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Green Card holders, also known as Lawful Permanent Residents, have many benefits. One of these is the ability to travel to certain countries without a visa. Here is a list of some of those countries.
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Introduction
As a Green Card holder, you are free to travel within the United States and its territories. You can also travel to other countries and return to the United States as long as you have a valid Green Card. However, there are some exceptions. The following countries do not allow Green Card holders to enter:
Cuba
Iran
North Korea
Syria
Eligibility for a Green Card
To be eligible for a Green Card, you must be admissible to the United States. In order to determine your admissibility, USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) will review your background, health, criminal history, employment history, and other factors. Depending on your individual circumstances, you may also need to provide USCIS with additional information or documents.
Once you have been determined to be eligible for a Green Card, you will need to complete an application and submit it to USCIS. After your application has been reviewed and approved, you will be scheduled for an interview at a U.S. consulate or embassy. During your interview, a consular officer will ask you questions about your eligibility for a Green Card and your intentions in the United States. If the consular officer determines that you are eligible and remains satisfied with your answers, they will issue you a Green Card.
Once you have received your Green Card, you will be able to live and work in the United States as a permanent resident. You can also travel freely in and out of the country, although there are some restrictions on how long you can stay outside of the United States without jeopardizing your status.
If you would like to travel outside of the United States while your Green Card application is pending, you may apply for a travel document known as a advance parole.* If you leave the country without first obtaining an advance parole, USCIS may assume that you have abandoned your application and deny your request for a Green Card.*
Applying for a Green Card
Applying for a Green Card (officially known as a Permanent Resident Card (PDF, 6.77 MB)) allows you to live and work permanently in the United States. The steps to take, what you need to provide, and how long it will take vary depending on your individual situation.
You may be eligible for a Green Card if you meet one of the following categories:
-Have been sponsored by an employer
-Have family who are U.S. citizens or Green Card holders
-Are seeking asylum or refugee status
-Are a victim of certain crimes
-Have been granted special immigrant status
The Green Card Interview
The following is a guide to help you prepare for your green card interview. It is important to remember that the interview is just one step in the process and that you will need to provide supporting documentation to prove your eligibility for a green card.
The interviewer will ask you questions about your application and your supporting documentation. They may also ask you questions about your personal history, such as where you were born, your education, and your work experience. Be prepared to answer these questions truthfully and completely.
After the interview, the interviewer will either approve or deny your application for a green card. If approved, you will receive your green card in the mail. If denied, you will be given a written explanation of the reasons for the denial and given an opportunity to appeal the decision.
After the Green Card Interview
After the Green Card interview, if everything goes well, you will be asked to wait for your card to arrive in the mail. The USCIS may need to run some additional security checks, or they may ask for more documents. Once your green card has been approved, you will be able to travel outside the United States and return with no problem.
Renewing or Replacing Your Green Card
If your green card expires, you can renew it. If your green card is lost, stolen, or destroyed, you can replace it.
You should renew your Green Card if:
-It has been expired for less than 12 months
-It will expire within the next 6 months
-You were issued a Green Card without an expiration date
You should replace your Green Card if:
-It was lost, stolen, or destroyed
-It was mutilated (damaged) to the point where it is no longer acceptable for travel or proof of identity
-Your name or other biographic information has been legally changed since you were issued your Green Card and you want to reflect that change
What You Can Do With a Green Card
You may be wondering, since you have a Green Card, what exactly can you do? We’re here to give you a short list of things Green Card holders are able to do in the United States!
First and foremost, with a Green Card, you are able to live and work permanently in the United States. You are also able to travel in and out of the country with ease as well as petition for certain family members to come live in the states. Other benefits of having a Green Card include receiving government benefits, such as Social Security and Medicaid and being able to vote in certain elections.
Though there are many privileges that come along with having a Green Card, there are also some responsibilities. As a Permanent Resident, you are required to follow all laws of the United States including state and local laws. You are also required to file your taxes every year and update the USCIS with any changes in your address or marital status. Lastly, it is important to keep your Green Card up-to-date; every 10 years you will be required to renew your card.
Overall, having a Green Card comes with many benefits as well as responsibilities. It allows you to live and work permanently in the United States as well as travel freely in and out of the country. Be sure to uphold your responsibilities as a Permanent Resident by following all laws and keeping your Green Card current.
Traveling Abroad as a Green Card Holder
As a Green Card holder, you are allowed to travel outside the United States for pleasure or business, but there are a few things you should keep in mind before you go. If you plan to be gone for more than a year, you will need to get a Reentry Permit. If you are gone for more than two years, you will need to apply for a Returning Resident Visa. You will also need to have your Green Card with you when you travel.
There are also some countries that do not allow Green Card holders to enter, so it is important to check the requirements of the country you are visiting before you travel.
Things to Keep in Mind When Traveling
There are a few things to keep in mind when traveling as a Green card holder. First, be sure to carry your green card with you at all times. If you are stopped by authorities, they may ask to see it. It is also a good idea to have a copy of your green card in case you lose the original.
Second, be aware of the entry requirements of the countries you are planning to visit. Some countries may not allow green card holders to enter without a visa. Others may require that you have a certain amount of money with you or that you have proof of onward travel arrangements. Be sure to research the entry requirements of any country you are planning to visit before you travel.
Third, keep in mind that your green card does not guarantee that you will be allowed to enter the United States if you leave and try to come back. If you plan to travel outside the United States, be sure to check the expiration date on your Green card and renew it if necessary before you leave. Otherwise, you may not be able to return.
Conclusion
If you are a Green Card holder, you can travel to the following countries without a visa:
-Canada
-Mexico
-Jamaica
-Trinidad and Tobago
-Bahamas
-Costa Rica
-Dominican Republic
-El Salvador
-Guatemala
-Honduras
-Nicaragua
-Panama
