Contents
If you’re a permanent resident of the United States, you may be wondering if you can still travel internationally if you’re renewing your green card. The good news is that you can! However, there are a few things you need to keep in mind in order to make the process as smooth as possible.
Checkout this video:
Introduction
If you’re a lawful permanent resident of the United States (a “green card” holder), you’re allowed to travel freely throughout the U.S. However, if you plan to travel outside of the U.S., there are a few things you need to know in order to re-enter the country.
In order to re-enter the U.S., you will need to have a valid green card as well as a valid passport from your home country. If you do not have a valid passport, you will not be able to board a flight back to the U.S.
If you are traveling for business or pleasure and will be gone for less than one year, you can use what’s called a “reentry permit.” This document allows green card holders to leave and re-enter the U.S. multiple times during the permit’s validity, which is usually two years. To apply for a reentry permit, you will need to fill out Form I-131 and submit it to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) along with the appropriate fee.
If you are traveling for an extended period of time or if you do not plan on returning to the U.S., you will need to apply for what’s called a “travel document.” This document is also known as a ” returning resident visa” and it allows green card holders who have been outside of the U.S. for more than one year (or beyond the validity of their reentry permit) to return to their homes in the States. To apply for a travel document, you will need to fill out Form I-131 and submit it to USCIS along with the appropriate fee and documentation proving that you meet the requirements for returning resident status (such as evidence of ties to the U.S.).
What is a Green Card?
A Green Card is an identification card that proves that you are a permanent resident of the United States. If you have a Green Card, you are allowed to live and work in the U.S. indefinitely. You can also travel in and out of the country, although there are some restrictions.
How to Renew Your Green Card
It’s important to know the process for renewing your green card if you plan to travel internationally. Here’s what you need to do:
1. Make sure your passport is up to date.
2. Fill out the Application to Renew or Replace a Green Card (Form I-90). You can get this form from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website or by calling the USCIS National Customer Service Center at 1-800-870-3676.
3. Include a photo that meets the requirements listed on Form I-90.
4. Submit the form, along with the required fees, to the USCIS office that serves your area. The current fee for Form I-90 is $455.
After your form is processed, you will be sent a new green card valid for 10 years. You should receive your card within four to six weeks after your form is received by USCIS.
Traveling on a Green Card
If you are a permanent resident of the United States, you may travel internationally with your Green Card. However, there are a few things you should keep in mind before you travel:
– You should carry your Green Card with you at all times while you are abroad.
– If your Green Card is lost or stolen while you are abroad, you should contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate immediately.
– You should also make sure that your passport is valid for at least six months before you travel.
– If you plan to stay outside of the United States for more than six months, you may need to apply for a reentry permit before you leave.
– Finally, please keep in mind that if you are away from the United States for more than one year, or if you have been out of the country for multiple trips that total more than one year, your Green Card may be cancelled. Therefore, it is important to check with an immigration attorney before making any extended trips outside of the United States.
Tips for Renewing Your Green Card
If you are a permanent resident of the United States (i.e. have a green card), you may want to travel internationally at some point. Perhaps you have family or friends in another country, or maybe you just want to see the world! In any case, it’s important to know the ins and outs of travel with a green card, as there are some specific regulations that apply.
First and foremost, you will need to make sure that your green card is up-to-date and will not expire while you are away. If it does, you may have trouble returning to the United States. You can renew your green card by mail or in person at a U.S. consulate office; consult the instructions on the USCIS website for more information.
When traveling outside the United States, it is also important to have a valid passport from your country of citizenship (or another valid travel document, such as an emergency passport). You will need this in order to return to the United States, even if your green card is still valid.
While you are away, it’s also a good idea to keep track of important documents like your green card and passport, in case they are lost or stolen while you are traveling. Make copies of these documents and leave them with a trusted friend or family member in case you need them while you are away from home.
Finally, remember that traveling internationally with a green card does not mean that you have automatic entry into every country in the world. Each country has its own visa requirements that must be met before entry is granted; make sure to research these requirements in advance so that there are no surprises when you arrive at your destination
Frequently Asked Questions about Renewing Your Green Card
If you are a permanent resident of the United States (holder of a Green Card), you may travel internationally and return to the U.S. as long as you have a valid, unexpired Green Card. However, there are some things to keep in mind before you travel:
-You should carry your Green Card with you whenever you travel outside the United States, even if you are returning from a trip of less than one year.
-If your Green Card will expire within six months of your return date to the United States, you should apply for a new card before leaving the country.
-If your trip will be longer than one year, you will need to apply for a reentry permit before leaving the United States. A reentry permit allows returning residents (holders of Green Cards) to retain their resident status while outside the United States for up to two years. You must apply for a reentry permit at least six months before your planned trip.
-If you are planning to apply for naturalization (to become a U.S. citizen), do not leave the United States on a trip lasting more than one year unless you have obtained an approved Certificate of Citizenship or Naturalization from USCIS prior to your departure. If you plan to be gone for more than one year but less than two years, please consult with an attorney before traveling outside the United States.
Conclusion
If you are a lawful permanent resident of the United States, you will be issued a Green Card. Having a Green card allows you to live and work permanently in the United States. It also allows you to travel internationally for business or pleasure for up to six months at a time without having to obtain a new visa.
If you plan to travel outside of the United States for more than six months, you will need to obtain a reentry permit before leaving. A reentry permit is valid for up to two years and allows multiple entries into the United States during that time period. You can apply for a reentry permit at your local USCIS office or by mail using Form I-131: Application for Travel Document.
If you do not obtain a reentry permit and stay outside of the United States for more than six months, your Green Card will be considered abandoned and your permanent resident status will be terminated. You will then need to apply for a new immigrant visa in order to return to the United States as a permanent resident.
Resources
The best resources for traveling internationally with a Green Card are the U.S. Department of State website and the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website. The Department of State website provides information on travel advisories, passports, and visa requirements. The USCIS website provide information on citizenship, green cards, and other immigrant and nonimmigrant benefits.
About the Author
Renewing Your Green Card? Here’s How to Travel Internationally is written by an experienced immigration attorney who has guided many clients through the process of renewing their green cards.
Related Blog Posts
-How to Renew Your Green Card: The Ultimate Guide
-5 Tips for Renewing Your Green Card
-Renewing Your Green Card: What to Expect
-Green Card Renewal: How to Prepare
