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Are you wondering if you can travel while renewing your green card? The answer is yes, you can! However, there are a few things to keep in mind before you book your trip. Check out this blog post for more information.
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Introduction
You may be able to travel outside the United States while your Green Card renewal application is pending. However, there are some important things to keep in mind before you travel.
First, you will need to have a valid passport from your country of citizenship. You will also need to apply for a reentry permit from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) before you leave the country. Once you have been granted a reentry permit, you will be able to return to the United States after temporary trips abroad.
It is important to note that you cannot use your Green Card as proof of identity or citizenship while it is being renewed. Therefore, it is essential that you carry your passport and reentry permit with you when you travel. If you do not have these documents, you may be denied boarding by your airline or entry into the United States by Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
Applying for a Green Card
If you are a lawful permanent resident (green card holder), you may leave the United States and return during the validity of your green card. However, if you plan to be outside the United States for more than one year, you must obtain a reentry permit or a returning resident visa from a U.S. consulate before departing. If you do not obtain a reentry permit or returning resident visa and are outside the United States for more than one year, you will have to apply for a new immigrant visa to return to the United States.
You may apply for a reentry permit on Form I-131, Application for Travel Document, filed with USCIS. You must file Form I-131 at least six months before your planned departure from the United States. USCIS will mail you a notice when your application has been processed and is ready for pick up at a USCIS office. The fee for this application is $575 as of 2019. You must submit two photographs of yourself with Form I-131. Check the USCIS website for specific instructions on how to submit your photographs with this form. If you have ever been arrested or convicted of any crime, you should also submit certified police and court records related to the arrest or conviction with your application.
If you are applying for a reentry permit while outside the United States, file Form I-131 at one of the following U.S.embassies or consulates:
-U.S Embassy in Bamako
-U.S Embassy in Nouakchott
-Ust Embassy in Abdijan
Renewing Your Green Card
You can travel while you are waiting for your green card to be renewed. You will need to carry with you a few specific items in order to re-enter the United States.
First, you will need your current green card as well as a passport from your home country. If your green Card has already expired you will also need to carry proof of your impending renewal, such as the Renewal Application Receipt Notice you should have received from USCIS when you applied for renewal.
You will also need a valid visa in your passport, if you are not a citizen of a country that participates in the Visa Waiver Program. If you are renewing your green card after it has expired, you may need to apply for a new visa before traveling.
Of course, it is always best to check with an experienced immigration attorney before traveling outside the United States if you are not a citizen and do not have a green card.
Can I Travel While Renewing My Green Card?
If you are a lawful permanent resident of the United States (Green Card holder), you may travel outside of the United States and return, as long as you do not intend to stay outside of the U.S. for more than one year. If you will be traveling for more than one year, you will need to apply for a reentry permit. If you stay outside of the U.S. for more than two years, your Green Card will be automatically voided and you will need to apply for a new one.
What Happens If I Renew My Green card while outside the United States?
If you renew your Green Card while outside the United States, you will need to provide proof that you played by the rules and didn’t violate the terms of your previous Green Card. The process is mostly the same as if you were renewing your Green Card from inside the United States, but there are a few additional steps.
First, you will need to fill out and submit Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card. You can do this online or by mail. Include copies of any and all previous Green Cards that have been issued to you, as well as any other supporting documentation as required by Form I-90.
Next, you will need to submit fingerprinting and photographs following the instructions on Form I-90. If you are renewing your Green Card from outside the United States, you will need to go to a U.S. embassy or consulate to have your fingerprints and photos taken. Check the website of the U.S. embassy or consulate where you will apply for an appointment as soon as possible, as appointments may be booked several weeks in advance.
Finally, once your application has been reviewed and approved, you will be issued a new Green Card which will be valid for 10 years. If everything goes smoothly, the entire process of renewing your Green Card from outside the United States can take several months from start to finish.
Reentry Permit
If you are a permanent resident of the United States (also known as a “green card” holder), you may leave the country and return using what is called a “reentry permit.”
A reentry permit allows you to apply for readmission to the United States after traveling abroad for up to two years. If you will be traveling for longer than two years, you will need to apply for a returning resident visa at a U.S. consulate instead.
You should apply for your reentry permit before leaving the United States. You can do this by filing Form I-131, Application for Travel Document, with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). You will need to include evidence that you are a permanent resident, such as your green card, as well as photographs and the appropriate fee.
Once your application is approved, you will be issued a reentry permit that is valid for two years from the date of issuance. You must carry your reentry permit with you when you travel; if you do not have it with you, you may be denied entry into the United States upon your return.
Advance Parole
If you are a lawful permanent resident (LPR) of the United States, you may leave the country and return during the period your green card is valid. However, if you plan to be outside the United States for more than one year or for any reason other than pleasure, you need to apply for a reentry permit. If you will be gone for more than two years, or if you have been convicted of certain crimes, you also need to apply for a returning resident visa.
If you have an application for permanent residence pending with USCIS, do not leave the United States without first applying for and receiving advance parole. If you leave without advance parole and your application is approved while you are away, you will not be able to return to the United States as an LPR. You will have to apply for a new immigrant visa at a U.S. consulate abroad, which could cause significant delays in your return.
Returning to the United States After Travel
If you are a permanent resident or conditional permanent resident of the United States, you may travel outside of the country and return. However, there are a few things you should keep in mind before you leave:
-You must have a valid Green Card in order to return to the United States. If your Green Card will expire soon, you should renew it before you leave.
-You should carry your Green Card with you at all times when you are traveling.
-If you plan to be outside of the United States for more than one year, you may need to apply for 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 from a U.S. embassy or consulate in order to return.
Conclusion
Based on the information above, it appears that you can travel while renewing your green card, but there are some risks involved. If you plan to travel, it is recommended that you speak with an immigration attorney to discuss your specific situation and make sure that you understand the risks involved.
Resources
There are many resources available to help you understand the process of renewing your green card. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website offers detailed information on the requirements and procedures for renewing your green card. You can also find helpful information on the websites of organizations that provide assistance to immigrants, such as the National Immigration Forum and the Migration Policy Institute. If you have questions about specific aspects of the renewal process, you can contact an immigration law firm or attorney for guidance.
