?

I'm also curious to know about the 1-551 stamping process.

Additionally, are there any travel restrictions while citizenship and GC renewal applications are pending, assuming I still have a valid GC? How close to GC expiration date can one expect to travel?

Any advise from gurus will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

 

I have recently reached out to my Senator's office and they have forwarded the request to USCIS and here is part of their response. 

As xxxxxx submitted the Form N-400 with at least six months left on their permanent resident card, they are entitled to receive a temporary I-551 stamp without filing the Form I-90.  They would need to make an Infopass appointment closer to the expiration date if the N-400 has not been completed by that time. “

I was about to file the GC renewal application and after noticing the above response, I'm holding off filing for right now. Hoping I get the biometrics in the meantime followed by interview. 

[pontevecchio]

Which Federal Senator?

[guest33]

Thanks, newcomer. for the response.

Would you mind sharing details of how you contacted your senator's office? By email, phone or mailing out a form ? (on my senator's website, it says to mail out a form for help with federal agencies).

Also, if I understand correctly, the senator's office recommended you for an I-551 stamp (in their request to USCIS)? Do you have details on how to set up the InfoPass appointment? Can it be done online or we have to contact USCIS by phone to set up the appointment?

Finally, I think it would still be useful to apply for GC renewal, as a back-up plan.

Any insight on the above will be appreciated.

Thanks,

[newcomer78]

On 1/14/2021 at 12:55 AM, guest33 said:

Thanks, newcomer. for the response.

Would you mind sharing details of how you contacted your senator's office? By email, phone or mailing out a form ? (on my senator's website, it says to mail out a form for help with federal agencies).

Also, if I understand correctly, the senator's office recommended you for an I-551 stamp (in their request to USCIS)? Do you have details on how to set up the InfoPass appointment? Can it be done online or we have to contact USCIS by phone to set up the appointment?

Finally, I think it would still be useful to apply for GC renewal, as a back-up plan.

Any insight on the above will be appreciated.

Thanks,

For my Sentor's office (Pennsylvania), the website says fill the details, print, sign and email/fax it.  

I don't have details of InfoPass appointment or how to setup one. I still got couple of months before I will reach out to my local USCIS office. 

Applying for GC renewal in the current circumstances is going to take longer times and  I see no point if you are getting I-551 stamping. 

[guest33]

Thanks, newcomer.

I'm not sure if you are aware of this new development with GC renewals. Apparently, the I-797 notice you receive after filing I-90 will extend the validity of your GC by a year:

https://www.uscis.gov/news/alerts/uscis-to-replace-sticker-that-extends-validity-of-green-cards

I think GC renewal will be helpful if you were to change jobs, extend your driver's license etc. I'm not sure if an I-551 stamp will be a substitute for the aforementioned situations.

Hope this helps.

It will be nice if gurus here can weigh in on this topic!

[guest33]

On 1/18/2021 at 11:47 AM, newcomer78 said:

For my Sentor's office (Pennsylvania), the website says fill the details, print, sign and email/fax it.  

I don't have details of InfoPass appointment or how to setup one. I still got couple of months before I will reach out to my local USCIS office. 

Applying for GC renewal in the current circumstances is going to take longer times and  I see no point if you are getting I-551 stamping. 

Hello newcomer, One more question. Did you request for "expedite processing" when you contacted the senator? Also, did you provide any evidence/documentation other than stating processing delays for your citizenship application?

[newcomer78]

On 1/20/2021 at 12:48 AM, guest33 said:

Thanks, newcomer.

I'm not sure if you are aware of this new development with GC renewals. Apparently, the I-797 notice you receive after filing I-90 will extend the validity of your GC by a year:

https://www.uscis.gov/news/alerts/uscis-to-replace-sticker-that-extends-validity-of-green-cards

I think GC renewal will be helpful if you were to change jobs, extend your driver's license etc. I'm not sure if an I-551 stamp will be a substitute for the aforementioned situations.

Hope this helps.

It will be nice if gurus here can weigh in on this topic!

This is news to me. Didn't notice this was published.

If your are new applicant of I-90 after 2020, a new I-797 will act as an extension automatically if you don't get the biometrics or your GC is not renewed before expiration date.

In my case, my GC is about to expire in four more months. Will apply for GN renewal if I don't get the biometrics & interview wrapped by that time.

Thanks for the find.

Edited January 25, 2021 by newcomer78

[newcomer78]

On 1/25/2021 at 2:42 PM, guest33 said:

Hello newcomer, One more question. Did you request for "expedite processing" when you contacted the senator? Also, did you provide any evidence/documentation other than stating processing delays for your citizenship application?

I didn't.  I provided my GC copy along with I-797 receipt notice

[newcomer78]

Got I-551 stamp last week. USCIS asked to wait until a month before GC expiration to make an info pass appointment.  Someone from USCIS will call back to schedule an appointment after the info pass call. It took less than 15 mins to the stamping at the local ASC office.