Can a Permanent Resident Travel Abroad Without a Green Card?

A common question we get asked is whether or not a permanent resident can travel outside of the United States without a green card.

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Introduction: Can a Permanent Resident Travel Abroad Without a Green Card?

Permanent residents of the United States may travel abroad without a green card, but there are some restrictions. If you plan to be away from the United States for more than one year, you will need to obtain a Reentry Permit. If you are away from the United States for more than two years, you will need to obtain a Returning Resident Visa. Both of these documents can be obtained from the U.S. Department of State.

The Purpose of a Green Card

Green cards allow permanent residents to live and work in the United States. If you are a permanent resident, you may travel outside of the United States, but you will need to carry your green card with you when you return.

If your green card is lost or stolen while you are abroad, you should contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for assistance. You will need to apply for a new Green card before returning to the United States.

If you are a permanent resident and you plan to be outside of the United States for more than one year, you should apply for a reentry permit before you leave. A reentry permit allows permanent residents to maintain their status while they are away from the United States for up to two years.

How a Green Card Affects Travel

As a permanent resident of the United States, you are free to travel abroad as you please. However, there are a few things you should keep in mind before you leave the country. First and foremost, you should always carry your green card with you when you travel. It is your proof of status as a lawful permanent resident, and it will be required for you to re-enter the United States after your trip.

If you plan to be gone for more than six months, you may need to obtain a reentry permit before leaving. A reentry permit allows permanent residents to apply for readmission to the United States after traveling abroad for up to two years. You will need to submit an application and supporting documentation to USCIS before you leave the country.

If you will be gone for more than one year but less than two years, or if you cannot obtain a reentry permit before your trip, you will need to apply for a returning resident visa from a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad. You will need to provide proof of your ties to the United States, such as documentation of employment or property ownership, as well as evidence that you have maintained your status as a lawful permanent resident while outside the country.

It is important to remember that even if you are only traveling outside the United States for a short time, your green card may be subject to expiration while you are away. If your green card expires while you are outside the United States, it will no longer be valid for reentry into the country. You will need to apply for a new green card from abroad or go through the process of applying for naturalization once you return home.

The Consequences of Traveling Without a Green Card

If you are a permanent resident of the United States (also called a “green card holder”), you are allowed to travel outside of the country for business or pleasure. However, there are consequences for traveling without a green card.

First, if you plan to be gone for more than one year, you will need to apply for a reentry permit before leaving the country. If you do not obtain a reentry permit and you are gone for more than one year, your green card will be automatically cancelled and you will not be able to return to the United States as a permanent resident.

Second, if you are gone for more than six months but less than one year, you will need to apply for a “returning resident” visa from a U.S. consulate in order to return to the United States. If you do not obtain a returning resident visa and you are gone for more than six months but less than one year, your green card will be automatically cancelled and you will not be able to return to the United States as a permanent resident.

Lastly, if you are gone for less than six months, you will be able to return to the United States with your green card however, it is advisable that you carry with you evidence of your permanent residency such as your Green Card or reentry permit just in case there is any question about your status when returning back into the country. Remember, if you are gone for longer than one year without obtaining a reentry permit or returning resident visa, your green card will be automatically cancelled and cannot be reinstated.

Tips for Traveling Without a Green Card

If you are a permanent resident of the United States, you generally do not need a green card to travel abroad. However, there are some circumstances in which it may be beneficial to have your green card with you when you travel.

First, if you plan to stay outside of the United States for more than one year, you will need to get a reentry permit from the USCIS before you leave. This permit will allow you to reenter the United States as a permanent resident after an extended absence.

Second, if you are traveling to a country that does not have a visa waiver program with the United States, you will need to get a visa from that country before you can enter. A green card can be used in lieu of a visa in some cases.

Finally, it is always a good idea to have proof of your permanent residency status with you when you travel. A green card is the best way to do this. If you do not have your green card with you, you can use your passport and other documents such as your birth certificate or naturalization certificate.

How to Get a Green Card

If you’re a permanent resident (also called a “green card holder”), you can travel outside the United States for up to six months without having to carry your green card with you.

However, if you plan to be outside the United States for more than six months but less than one year, you should get a “reentry permit” from USCIS before you leave.

If you plan to be out of the country for more than one year, or if you lose your green card while outside the United States, you will need to get a “returning resident visa” from a U.S. embassy or consulate in order to return to the United States.

Applying for a Green Card

If you are a permanent resident of the United States, you may travel abroad for business or pleasure without having to apply for a new green card. However, it is important to note that you may be required to obtain a re-entry permit if you plan to be away from the country for more than one year. Additionally, you will need to present your green card and passport when returning to the U.S.

If you are applying for citizenship, you must have your green card with you when you leave the country and when you return. If you plan to be outside of the U.S. for more than six months, you should consult with an immigration attorney before traveling.

Renewing or Replacing a Green Card

You can travel abroad with your permanent resident card (if it does not expire within six months of your return date), but you should carry a copy of your residency documentation and a new photo ID, such as a passport, with you. If your green card expires while you are outside the United States, you will need to apply for a new one before you can return.

What to Do if You Lose Your Green Card

If you are a permanent resident of the United States, also known as a green card holder, you may travel outside of the country. However, it is important to take precautions before you leave to make sure that you can return to the U.S.

One of the most important things to do before you travel is to make sure you have a valid green card with you. If you do not have your green card with you when you try to return to the United States, you may be detained and questioned by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers. You may also be denied entry into the country.

To avoid these problems, it is strongly recommended that you carry your green card with you whenever you travel outside of the United States. If you cannot carry your card with you for some reason, be sure to leave a copy of it with someone who can send it to you if needed.

If your green card is lost or stolen while you are abroad, there are steps you can take to get a replacement card so that you can return to the United States. The first thing you should do is contact the nearest U.S. consulate or embassy as soon as possible. They will be able to help you through the process of getting a replacement green card.

You will need to fill out an application for a replacement green card and submit it along with supporting documentation, such as a copy of your original green card and proof of identity. There may be a fee for this service. Once your application is processed, the consulate or embassy will mail your new green card directly to your address in the United States.

Additional Resources

If you are a permanent resident of the United States, you may travel abroad with your valid passport and green card. However, it is recommended that you carry your passport and green card with you at all times to avoid any issues when returning to the United States. If you plan on traveling for an extended period of time or if you will be visiting a country that does not have a U.S. embassy or consulate, it is also recommended that you carry a copy of your birth certificate, marriage certificate, and/or naturalization certificate.