Contents
- When you can’t travel with a green card
- Reasons why you might not be able to travel with a green card
- What to do if you can’t travel with a green card
- How to avoid problems when travelling with a green card
- What to do if you encounter problems when travelling with a green card
- Tips for travelling with a green card
- How to renew your green card
- What to do if your green card is lost or stolen
- FAQs about travelling with a green card
- Resources for travelling with a green card
If you have a green card, you may be wondering if there are any restrictions on travel. Read on to learn more about when you can and can’t travel while you have a green card.
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When you can’t travel with a green card
As a general rule, you should not travel outside of the United States while your green card application is pending. If you do, you risk having your application denied.
There are some exceptions to this rule, however. If you need to travel for an emergency, such as a death in the family, you may be able to get permission from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to leave the country and return while your application is pending. You will need to submit a request in writing along with evidence of the emergency to USCIS before you leave.
If you are already outside of the United States when you receive word that your green card has been approved, you will need to contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate to get a returning resident visa in order to come back to the United States.
Reasons why you might not be able to travel with a green card
Although a green card (officially known as a Permanent Resident Card (PDF, 6.77 MB)) allows you to live and work permanently in the United States, it does not guarantee your right to return if you travel outside the country.
There are several reasons why you might not be able to return:
-Your green card has expired.
-You have been arrested for a crime.
-You have abandoned your permanent residency by living outside of the United States for more than 12 months.
-You have been convicted of certain crimes.
-You are inadmissible to the United States for health or security reasons.
What to do if you can’t travel with a green card
If you have a green card and you can’t travel with it, there are a few things you can do. You can apply for a new Green card, you can get a waiver, or you can go through advance parole.
If you have a green card and you can’t travel with it, there are a few things you can do. You can apply for a new green card, you can get a waiver, or you can go through advance parole.
Applying for a new green card is the best option if you plan on traveling outside of the United States frequently. The process is pretty simple and straightforward, and it doesn’t take too long to get approved. However, it is important to note that if you apply for a new green card, your old one will be canceled.
Getting a waiver is another option if you’re having trouble traveling with your green card. A waiver will essentially allow you to keep your green card while still being able to travel freely. However, getting a waiver can be difficult, and it’s not guaranteed that you’ll be approved.
If all else fails, you may be able to go through advance parole. Advance parole essentially allows you to put off getting a new green card until after you’ve traveled. It’s not an ideal solution, but it’s better than nothing.
How to avoid problems when travelling with a green card
If you have a green card, you may travel freely within the United States and its territories. You may also travel to and from other countries, but there are a few things to keep in mind to avoid any problems.
First, you should always carry your green card with you when you travel. If you plan to be outside the United States for more than a year, you should get a Reentry Permit before you leave. If you will be gone for more than two years, you may need to apply for a Returning Resident Visa.
Second, if you are arrested or convicted of a crime while abroad, you may be denied entry into the United States. Therefore, it is important to obey the laws of any country you are visiting.
Finally, keep in mind that traveling on an expired green card can cause problems. If your green card expires while you are abroad, you will need to apply for a new one at a U.S. embassy or consulate before you can return to the United States.
What to do if you encounter problems when travelling with a green card
You may encounter problems when traveling with a green card if:
-Your card is expired or will expire soon
-Your card is lost or stolen
-You are a permanent resident who has been away from the United States for more than one year
-You are a conditional permanent resident whose card will expire soon
-You are a permanent resident who has committed certain crimes or violated the terms of your status
Tips for travelling with a green card
There are some things to keep in mind when travelling with a green card. For starters, it is important to remember that a green card does not guarantee entry into the United States. You may be denied entry if you have a criminal record or if you are suspected of intending to immigrate permanently.
It is also important to note that you can only travel within the United States and its territories while you have a green card. If you leave the country, even for a short trip, your green card will be considered void and you will need to apply for a new one. This can be a lengthy and expensive process, so it is best to avoid travel outside the United States while you have a green card.
How to renew your green card
If your green card expires, you can renew it as long as you are still a permanent resident. You should renew your green card if it has been lost, stolen, or damaged. You can also renew your green card if your name or other information has been legally changed since you were originally issued the card.
To renew your green card, you will need to fill out an application and submit it to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). You will also need to include a photograph and the appropriate fee. If you are renewing your green card because it has been lost, stolen, or damaged, you will need to include a copy of either your police report or your replacement card.
Once your application is received, USCIS will review it and may request additional information from you. Once your application is approved, USCIS will mail you a new green card. The entire process can take several months, so be sure to apply for a renewal well in advance of your current card’s expiration date.
What to do if your green card is lost or stolen
If you lose your green card or it is stolen, you should report the loss or theft to the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate as soon as possible. You will need to submit a police report and a new application for a green card. There is no fee for replacing a lost or stolen green card.
FAQs about travelling with a green card
If you have a green card (officially known as a Permanent Resident Card (PDF, 648 KB)), you are allowed to travel outside the United States and return, provided you do so within the validity dates printed on the card.
However, if you are planning to be away for more than one year or if you plan to live outside the United States indefinitely, you will need to apply for a reentry permit. If you do not obtain a reentry permit and try to reenter the United States after an extended absence, you will be considered an undocumented immigrant and may be barred from returning.
If you are a green card holder and want to apply for U.S. citizenship, you must first reside in the United States for a certain period of time. For more information, please see our section on applying for U.S. citizenship.
Resources for travelling with a green card
If you are a legal permanent resident of the United States, you may travel abroad and re-enter the country using your green card. However, there are some things to keep in mind before you travel.
First, you should make sure that your green card is still valid. If it has expired, you will need to renew it before you travel You can do this by submitting a form I-90 to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
Second, you should be aware of the length of time you can be outside of the country before your green card is considered abandoned. The rule of thumb is that if you are gone for more than one year, you will need to apply for a new green card when you return. However, there are some exceptions to this rule, so it is important to check with an immigration attorney or the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services before you travel.
Finally, if you have been convicted of certain crimes, you may be ineligible for a green card or may be deported from the United States if you try to return with a green card after traveling abroad. If you have any questions about whether your criminal history will impact your ability to travel with a green card, you should speak with an immigration attorney before traveling.