Can You Travel with an Expired Green Card?

If your green card expires while you are outside the United States, you will need to renew it before you can return. Read on to learn more about traveling with an expired green card.

Checkout this video:

Introduction

It’s a common question we get here at Travel.State.Gov: “Can I travel with an expired Green Card?” The answer, simply put, is no. If your Green Card expires, you will need to renew it before traveling outside of the United States. Keep in mind that even if your Green Card is not expired, you may still need to renew it if it has been more than 10 years since it was issued or if it has been damaged.

What is a Green Card?

A Green Card is an identification document that allows a foreign national to live and work permanently in the United States. Green Card holders are also known as lawful permanent residents (LPRs).

To be eligible for a Green Card, you must first meet certain eligibility requirements, such as having a qualifying family relationship or employment offer in the United States. Once you have met these requirements, you will need to file an application with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

If your application is approved, you will be issued a Green Card and will be able to live and work permanently in the United States. However, it is important to note that your Green Card is only valid for a specific period of time. After your Green Card expires, you will need to renew it if you want to continue living and working in the United States.

So, can you travel with an expired Green Card? The answer is yes, but there are certain restrictions that you will need to be aware of. First, if your Green Card has been expired for more than six months, you will not be able to reenter the United States without first obtaining a new Green Card or another type of valid travel document. Additionally, if your Green Card is expired and you are trying to enter the United States by land, you may be denied entry unless you can prove that you have been lawfully admitted into the country previously.

What Happens if Your Green Card Expires?

If you are a permanent resident of the United States with an Expired green card, you may be wondering if you can still travel. The answer is yes, but there are some things you need to know before you go.

First, an expired green card does not mean that your status as a permanent resident has been cancelled. You are still legally allowed to live and work in the United States. However, if you try to return to the country after traveling abroad, you will need to show proof that your green card is still valid.

If your green card has been expired for less than a year, you can renew it by submitting a Form I-90 to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). If it has been expired for more than a year, you will need to go through the process of applying for a new green card.

In either case, it is advisable to consult with an immigration attorney before traveling outside of the United States with an expired green card.

Can You Travel with an Expired Green Card?

If your green card expires, you cannot travel outside the United States until you renew your green card. If you try to travel with an expired green card, you will be refused boarding by the airline. You may also be denied entry into the United States if you attempt to reenter with an expired green card.

What if You Need to Travel Outside the United States with an Expired Green Card?

It is advisable to renew your Green Card well before it expires. However, there may be times when you need to travel outside the United States with an expired Green Card.

If your Green Card expires while you are abroad, you will not be permitted to return to the United States unless you have a valid, unexpired passport from your country of citizenship. You will also need to apply for a new Green Card.

If you are a lawful permanent resident of the United States, you should carry your valid, unexpired Green Card with you whenever you travel outside the country.

How to Renew Your Green Card

If your green card has expired, you may be wondering if you can still travel. The answer is yes, but you will need to renew your green card before you leave the country.

The process of renewing your green card is fairly simple. First, you will need to fill out an application (form I-90) and submit it to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). You will also need to pay a filing fee of $540.

Once your application has been processed, you will be asked to attend an interview at a USCIS office. At the interview, you will need to provide proof that you are still eligible for a green card. This may include proof of your employment, family ties to the United States, or other ties to the country.

Once you have Renewed Your Green Card, You can continue to travel in and out of the United States as long as your green card remains valid.

Conclusion

If you have an expired green card, you can still travel within the United States. However, if you are planning to travel outside of the country and then return, you will need to renew your green card first. Additionally, it’s a good idea to carry your expired green card with you when you travel, as well as other documentation such as your passport and I-94 form.