回复：Anyone who had experience about waiting time to obtain GC

First of all, the speed will depend on which center is processing your case. I know VSC is fairly slow, in some cases it took longer than one year to get the approval.

For your travel, if you read your receipt letter carefully, you will see a note in there saying 'Your GC will be extended for one year, travel and employment authorized'. If you see this note, this will be your approval for the extension of your current GC. When you travel, just make sure you bring your GC and this letter together.