Green Card Applicants: Know the Travel Restrictions

If you are a green card holder, you may travel outside the United States. However, there are some restrictions that you should be aware of.

First, you must have a valid green card in order to re-enter the United States. If your green card is expired or set to expire within the next six months, you will need to renew it before traveling.

Second, you should check the expiration date on your passport. If your passport is expired or will expire within the next six months, you will need to renew it before traveling.

Finally, it is important to keep in mind that your green card does not guarantee entry into the United States. If you are denied entry for any reason, you will not be able to return to the United States until you obtain a new green card.

What are the travel restrictions for green card applicants?

If you are a green card applicant, there are certain travel restrictions that you need to be aware of. These restrictions can vary depending on your country of origin and the type of visa that you have.

Generally speaking, green card applicants are not allowed to leave the United States until their green card has been issued. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. For example, if you have a valid visa, you may be able to travel if you get advance parole from the USCIS.

Additionally, there are also some restrictions on what Countries You Can Travel to while your green card application is pending. For example, if you have a pending application for a green Card through employment, you may not be able to travel to countries that have been designated as “non-immigrant” by the USCIS.

It’s important to check with the USCIS or an immigration lawyer before you make any travel plans, as the rules can change at any time.

Who is subject to the travel restrictions?

The travel restrictions apply to anyone who:

-Is seeking a new green card, or
-Has a green card but has been outside the United States for more than one year, or
-Has a green card but has been physically present in the United States for less than two years.

These restrictions also apply to anyone who is seeking to enter the United States on a temporary basis, such as on a tourist visa.

How long do the travel restrictions last?

The travel restrictions for those with Green Cards depend on the country of origin. For example, if you are from a country that is on the list of state sponsors of terrorism, you will be subject to heavier restrictions. The travel restrictions also vary depending on whether or not you have been given a waiver.

What are the consequences of violating the travel restrictions?

If you violate the terms of your lawful permanent resident status while outside the United States, you may be detained and denied entry upon your return. If you are allowed to enter, you will be placed in removal proceedings and will have to appear before an immigration judge. If the judge finds that you violated your status, you could be removed (deported) from the United States.

How can I obtain a waiver of the travel restrictions?

If you are unable to obtain a waiver, you may be eligible to apply for a provisional waiver. A provisional waiver allows certain immediate relatives of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents to apply for a waiver of the unlawful presence bars prior to departing the United States for their immigrant visa interviews. If USCIS approves the provisional waiver, applicants will be allowed to return to the United States while they await issuance of their immigrant visas.

What if I have an emergency and need to travel while my green card application is pending?

If you have an emergency and need to travel while your green card application is pending, you may be able to get a “travel document” from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This document will allow you to return to the United States if you leave for a temporary trip.

To get a travel document, you must file Form I-131, Application for Travel Document, with USCIS. You must also include evidence of the emergency, such as a copy of your airline ticket or a letter from your doctor.

There is no fee for Form I-131 if you are applying for a reentry permit, refugee travel document or advance parole document. If you are applying for any other type of travel document, the filing fee is $575.

You may also need to get a visa from a U.S. consulate before you can return to the United States. For more information, see our pages on tourist visas and business visas.

I am a green card holder. Can I travel while my spouse or child’s green card application is pending?

If you are a green card holder, you may travel while your spouse or child’s application for a green card is pending. However, there are some restrictions to be aware of.

First, if your spouse or child is also applying for a green card, they will need to have their own individual passport. If they do not have a passport, they will need to obtain one before traveling. Additionally, they will need to have their own individual Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record.

Second, if you plan on traveling outside of the United States with your spouse or child who is pending a green card application, you will need to have a joint sponsor. A joint sponsor is someone who agrees to financially support your family while you are gone and can be held responsible if you do not return to the United States.

Finally, it is important to keep in mind that even if your spouse or child’s application for a green card is pending, they are still subject to the travel restrictions of their home country. For example, if they are from a country that requires citizens to obtain a visa before traveling to the United States, they will need to obtain a visa before they can travel with you.

If you have any questions about whether or not you can travel while your spouse or child’s green card application is pending, please contact an experienced immigration attorney for help.

I am a lawful permanent resident. Do the travel restrictions apply to me?

No. If you are a lawful permanent resident (LPR), the travel restrictions do not apply to you. LPRs may continue to travel freely within the United States and may also travel to and from any country, except for Iran, Iraq, North Korea, Sudan, Syria, Venezuela, and Yemen.

I am a nonimmigrant visa holder. Do the travel restrictions apply to me?

If you are a nonimmigrant visa holder in one of the following categories, you are subject to the travel restrictions:
-B-1 Business visitor
-B-2 Tourist for pleasure
-F-1 Student
-H-1B Specialty occupation worker
-H-2A Agricultural worker
-H-2B Seasonal worker
-H-3 Trainee
-J-1 Student exchange visitor
-L Intracompany transferee
M Academic or vocational student
TN NAFTA professional

Green Card Applicants: Know the Travel Restrictions