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If you’ve recently been granted a green card, you might be wondering if you can start traveling right away. The answer is yes – but there are a few things to keep in mind. First, you’ll need to make sure your passport is up to date. Second, you’ll need to have your green card with you when you travel. And finally, it’s a good idea to check with the embassy or consulate of your destination country to make sure there aren’t any special travel requirements
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Introduction
The answer to this question depends on a few factors, including your country of origin and your specific status within the United States. If you have recently obtained your green card, it is important to check with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to ensure that you are eligible to travel outside of the United States.
Generally speaking, if you have been granted permanent resident status, you should be able to travel freely in and out of the country. However, there are some restrictions that may apply in certain cases. For example, if you have been convicted of a crime or if you are currently awaiting a hearing or decision on your immigration status, you may not be able to leave the United States.
It is always best to check with USCIS before making any travel plans. You can visit their website or contact their customer service center at 1-800-375-5283 for more information.
Applying for a Green Card
The process of applying for a Green Card can be complex, and it can take several months or even years to receive one. Once you have your Green Card, however, you are free to travel as you please. There are no restrictions on where you can go or how long you can stay outside of the United States.
The Interview Process
After you have submitted your Adjustment of Status application, you will be scheduled for an interview with a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) officer. The interview is approximately one hour long, although the length may vary depending on the number of applications USCIS needs to review. You will be asked questions about your application and background, and the USCIS officer will also verify your documents.
If the USCIS officer requires additional information from you, he or she may ask that you submit it within a certain period of time. If everything goes well and the USCIS officer approves your application, you will receive your green card in the mail approximately two to four weeks after your interview. If your application is denied, you will be given a written notice explaining why.
After You Receive Your Green Card
Once you have your green card, you are free to travel throughout the United States. You can live anywhere you want and work in any occupation. However, there are a few things to keep in mind after you receive your green card:
You must notify USCIS of any changes to your address within 10 days of moving.
You must carry your green card with you at all times.
You should renew your green card every 10 years.
If you leave the United States for more than one year, you will need to obtain a re-entry permit before returning.
What to Do If Your Green Card Is Lost or Stolen
If your green card is lost or stolen, you should report the loss or theft to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) immediately. You will need to complete a Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card, and submit it along with the appropriate fee. You may also need to provide supporting documentation, such as a police report if your green card was stolen.
Once you have reported the loss or theft of your green card, you will need to obtain a new one before you can travel outside the United States. You can typically expect to receive your new green card within six to eight weeks. In the meantime, you may be able to obtain a travel document known as a transportation letter, which will allow you to return to the United States if you are traveling on an emergency basis.
Traveling on a Green Card
If you have just received your green card, congratulations! You are now a permanent resident of the United States. This means you have many rights and privileges, including the right to live and work in the US indefinitely.
One question you may have is whether you can travel outside of the US right away. The answer is yes, but there are a few things to keep in mind.
First, it’s a good idea to carry your green card with you whenever you travel, just as you would your passport. This will make it easier for Customs and Border Protection agents to confirm your status if they need to.
Second, keep in mind that if you plan to be outside of the US for an extended period of time (more than six months), you will need to get a re-entry permit before you leave. Without a re-entry permit, your green card may be considered void and you may not be allowed back into the country.
Finally, remember that even though you now have a green card, it’s still possible to lose your permanent resident status. If you are convicted of a serious crime or fail to meet other requirements, you could be deported from the US. So enjoy your new status, but make sure to follow all the rules!
Applying for a U.S. Passport
After you become a lawful permanent resident of the United States (obtain a “green card”), you may eventually want or need to apply for a U.S. passport.
A U.S. passport allows you to travel outside of the United States and return as a lawful permanent resident. If your green card is going to expire within the next 6 months, you should renew it before applying for a passport.
There are two ways to get a passport:
-Apply in person at a passport acceptance facility or renew by mail
-If you are eligible, you can renew by mail
To find out if you are eligible to renew by mail, visit the State Department’s website or call the National Passport Information Center
If you need to apply in person, please visit or call the National Passport Information Center to make an appointment at one of over 28,000 passport acceptance facilities located throughout the United States.
Renewing or Replacing Your Green Card
If your green card is lost, stolen, or damaged, you should immediately contact U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to report the loss or damage. You will need to file form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card. There is a filing fee for this form.
You may apply to renew your green card if it is about to expire or has already expired. You should submit form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card, at least six months before your card expires. There is a filing fee for this form.
What If You Want to Become a U.S. Citizen?
If you want to become a U.S. citizen, you must first become a permanent resident (get a green card), then wait five years before you can apply for citizenship. The five-year period is reduced to three years if you are married to a U.S. citizen or if you served in the U.S. military.
Additional Resources
#Can I Travel Right Away After Getting My Green Card?
Congratulations on receiving your green card! Now that you are a lawful permanent resident of the United States, you may be wondering if you can travel internationally. The answer is: maybe.
There are a few things you should keep in mind before traveling outside the United States:
Your green card is valid for 10 years. You will need to renew it before it expires.
You may only be outside of the United States for up to 6 months at a time. If you are gone for longer than 6 months, you may be considered to have abandoned your residency.
You must have a valid green card with you when you return to the United States. If your card has expired, you will need to apply for a new one before returning.
If you are planning on traveling outside of the United States, we recommend contacting an immigration attorney to discuss your specific circumstances.
