How to Get a Travel Document for Your Green Card

Are you a green card holder who wants to travel outside the United States? If so, you’ll need to get a travel document from the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) before you leave.

In this blog post, we’ll explain what a travel document is and how to get one. We’ll also provide some tips for traveling with a green card.

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Introduction: Why You Might Need a Travel Document

As a Green Card holder, you are allowed to travel in and out of the United States as you please. However, if your Green Card is expired or will expire within the next six months, you will need to get a travel document before leaving the country.

There are two types of travel documents for Green Card holders: an Advance Parole Document and a Re-entry Permit. If you are planning on traveling outside of the United States for leisure, you will likely only need an Advance Parole Document. However, if you are planning on traveling for business or another type of extended stay, you will need to apply for a Re-entry Permit.

Both documents can be obtained through the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). In order to apply, you will need to fill out an application and submit it, along with the appropriate fees, to the USCIS. Once your application has been processed, you will be issued your travel document.

It is important to note that getting a travel document does not automatically renew your Green Card. If your Green Card has expired or will expire within the next six months, you will need to renew it before leaving the United States. You can do this by filling out an Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card (Form I-90) and submitting it to the USCIS.

Applying for a Travel Document

If you are a permanent resident of the United States (holder of a Green Card), you may leave the country and return as often as you like. However, if you plan to be away from the U.S. for an extended period of time, or if you want to travel without your Green Card, you will need to apply for a travel document from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

There are two types of travel documents for permanent residents:
-Advance Parole
-Reentry Permit

You will need to submit a separate application and fee for each type of travel document. You can apply for both types of travel documents at the same time, but USCIS recommends that you wait to receive one before applying for the other.

If you plan to leave the country and return within six months or less, an Advance Parole document should suffice. If you will be away longer than six months, or if there is any chance your trip may be extended, you should apply for both an Advance Parole document and a Reentry Permit.

Applying for an Advance Parole document does not guarantee that USCIS will approve your request; it only allows you to bypass the interview process when returning to the United States at a land or sea port of entry. If USCIS denies your request for an Advance Parole document, they will issue you a Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID) and give you an opportunity to respond before making a final decision.

A Reentry Permit functions as a combination advance parole document and Green Card while you are outside the United States; it is only valid for two years (or less if your Green Card will expire within that time frame). If your Reentry Permit is lost or stolen while you are abroad, USCIS may issue you a new one if you meet certain conditions. You cannot renew your Reentry Permit; if it expires while you are outside the United States, you will need to reapply and pay the applicable fees.

What to Include in Your Application

When you apply for a travel document, you will need to include the following:
-A completed Form I-131, Application for Travel Document
-Your most recent green card
-Two passport-style photographs
-A fee of $575

Fees for a Travel Document

If you are a permanent resident of the United States (also called a “green card” holder), you may need a travel document if you plan to leave the country for an extended period of time.

There is a fee for this document, which you can find on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website.

How Long Does it Take to Get a Travel Document?

The length of time it takes to get a travel document for your green card will vary depending on the country you are applying from. In general, it can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months to get a travel document.

What if My Application is Denied?

If your application for a Green Card is denied, you may be able to apply for a travel document that will allow you to travel to the United States. This document is called a “transportation letter.” If you are granted a transportation letter, you will be allowed to enter the United States for a specific period of time and for a specific purpose.

If you are applying for a transportation letter, you must submit:
-A completed Form I-131, Application for Travel Document
-A passport-style photograph
-The filing fee or a request for a fee waiver
-Any other documents required by the form

I Have a Travel Document, Now What?

If you have a travel document, you may be able to use it to return to the United States after traveling abroad. Once you have your travel document, you should:

-Contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate to find out if they can issue you a new passport or help you renew your passport. You will need to provide them with your travel document and proof of your identity.

-If you are not a U.S. citizen, contact your country’s embassy or consulate in the United States to find out how to get a new passport or renew your passport. You will need to provide them with your travel document and proof of your identity.

Tips for Traveling with a Green Card

If you are a permanent resident of the United States with a green card, you will need to carry a travel document with you if you plan to travel outside of the country This document is called a reentry permit, and it allows you to return to the United States after traveling abroad.

There are a few things to keep in mind when traveling with a green card:

-You must have a valid green card in order to apply for a reentry permit. If your green card has expired, you will need to renew it before applying for a reentry permit.
-You must submit your application for a reentry permit before you leave the United States. You can apply for a reentry permit at your local USCIS office or by mail.
-Your reentry permit will be valid for two years from the date it is issued. You can renew your reentry permit as long as your green card is still valid.
-You must have your reentry permit with you whenever you travel outside of the United States. If you do not have your reentry permit, you may not be able to return to the United States.

If you are planning to travel outside of the United States, be sure to follow these tips so that you can return without any problems.

Things to Know Before You Travel

U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents (green card holders) can travel freely within the United States. If you are a green card holder and you plan to travel outside of the United States and return, you will need to carry a valid green card with you as well as a valid passport from your country of citizenship.

If your green card is expired or will expire while you are outside of the United States, you will need to apply for a new one before returning. If you are applying for a new green card, you should also apply for a travel document, which will allow you to return to the United States while your application is pending.

There are two types of travel documents for green card holders: advance parole and refugee travel documents. Advance parole allows you to re-enter the United States after traveling abroad, and refugee travel documents allow you to enter the United States if you are unable to obtain a passport from your country of citizenship.

If you have been arrested or convicted of a crime, or if you have any other questions about whether you are eligible for a travel document, you should contact an experienced immigration attorney before traveling outside of the United States.

Conclusion

If you are a permanent resident of the United States, you may travel outside of the country and re-enter using your green card. However, if you plan to be away for an extended period of time, or if you plan to move permanently to another country, you will need to obtain a travel document from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

There are two main types of travel documents for green card holders: a reentry permit and a refugee travel document. A reentry permit allows you to remain outside of the United States for up to two years without losing your status as a permanent resident. A refugee travel document allows you to return to the United States after an extended absence, or if you have been living in another country as a refugee or asylee.

You can apply for a reentry permit or refugee travel document by filing Form I-131 with USCIS. You will need to include supporting documentation with your application, such as your green card, passport, and proof of travel plans. If you are approved for a travel document, it will be valid for either one trip or multiple trips, depending on the type of document that is issued.