Contents
- Introduction: Can I Travel Abroad During My Green Card Application?
- Applying for a Green Card
- The Green Card Application Process
- Traveling on a Green Card
- Applying for a Green Card Renewal
- The Green Card Renewal Process
- Traveling on a Green Card Renewal
- Applying for a Green Card Replacement
- The Green Card Replacement Process
- Traveling on a Green Card Replacement
If you are in the process of applying for a green card, you may be wondering if you are allowed to travel outside of the United States. Read on to learn more about traveling during your green card application.
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Introduction: Can I Travel Abroad During My Green Card Application?
If you are in the process of applying for a green card, you may be wondering if you are allowed to travel outside of the United States. The answer to this question depends on a few factors, including your current immigration status and the type of green card you are applying for.
If you are currently living in the United States on a valid nonimmigrant visa, you may be able to travel abroad while your green card application is pending. However, there are some risks involved in traveling outside the United States while your green card application is pending. For example, if you leave the United States before your green card has been approved, USCIS may assume that you have abandoned your green card application and deny your application.
It is important to note that even if you are allowed to travel abroad while your green card application is pending, you may not be able to return to the United States if your visa has expired. Therefore, it is important to consult with an experienced immigration attorney before making any decisions about traveling outside the United States while your green card application is pending.
Applying for a Green Card
If you are an immigrant who is applying for a Green Card, you may be wondering if you can travel outside of the United States during the application process. The answer to this question depends on a few different factors, including your current immigration status and the type of Green Card you are applying for.
If you are currently living in the United States on a valid visa, you may be able to travel abroad while your Green Card application is pending. However, there are some exceptions – if you are applying for a Green Card through employment, you will need to get permission from your employer before leaving the country. If you are applying for a Green Card through family sponsorship, you must have an approved Immigrant Petition for Alien Relative before traveling.
If you are currently living outside of the United States, you will not be able to apply for a Green Card unless you have an approved immigrant petition. If you try to Apply for a Green Card while outside of the country, your application will be automatically rejected.
The Green Card Application Process
The green card application process is a long and complicated one. There are many steps involved, and it can take months or even years to complete. One of the first things you’ll need to do is submit an application to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This application is called the I-485, and it’s also known as the “adjustment of status” application.
If your application is approved, you’ll be issued a green card, which gives you the right to live and work in the United States indefinitely. However, before you can apply for a green card, you’ll need to have a valid visa. If you’re already in the United States on a valid visa, you may be able to adjust your status without having to leave the country. However, if your visa has expired or is about to expire, you’ll need to leave the United States and apply for a green card from your home country.
Once you have a green card, you can travel outside of the United States for short periods of time without affecting your status. However, if you’re planning on being away for more than six months, you’ll need to get what’s called a “reentry permit.” This permit will allow you to reenter the United States after your trip without having to go through the entire green card application process again.
Applying for a green card can be a long and complicated process, but it’s worth it if you want to live and work in the United States permanently.
Traveling on a Green Card
If you are in the United States on a properly authorized temporary visa, you generally may travel to and from the United States freely. However, if you are in the process of applying for a green card (permanent residence), there are some restrictions on your ability to travel.
If you have filed an application for a green card, you generally may not leave the United States until your application has been approved and you have received your green card. However, in some cases, you may be able to obtain permission to travel while your application is pending. This permission is known as advance parole.
If you have not yet applied for a green card, but meet certain criteria, you may be eligible for what is known as provisional waiver of inadmissibility. This waiver allows certain individuals who are otherwise inadmissible to the United States to apply for a green card without having to leave the country first.
Assuming that you are otherwise eligible for a green card, the following are some common reasons why you might be unable to obtain a provisional waiver or advance parole:
-You have been convicted of certain crimes
-You have been found inadmissible based on misrepresentation or fraud
-You have been ordered removed from the United States
Applying for a Green Card Renewal
If you are planning to travel outside of the United States while your green card application is pending, you will need to obtain a travel document from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) before you leave. This travel document, called an advance parole, allows you to re-enter the United States after traveling abroad.
To apply for an advance parole, you will need to file Form I-131 – Application for Travel Document. You will also need to include supporting documentation with your application, such as proof of your pending green card application.
Once you have obtained an advance parole, you should carry it with you when you travel, along with your valid passport and green card. If you do not have an advance parole and attempt to re-enter the United States without one, you may be denied entry and could face delays in processing your green card application.
The Green Card Renewal Process
Renewing your green card is a lengthy process, so it’s important to start early. The whole process can take up to 12 months, so you’ll need to plan ahead if you want to travel during that time.
First, you’ll need to fill out the green card renewal application form. This can be done online or through the mail. Once you’ve submitted the form, you’ll need to wait for it to be processed by the USCIS. This usually takes around two months.
Once your application has been processed, you’ll be scheduled for an interview at your local USCIS office. This is where they’ll ask you questions about yourrenewal application and your current situation. The interview usually takes place around three months after you submit your application form.
After the interview, your application will be sent to the USCIS National Benefits Center for processing. This usually takes around two months. Once your application has been approved, you’ll receive your new green card in the mail.
Traveling on a Green Card Renewal
If you are a legal permanent resident of the United States, you may travel outside of the country and return, so long as you have a valid Green Card. If your Green Card will expire soon, it is recommended that you renew it before traveling. If you cannot renew your Green Card before traveling, you will need to carry your expired Green Card and a copy of your I-551 stamp in your passport to show that you are a legal permanent resident. You should also carry a copy of your travel itinerary to show why you need to travel while your Green Card is expired.
Applying for a Green Card Replacement
If you are a permanent resident of the United States with a 10-year green card that is expiring, you will need to apply for a green card replacement before traveling outside of the country The process is fairly simple and can be completed online through the USCIS website.
First, you will need to fill out an application form and pay the necessary fees. Once your application has been processed, you will be scheduled for an interview at a USCIS office. During the interview, a USCIS officer will ask you questions about your application and your plans for the future.
Once your interview is complete, the USCIS officer will make a decision on your case. If everything goes smoothly, you should receive your new green card in the mail within a few weeks.
The Green Card Replacement Process
If you are a permanent resident (green card holder) and need to travel outside the United States for any length of time, you will need to obtain a reentry permit. Without this permit, you may not be able to return to the United States.
To apply for a reentry permit, you must:
Be a permanent resident of the United States
Have a green card that is valid for at least six months
Be physically present in the United States when you apply for the permit
Submit Form I-131, Application for Travel Document, with the required fee
If you are approved for a reentry permit, it will be valid for two years from the date it is issued. You can renew your reentry permit as long as you are still a permanent resident and it has not been more than two years since your last permit expired.
Traveling on a Green Card Replacement
If you are a permanent resident (holder of a Green Card) and need to travel outside the United States, you will need to obtain a Green Card replacement before your departure. You can do this by filing a Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card, with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). You should file your application for a replacement Green Card as soon as you know you will be traveling.
To apply for a replacement Green Card, you will need to submit the following:
-Your current Permanent Resident Card
-A completed Form I-90
-A photo
-The filing fee
Once you have gathered all the required materials, you can mail your application to the USCIS Service Center that serves your area. You can find the address of the Service Center on the form instructions for Form I-90. USCIS recommends that you use a traceable delivery service when sending your application so that you can track your package and ensure it arrives at the correct destination.