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If you are a permanent resident of the United States (holder of a Green Card), you must carry your Green Card with you when you travel outside the United States.
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Introduction
If you are a legal permanent resident of the United States (i.e. you have a “green card”), you are allowed to travel outside of the country and return, as long as you do not stay away for more than one year at a time. You will need to carry your green card with you when you travel, and it is a good idea to have other supporting documents as well, such as a passport from your country of citizenship, or a copy of your birth certificate.
Why you need a Green Card
If you are a permanent resident of the United States, you will need a Green Card (aka Permanent Resident Card) in order to return to the country after traveling overseas. The Green card allows you to live and work in the United States on a permanent basis.
While you can travel without a Green Card, it is important to note that if you do not have one, you may have difficulty returning to the United States or be subject to removal proceedings if you are caught trying to enter the country without proper documentation.
There are a few ways to obtain a Green Card, but the most common is through family sponsorship or employment sponsorship. If you have relatives who are citizens or permanent residents of the United States, they may be able to sponsor your Green Card application. Alternatively, if you have a job offer from a U.S. employer, they may be able to sponsor your application as well.
If you are planning on traveling outside of the United States, it is important that you obtain a Green Card before your trip. For more information on how to apply for a Green Card, please visit the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website.
Applying for a Green Card
If you are a permanent resident of the United States, you may apply for a Green Card. This will allow you to live and work in the United States indefinitely. To apply for a Green Card, you will need to fill out an application and submit it to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
The application process for a Green Card can be long and complex, so it is important to make sure that you have all of the required documentation before you begin. In addition to the application, you will need to submit proof of your identity, proof of your residency in the United States, and proof of your employment status in the United States. Once your application has been submitted, USCIS will review it and may contact you for additional information.
If you are approved for a Green Card, you will receive a card in the mail which you should keep with you at all times. The Green Card allows you to live and work in the United States indefinitely, but it does not guarantee citizenship. If you wish to become a naturalized citizen of the United States, you will need to go through a separate process.
The Green Card Interview
If you are a permanent resident of the United States (also known as a “green card holder”), you may travel outside of the country and return, as long as you do not intend to stay outside of the United States for more than one year. If you plan to be gone for more than one year, you must obtain a reentry permit before you leave.
If you are returning from a trip lasting less than one year, you will need to present your green card and a passport from your country of citizenship when you return to the United States. You may also be asked to complete an I-94 form and provide other documentation proving that you intend to return to the United States on a permanent basis.
If you are a green card holder who has been away from the United States for more than one year, or if you have let your green card expire, you will need to go through the process of applying for a new green card. This includes going through an interview at a U.S. consulate or embassy.
After the Interview
After the interview, you will be told whether you have been provisionally selected for the green card. If you are selected, you will be given an Instruction Packet explaining what you need to do next. The packet will contain a list of documents that you must submit to support your application. If your application is complete and all required documentation has been submitted, you will be scheduled for an appointment to have your biometrics captured.
At the biometrics appointment, your fingerprints and photo will be taken. USCIS uses this information to conduct background and security checks. After your biometrics have been captured, USCIS will mail you a notice telling you that your case is ready to be scheduled for an interview at a USCIS office overseas.
If your Green Card is Approved
If your Green Card is approved, you will be notified by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) along with instructions on how to pick it up. You will need to bring your passport and a copy of your I-797, Notice of Action form with you to pick up your Green Card.
If your Green Card is Denied
If you are outside the United States and your Green Card is denied, you will need to return to the United States immediately. You will not be able to enter the United States without a Green Card. If you have a valid passport, you can apply for a new Green Card at a U.S. consulate or embassy.
Renewing or Replacing your Green Card
If you are a permanent resident of the United States, you will have a Green Card. You will need to renew or replace your Green Card if it expires or is lost or stolen.
To renew your Green Card, you will need to fill out form I-90 and submit it to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). You will also need to pay a filing fee. If you are outside of the United States, you will need to contact the nearest USCIS office or U.S. embassy or consulate to begin the process.
If you need to replace your Green Card, you will need to fill out form I-90 and submit it to USCIS. You may also need to provide proof of your identity and pay a filing fee.
What if you Lose your Green Card?
There are a few things you can do to prevent losing your Green Card while traveling overseas.
-Make sure to keep your Green Card in a safe place, such as a wallet or money belt.
-If you are traveling with a family member who also has a Green Card, make sure to keep track of each other’s Green Cards.
-If you are traveling with children who have Green Cards, make sure to keep their Green Cards in a safe place where you can easily find them.
-If you have any other important documents, such as a passport or birth certificate, make sure to keep them in a safe place as well.
Conclusion
After reading this guide, you should now understand the basics of the green card and how to travel with it. Remember to keep your green card with you at all times, as well as your passport, when travelling abroad. If you have any questions about your green card or need assistance, please contact a qualified immigration attorney.
