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A Green Card allows a person to live and work permanently in the United States. If you have a Green Card and want to travel outside the United States, there are a few things you need to do to prepare.
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Introduction
If you are a permanent resident of the United States (also known as a “green card holder”), you have the right to live and work in the United States indefinitely. You can also travel freely within the United States and its territories. However, there are a few things you should keep in mind when traveling outside of the United States with your green card
First, it is important to note that your green card does not expire. However, if you are planning to travel outside of the United States for an extended period of time (more than one year), you will need to obtain a reentry permit before leaving. A reentry permit is essentially a travel document that proves your intention to return to the United States as a permanent resident.
Second, it is important to keep your green card up-to-date by renewing it every 10 years. You should also be sure to carry your green card with you whenever you travel outside of the United States, as well as any other supporting documents such as your passport and reentry permit (if applicable).
Finally, please be aware that if you are convicted of certain crimes or violate the terms of your green card, you may be subject to removal (deportation) from the United States. For more information on this topic, please see our article on deportations.
Bottom line: If you are a permanent resident of the United States, you have the right live and work in the country indefinitely. However, there are a few things you should keep in mind when traveling outside of the country with your green card, such as obtaining a reentry permit and renewing your card every 10 years.
What is a Green Card?
A Green Card is a permanent residency card that allows you to live and work in the United States. If you have a Green Card, you can travel freely in and out of the country. However, there are a few things you need to keep in mind when traveling with a Green Card.
First, you need to make sure that your Green Card is up-to-date and has not expired. You can check the expiration date on your card, and if it has expired, you will need to renew it before traveling.
Second, you should carry your Green Card with you at all times when traveling. It is also a good idea to bring along a copy of your Green Card, in case you lose your card or it is stolen.
Finally, if you are traveling outside of the United States, you will need to have a valid passport. You will need to present your passport when returning to the United States, so make sure that it is up-to-date and has not expired.
Applying for a Green Card
There are a few things you need to know before you apply for a Green Card. The first is that you must be eligible to receive one. There are a few different ways to become eligible, but the most common is through family ties or employment.
Once you have determined that you are eligible, you will need to gather the required documents. These include a completed application form, proof of identity and citizenship, photographs, and any supporting documents that may be required.
After you have gathered all of the necessary materials, you will need to submit your application to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). They will review your application and make a decision on your case. If your application is approved, you will be issued a Green Card and will be able to travel to the United States.
The Green Card Interview
The Green Card Interview is the last step in the process of obtaining your permanent residency (a Green Card). Depending on your eligibility, you will either have an interview at a U.S. consulate or embassy abroad, or you will have an interview at a local USCIS office here in the United States. The following is a list of documents that you will need to bring to your interview:
-Passport
-Birth Certificate
-Marriage Certificate (if applicable)
-Divorce Decree or Death Certificate (if applicable)
-Police Certificate(s)
-Military Records (if applicable)
-Medical Examination results
-Financial Records (tax returns, bank statements, etc.)
-Evidence of Employment or Income (pay stubs, letter from employer, etc.)
-Rental Agreement or Mortgage Documents (if applicable)
-Utility Bills (if applicable)
-Documentation of Any Previous U.S. Travel (previous visa, I-94 form, etc.)
After the Interview
After the interview, the USCIS officer will tell you whether your application for a Green Card has been approved or denied. If your application is approved, you will be given a welcome letter and a temporary Green Card. The temporary Green Card, also called an I-551 stamp, is valid for 10 years. You will also be given a plastic Green Card, which is valid for 10 years. You should carry your Green Card with you at all times to show to employers, schools and authorities that you are authorized to live and work in the United States permanently.
Traveling on a Green Card
If you are a permanent resident of the United States (commonly referred to as a “green card” holder), you are allowed to travel internationally and return to the U.S. as long as you follow certain rules.
When you leave the United States, you must have:
-Your green card
-A valid passport from your country of citizenship
If you are a Green Card holder and you want to travel outside of the United States for leisure or business, it is recommended that you also have:
-An up-to-date passport photo
-A return ticket to the United States
-Evidence of ties to your home country, such as a bank statement or proof of property ownership
Green Card Renewal
To renew your Green Card, you will need to submit a Form I-90 Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card. It is important to renew your Green Card if it is about to expire, as it is proof of your lawful permanent resident status in the United States.
You will need to submit the following with your Form I-90 Application:
-Your current Green Card
-Proof of identity, such as a passport or driver’s license
-Two photographs of yourself
-A filing fee of $455
Green Card Replacement
If you have a Green Card that is about to expire, you will need to replace it. You can do this by submitting a Green Card renewal application. However, if your Green Card has already expired you will need to apply for a new one.
To apply for a Green Card replacement, you will need to submit the following documents:
-A completed Green Card renewal application form (Form I-90)
-Your current Green Card
-A photo that meets the requirements for a US passport photo
-The applicable fee
Losing Your Green Card
Losing your Green Card can have serious consequences. If you are a permanent resident of the United States (holder of a Green Card), you should carry your Green Card with you at all times. You may be asked to present it to an immigration officer at a port of entry (airport, for example) or other checkpoint, to establish your identity and nationality, as well as your right to enter or remain in the United States. You should also present your Green Card if requested by a law enforcement officer. If you are stopped without proof of permanent resident status, you could be detained and placed in removal proceedings (deported).
If your Green Card is lost or stolen, you should report the loss or theft to the local police immediately and get a copy of the police report. Then, you should contact U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) as soon as possible to request a replacement Green Card. You can find more information on what to do if your Green Card is lost or stolen on the USCIS website.
Conclusion
If you are traveling with a Green Card, you should carry the following items with you:
-Your Green Card
-A valid passport
-Tickets for your return trip to the United States
-Proof of payment for your return trip
-Evidence of your ties to the United States, such as a job, family, or property
