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A conditional green card allows you to live and work in the United States for a limited time period. If you want to travel outside the United States with a conditional green card, you must follow these steps.
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Introduction: Why You May Need a Green Card to Travel
If you have a conditional green card, you will need to take some special steps before traveling outside the United States. This is because your status as a permanent resident is not yet final. In order to maintain your status and keep your green card, you must follow the rules about traveling outside the United States.
There are two main reasons why you may need a green card to travel:
1) You need a valid green card to reenter the United States after traveling abroad.
2) You need a valid green card to apply for a passport from your country of citizenship.
If you have a conditional green card, you can travel outside the United States as long as you meet the following conditions:
-You must carry your valid, unexpired green card with you whenever you travel.
-You must return to the United States within the two-year validity period of your green card. If you stay outside the United States for more than one year, or if you leave and do not return before your green card expires, your green card will be automatically voided and you will no longer be a permanent resident.
-You must notify USCIS of any changes in your address or marital status while you are away from the United States. You can do this by filing Form AR-11, Change of Address Card.
What is a Green Card?
A Green Card is an identification card that proves that you are a permanent resident of the United States of America. If you have a Green Card, you are allowed to live and work permanently in the United States. You can also travel in and out of the country freely.
Applying for a Green Card
If you want to travel outside the United States with a conditional green card, you will need to apply for a reentry permit. A reentry permit allows you to travel outside the United States and return without having to apply for a new Green card. You can apply for a reentry permit if your green card is valid for at least six months.
To apply for a reentry permit, you will need to file Form I-131, Application for Travel Document. You will also need to submit two passport-style photographs and the appropriate fees. Once your application is approved, you will be issued a reentry permit that is valid for two years.
If you plan on traveling outside the United States on a regular basis, you may want to apply for a multiple-entry visa before your trip. A multiple-entry visa allows you to enter and exit the United States multiple times during the validity of the visa. To apply for a multiple-entry visa, you will need to file Form DS-156, Nonimmigrant Visa Application.
The Interview Process
The interview process for a conditional green card is similar to that of a regular green card, but there are a few additional requirements. First, you must prove that you meet the requirements for a green card, including being eligible for employment in the United States. You will also need to show that you have been granted permission to enter the United States by the Department of Homeland Security. Finally, you must show that you have been granted entry into the United States by Customs and Border Protection.
After the Interview
The waiting period after the interview can be troublesome. You may be anxious to know whether you have been approved for a green card, but the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) may take weeks or even months to make a decision. If your application is approved, you will receive your conditional green card in the mail. If your application is denied, you will be notified by mail with an explanation of the decision.
If You Are Approved
If you are approved for a conditional green card, you will be given a permanent resident card (also known as a green card). This card will allow you to live and work in the United States as a permanent resident. You will also be able to travel outside of the United States and return, as long as you have your green card with you.
If You Are Denied
If you are denied entry into the United States with your conditional green card, you will be required to leave the country immediately. You will not be able to reapply for a green card from inside the United States, and you may be barred from returning for up to five years.
Renewing or Replacing Your Green Card
If your conditional green card is lost, stolen, or damaged, you must file for a replacement card. You should also replace your card if your biographic information has changed (name change, different photo, etc.), or if you need to update your traveldocument.
You will need to complete and submit Form I-90. Depending on your specific situation, there may be a filing fee. After you have filed Form I-90 and paid any applicable fees, USCIS will review your application and supporting documentation. If more information is needed, they may contact you. Once they have everything they require, they will issue you a new conditional green card.
What to Do If Your Green Card is Lost or Stolen
If you lose your green card or it is stolen while you are traveling abroad, you should report the loss or theft to the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate immediately. You will need to file a police report in the country where the card was lost or stolen, and obtain a copy of that report. You will also need to complete form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card.
Once you have reported the loss or theft of your green card and filed form I-90, you will be issued a temporary travel document called a “Boarding Foil”. This document allows you to return to the United States. You will need to present the Boarding Foil, along with your passport, form I-90, and the police report at your port of entry into the United States.
If your green card is expired or will expire while you are abroad, you should contact your nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for information on how to renew your card.
Traveling with a Green Card
If you have a conditional green card, you’ll need to take some extra steps before traveling abroad to make sure you can return to the United States. While you can technically travel on a conditional green card, it’s always best to get an updated, unconditional card before leaving the country.
To travel outside the United States with a conditional green card, you’ll need to have:
-A valid, unexpired passport
-Your I-20 or DS-2019 form from your school or program
-Your I-551 stamp or temporary green paper I-551 printed in your passport
-A letter from your employer if you’re traveling for business reasons
Once you have all of these documents, you’re ready to apply for a new, unconditional green card. You’ll need to submit form I-90 and pay the filing fee. After your application is approved and you receive your new card, you can finally book that dream vacation!
