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If you’re planning on traveling outside the United States and your green card is about to expire you’ll need to get a green card extension before you leave. Here’s how to do it.
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Introduction: Why You Might Need a Green Card Extension
If you are a lawful permanent resident of the United States, you may need to get your Green Card Renewed or replaced if it has been lost, stolen, or damaged. You may also need to get a Green Card extension if you are traveling outside of the United States and your Green Card will expire before you return.
There are two ways to get a Green Card extension: through the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or through Customs and Border Protection (CBP). If you are traveling on business or for pleasure, you can usually get a Green Card extension by paying a fee to USCIS. However, if you are traveling for humanitarian reasons, such as to visit family members who are ill, you may be able to get a Green Card extension for free from CBP.
If you need a Green Card extension, it is important to apply for one as soon as possible. If your Green Card expires while you are outside of the United States, you may not be able to return to the US. Additionally, if you do not have a validGreen Card when entering the United States, CBP may deny you entry into the country.
Applying for a Green Card Extension
If you are a permanent resident of the United States, you will be issued a Green Card, which allows you to live and work in the country indefinitely. However, if you leave the country for an extended period of time, your Green Card may be cancelled. In order to avoid this, you can apply for a Green Card extension before you leave.
Applying for a Green Card extension is a relatively simple process. First, you will need to fill out an application form. Then, you will need to submit supporting documentation, including proof of your residency in the United States and proof of your travel plans. Finally, you will need to pay the application fee. Once your application is complete, it will be sent to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for processing.
It is important to note that a Green Card extension is not automatically granted; it is up to the USCIS to decide whether or not to approve your request. However, as long as you have all of the required documentation and pay the application fee, your chances of approval are good.
The Process of Applying for a Green Card Extension
If you are a legal permanent resident of the United States, you may apply for a green card extension if you need to travel outside of the country for business or pleasure. This process is relatively simple and can be completed online.
First, you will need to complete and submit the online form I-131, Application for Travel Document. This form can be found on the website of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Once you have completed and submitted the form, you will need to pay the required fee. The current fee is $575.
Once your application and fee have been received, USCIS will review your application and decide whether or not to approve your request for a green card extension. If approved, you will be issued a new green card that is valid for two years from the date of issuance. You will need to present this green card when returning to the United States after travel abroad.
What to Include in Your Application
If you want to extend your stay in the United States beyond the date indicated on your Arrival-Departure Record (Form I-94) or want to change the type of visa you have, you must apply for a new visa You should apply at least 3 months before your current status expires. The process of getting a new visa starts with completing the online nonimmigrant visa application form, DS-160.
After completing and submitting your DS-160 application form, you will need to:
1. Schedule an interview: You will need to visit the U.S. Embassy or Consulate website where you will apply for specific guidance on scheduling an interview. The earliest you can schedule an interview is 3 months before your status expires. Our call center can assist you with this process if necessary. You may also contact us by email at [email protected] or by telephone at 1-248-727-8300 Monday – Friday 8 am – 5 pm EST (outside of the United States, dial 1-703-520-2235). Our call center is closed on U.S. federal holidays.
2. Gather required documents: Review the instructions on the embassy or consulate website where you will apply for a list of required documents that you will need to bring to your interviewsuch as evidence of financial ability, proof of ties to your home country, etc.)
3. Pay the visa application fee: As of June 4, 2020, the visa application fee is $160 for most applicants and $350 for K visas applicants. If a separate reciprocity fee applies to your nationality, additional fees may apply (view a list of reciprocity fees). The MRV fee must be paid whether or not you actually attend your scheduled interview; if after paying this fee you decide not to attend your scheduled interview for any reason and wish to rebook it for another date/time at that location more than one year from when it was originally paid, another MRV fee must be paid in order for us to reschedule your appointment
Supporting Documents
When you submit your application, you must include certain supporting documents. These documents establish your identity and show that you meet the eligibility requirements for a green card.
You will need to submit:
-A copy of your current green card
-A copy of your passport page with the date of your most recent entry into the United States
-A copy of your airline ticket or other proof of travel plans
-Evidence of ties to your home country, such as a lease or mortgage, bank statements, or proof of family ties
-An explanation of why you need to extend your stay in the United States
Fees
There is a $270 fee for the Green Card Extension which must be paid when you submit your application. This fee is non-refundable, even if your application is denied.
Processing Time
The typical processing time for a Green Card Extension is approximately 14-16 weeks.
After You Apply
If you are applying for an extension to your green card you will need to wait for USCIS to approve your request. You will receive a notification in the mail when your extension has been approved. If you have not received a notification within the timeframe specified on your application, you can check the status of your application online or by calling USCIS.
Check the Status of Your Application
If you’re planning to travel outside the United States, it’s important to check the status of your green card application before you go. Depending on the stage of your application, you may be able to get an extension that will allow you to travel while your application is being processed.
To check the status of your application, contact the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) office that is processing your case. You can find the contact information for your office on the USCIS website or in your case file.
Renew or Replace Your Green Card
If you are a permanent resident (green card holder), you may leave the United States and return using your green card. If your trip will be longer than one year, you must get a returning resident visa stamp (SB-1) in your passport before you leave the United States.
If your green card will expire while you are outside the United States, your reentry permit also will expire. To return to the United States as a permanent resident, you must obtain a new immigrant visa from a U.S. consulate abroad.
If you are a conditional permanent resident (CR1 or IR1), you should check the expiration date on your green card and renew it if necessary before making any travel plans outside the United States—even if you have a reentry permit. You cannot renew or replace your green card while you are outside the United States. You must be in the United States to file either form I-90 or form I-751, depending on whether you are renewing or replacing your green card due to the expiration date or for another reason.
