Contents
- Introduction: Can You Travel Once You Have Applied for a Green Card?
- Applying for a Green Card
- The Green Card Application Process
- After You Apply for a Green Card
- Traveling on a Green Card
- Applying for a Travel Document
- Renewing or Replacing Your Green Card
- What Happens if Your Green Card is Lost or Stolen?
- Green Card Renewal or Replacement Fees
- Additional Resources for Green Card Holders
If you’re planning on traveling outside the United States after you’ve applied for a green card, there are a few things you need to know. Find out if you can travel and what you need to do to make sure your application isn’t jeopardized.
Checkout this video:
Introduction: Can You Travel Once You Have Applied for a Green Card?
If you have filed for a Green Card (permanent residence) with the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), you are probably wondering whether you are allowed to travel while your application is pending. The short answer is, yes, you can travel but there are some things you need to keep in mind before you do.
First and foremost, when you leave the country after filing for a Green Card, you will need to obtain what is called an advance parole document. This document essentially gives you permission to return to the United States and resume the Green Card application process. Without it, your application will be considered abandoned and you will not be able to return.
In order to get an advance parole document, you will need to file Form I-131 with USCIS. This form is also known as the Application for Travel Document. Once USCIS approves your application, they will issue the document which will be valid for one year.
It’s important to note that even if you have an advance parole document, that does not mean that you are guaranteed entry into the United States. You will still need to go through passport control and immigration inspection when you arrive and present your document. The officer may ask questions about your intention to return and may even deny entry if they feel that you do not have sufficient ties to your home country.
If you are planning on traveling while your Green Card application is pending, it’s best to consult with an experienced immigration attorney beforehand. They can help ensure that everything is in order and that you have the best possible chance of being able to return without any problems.
Applying for a Green Card
If you are applying for a green card, you may be wondering if you will be able to travel during the process. The answer is it depends. If you already have a valid visa, you may be able to travel with what is called an advance parole document. This document allows you to return to the United States after traveling abroad. Without it, you may not be allowed back into the country.
If you do not have a valid visa, you will not be able to travel until your green card is approved and issued. Even if your green card application is approved, there may be delays in issuing the actual card. Because of this, it is important to check with the USCIS before making any travel plans.
The Green Card Application Process
The Green Card Application Process
After you have been nominated for a green card, you will need to fill out an application and send it to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The application can be found online, and you will need to print it out and send it by mail.
The USCIS will then review your application. They may ask for additional information or documents, and they may also schedule an interview. Once your application has been approved, you will be issued a green card.
You can travel outside of the United States after you have applied for a green card, but you will need to obtain a travel document before you leave. This document is called a “reentry permit,” and it allows you to return to the United States after traveling abroad. You can apply for a reentry permit at the same time that you apply for your green card.
After You Apply for a Green Card
Yes, you can travel after you apply for a green card. However, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. First, you will need to have a valid passport from your home country. Second, you will need to have a valid visa in your passport. If you do not have a visa, you will not be able to board your plane. Third, you will need to have a copy of your green card application with you when you travel. This is so the Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) can see that you have applied for a green card and are in the process of getting one. Lastly, it is recommended that you carry your original birth certificate with you when you travel. This is so CBP can confirm your identity and citizenship status.
Traveling on a Green Card
If you have applied for a green card, you may be wondering if you are allowed to travel. The answer is yes, but there are a few things to keep in mind.
First, if you plan to travel outside of the United States, you will need to have a valid passport from your home country. You will also need to have a valid green card. If your green card has expired, you will need to apply for a new one before you leave.
Second, keep in mind that if your green card application is still pending, you may not be able to return to the United States if you leave. Therefore, it is important to speak with an immigration attorney before you travel.
Third, remember that even if you have a green card, there are still some countries that you will not be able to visit. For example, countries such as Iran, Iraq, North Korea, and Syria all have restrictions on travel for green card holders For more information on these restrictions, please contact the U.S. Department of State.
Finally, please keep in mind that traveling on a green card does not give you automatic citizenship in the United States. If you want to become a U.S. citizen, you will need to go through the naturalization process.
Applying for a Travel Document
Yes, you can apply for a travel document (also called advance parole) once you have applied for your green card. However, if you leave the United States without a travel document, your green card application will be abandoned.
There are two ways to apply for a travel document: through the mail or at a local USCIS office. The form you need to use is called the Application for Travel Document (Form I-131).
You will need to provide evidence that you have a pending green card application or have been granted conditional permanent resident status. You will also need to show that you have a reason for traveling that is considered “compelling” by USCIS. This could include humanitarian reasons, such as visiting a sick relative, or business reasons, such as attending a conference.
If your travel document is approved, you will be able to re-enter the United States and continue the green card process. If your travel document is denied, you may be able to appeal the decision or file a new application with additional information.
Renewing or Replacing Your Green Card
You will need to renew or replace your Green Card if it expires or is lost, stolen, or damaged. If your Green Card was issued to you as a permanent resident with an expiration date, you will need to renew it. Permanent residents who have been issued cards without expiration dates do not need to renew them.
What Happens if Your Green Card is Lost or Stolen?
If your permanent resident card is lost or stolen, you should report the loss or theft to the police and to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). You will need to file a Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card. There is a fee for this form. You may also need to provide USCIS with proof of your identity and a photograph.
Green Card Renewal or Replacement Fees
If you are a legal permanent resident, also known as a “green card” holder, you may travel outside the United States and return using your green card. If your green card expires while you are outside the United States, you will need to obtain a new one from a U.S. embassy or consulate before reentering. There is no fee for this service. If you need to replace a damaged or lost green card, there is a $455 filing fee for the I-90 form.
Additional Resources for Green Card Holders
If you have applied for a Green Card, otherwise known as an immigrant visa, you may be wondering if you are allowed to travel outside of the United States. The answer to this question is generally yes, but there are a few things you need to keep in mind before planning any trips.
First, it is important to note that even if your Green Card application is pending, you are still considered a nonimmigrant. This means that you will need to have a valid passport from your home country in order to return to the United States. If your passport expires while your Green Card application is pending, you will need to renew it before traveling.
Secondly, it is important to be aware of the fact that traveling while your Green Card application is pending can delay the processing of your application. If you must travel while your application is pending, it is recommended that you carry with you any relevant documentation, such as a copy of your I-94 form or your receipt notice.
Finally, if your Green Card application is approved after you have traveled outside of the United States, you will need to obtain a new passport from your home country that includes the stamp indicating that you are now a permanent resident of the United States. Once you have done this, you can freely travel in and out of the country without any restrictions.