Contents
- Introduction: Why Travel with a Conditional Green Card?
- The Process of Applying for a Green Card
- Tips for Travelling with a Green Card
- What to do if your Green Card is Lost or Stolen
- How to Renew your Green Card
- What Happens if your Green Card Expires While you are Travelling
- FAQ’s about Travelling with a Green Card
- Conclusion
If you have a conditional green card and are planning to travel outside the United States, there are a few things you need to know. Check out this blog post for more information.
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Introduction: Why Travel with a Conditional Green Card?
If you are a permanent resident of the United States with a conditional green card, you may be wondering whether or not you can travel outside of the country The good news is that you can travel, but there are a few things you need to keep in mind.
Conditional permanent residents are allowed to travel outside of the United States, but they must do so with certain documents in order to re-enter the country. These documents include a valid passport from their country of citizenship, as well as their conditional green card. It is important to note that if your conditional green card has expired, you will not be able to use it for travel purposes.
In addition, conditional permanent residents should make sure to keep copies of any important documents related to their status in the United States, such as their I-94 arrival/departure record or their Adjustment of Status Approval Notice. These documents will help prove your legal status in the event that your green card is lost or stolen while you are travelling.
If you are planning on travelling outside of the United States, it is also important to be aware of the risks involved. When you leave the country, you may be subject to delays or denial of re-entry if the immigration officials at your point of entry determine that you no longer meet the requirements for admission into the United States. For this reason, it is always best to consult with an experienced immigration attorney before making any decisions about travelling outside of the United States with a conditional green card.
The Process of Applying for a Green Card
If you want to travel outside the United States with a conditional green card, you will need to apply for a reentry permit. This permit allows you to return to the United States after traveling abroad for up to two years. To apply for a reentry permit, you must file Form I-131, Application for Travel Document, with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
You will need to include proof of your legal status in the United States, such as a copy of your green card, as well as proof that you intend to return to the United States after your trip. You will also need to pay a filing fee. Once USCIS has received and processed your application, they will mail you a notice telling you whether or not your reentry permit has been approved.
If you are approved for a reentry permit, it is valid for two years from the date of issuance or until your conditional green card expires, whichever comes first. You can use your reentry permit to travel outside the United States multiple times during its validity period. However, you should keep in mind that if you are away from the United States for more than two years, your reentry permit will no longer be valid and you will not be able to use it to return to the United States.
If you have any questions about travelling with a conditional green card or applying for a reentry permit, please contact USCIS at 1-800-375-5283 or visit their website at www.uscis.gov.
Tips for Travelling with a Green Card
If you have a conditional green card, there are a few things you should keep in mind when travelling. First, you will need to carry your green card with you at all times. If you plan to travel outside of the United States, you will need to get a reentry permit before you leave. You can apply for a reentry permit at your local USCIS office.
Second, it is important to keep in mind that your conditional green card is only valid for two years. This means that if you plan to travel outside of the United States, you will need to make sure that your green card will still be valid when you return. You can do this by checking the expiration date on your green card.
Finally, if you are from a country that requires a visa to enter the United States, you will need to get a new visa before you return. You can apply for a new visa at your local U.S. embassy or consulate.
What to do if your Green Card is Lost or Stolen
If you have a conditional green card and you lose it or it is stolen, you should report the loss or theft to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) as soon as possible. You can report the loss or theft online, by mail, or by telephone.
Be sure to include your name, date of birth, green card number, and a brief description of the circumstances surrounding the loss or theft of your green card. USCIS will then issue you a new green card with a new number. There is no fee for this service.
How to Renew your Green Card
If you are a permanent resident of the United States with a conditional green card, you will need to renew your green card before it expires. The process is similar to the one you went through when you first got your green card, but there are a few important differences.
First, you will need to fill out an application form. This can be done online or at a local office of the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). You will also need to pay a $455 filing fee, as well as an $85 biometrics fee.
Next, you will need to submit evidence that you meet the requirements for renewing your green card. This includes proving that you are still married to or closely related to the US citizen or permanent resident who sponsored you for your original green card. You will also need to show that you have remained physically present in the United States since receiving your conditional green card.
Once your application is complete, USCIS will review it and schedule an interview with you. After your interview, USCIS will make a decision on whether or not to renew your green card. If everything goes well, you should receive your new green card within a few months.
What Happens if your Green Card Expires While you are Travelling
If your conditional green card expires while you are outside the United States, you will not be able to return to the United States as a permanent resident. If you try to return with an expired green card, you will be considered an undocumented immigrant and may be detained and placed in removal proceedings.
If your conditional green card expires while you are inside the United States, you will still be allowed to remain in the country as a lawful permanent resident. However, you will need to apply for a new Green card as soon as possible. If you do not apply for a new green card within one year of your conditional green card’s expiration date, you will lose your status as a permanent resident and may be subject to removal proceedings.
FAQ’s about Travelling with a Green Card
If you are a permanent resident of the United States (also known as a “green card” holder), you are allowed to travel outside of the country. However, there are some things you should know before you travel, such as how to re-enter the United States and what to do if your green card is lost or stolen.
Here are some answers to common questions about travelling with a green card:
Q: Do I need to carry my green card with me when I travel?
A: Yes. You should always carry your green card with you when you travel, as it is evidence of your legal status in the United States. If you are stopped by authorities and cannot produce your green card, you could be detained or deported.
Q: Do I need to apply for a passport?
A: No. As a permanent resident of the United States, you are not required to have a passport. However, we recommend that you carry a passport when travelling abroad, as it can make re-entering the United States easier.
Q: How do I re-enter the United States after travelling?
A: When returning to the United States from a trip abroad, you will need to present your green card and passport (if you have one) to immigration officials. You may also be asked to provide proof of your ties to the United States, such as a plane ticket or hotel reservation.
Q: What if my green card is lost or stolen while I am travelling?
A: If your green card is lost or stolen while you are outside of the United States, please contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for assistance. They can help you replace your lost or stolen green card so that you can return to the United States.
Conclusion
If you want to travel outside the United States with a conditional green card, you must get permission from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) before you leave. This permission is in the form of a travel document called an Advance Parole (AP). Once you have an AP, you can reenter the United States with your green card after traveling abroad. You should apply for an AP as soon as you decide to travel. It can take several months to get an AP, so it’s important to plan ahead.