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If you’re a green card holder, you might be wondering if you can travel to Mexico without any other documentation. The answer is yes, you can! Read on for more information.
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Introduction
U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents (LPRs) are usually able to travel to Mexico without applying for a visa in advance. However, if you are a green card holder traveling to Mexico for business or pleasure, you will need to obtain a Mexican visa before your trip.
Mexican visas are available from the Mexican consulate nearest you. You will need to fill out an application and submit it, along with a passport-sized photo, your green card, and a fee of $100 USD. The consular officer will review your application and determine whether or not you are eligible for a visa. If you are approved, you will be issued a visa that is valid for six months.
You can also apply for an Electronic Residence Certificate (CERT), which is issued by the Mexican government and allows green card holders to travel to Mexico without applying for a visa in advance. To apply for a CERT, you will need to submit an online application, along with a copy of your green card and a passport sized photo. The processing time for CERT applications is typically about two weeks.
What is a Green Card?
A Green Card is an identification card that proves that you are a legal permanent resident of the United States. 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.
Can You Travel to Mexico with a Green Card Only?
If you have a green card, you may travel to Mexico without a visa. However, you will need to present your green Card and a valid passport when you return to the United States. You may also be required to present other documents, such as proof of employment or evidence of financial means.
The Process of Applying for a Green Card
If you want to live permanently in the United States, you will need to apply for a green card. The process of applying for a green card is called adjustment of status. You can apply for adjustment of status if you are already in the United States and meet certain eligibility requirements.
If you are outside the United States, you will need to go through consular processing. Consular processing is when the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) works with the Department of State to issue you a green card.
You will need to fill out an application and gather supporting documents. Once your application is complete, you will be scheduled for an interview with a USCIS officer. At the interview, the officer will ask you questions about your application and decide whether or not to approve your application.
If your application is approved, you will be issued a green card and granted permanent residency in the United States.
The Benefits of Having a Green Card
As a holder of a green card, you are entitled to many benefits that non-green card holders are not. For example, you can live and work permanently in the United States, you can Travel to Mexico without a visa, and you can apply for U.S. citizenship after five years.
The Drawbacks of Having a Green Card
Although a green card allows you to live and work in the United States permanently, there are some drawbacks to having one. For example, you may not be able to travel outside of the country as freely as you’d like. If you want to travel to Mexico (or any other country), you’ll need to apply for a visa first.
Additionally, there are some restrictions on what type of work you can do with a green card. You may only be able to work for the company that sponsored your green card, or in a position that is related to your field of work. This can make it difficult to change jobs or advance in your career.
Finally, although a green card gives you the right to live in the United States permanently, it does not guarantee citizenship. If you want to become a U.S. citizen, you will need to go through the naturalization process.
How to Renew Your Green Card
It’s important to keep your green card up-to-date and valid, as it allows you to live and work in the United States permanently. If your green card expires, you may be deported from the country. You will also be ineligible to renew your green card if you have been convicted of a crime or if you have violated the terms of your admission to the United States.
If your green card is about to expire, you can renew it by mail or in person. To renew by mail, fill out Form I-90 and send it to the address listed on the form. You will also need to include two passport-style photos and a fee. To renew in person, make an appointment at your local USCIS office and bring Form I-90, two passport-style photos, and a fee.
Once your renewal is processed, you will receive a new green card that is valid for 10 years. You can then travel freely to Mexico (or any other country) with your green card.
What to Do if Your Green Card is Lost or Stolen
If you have a green card, also known as a permanent resident card, you can travel to Mexico. However, it’s important to keep your green card with you at all times when traveling outside the United States. If your green card is lost or stolen while you’re in Mexico, there are steps you can take to get a replacement.
The Cost of a Green Card
The Green Card application process can be expensive, with the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) charging a filing fee of $1,760 as of 2020. Additionally, you’ll need to pay $85 for biometrics services (fingerprints and photos) and any extra fees associated with your individual circumstances.
If you’re applying for a Green or Educator Green Card, you’ll also need to submit evidence of your financial ability to cover the costs of your studies in the US. This could include bank statements, scholarship offers, or sponsor letters. For more information on the specific requirements and how to apply, please see our dedicated Green Card pages.
FAQs
Is it possible to travel to Mexico with a green card only?
Yes, it is possible to travel to Mexico with a green card only. However, it is important to keep in mind that a green card does not guarantee entry into the United States. If you are planning to travel to Mexico, it is advisable to carry a valid passport with you as well.
