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Green card holders are now able to travel to the United States after the Trump administration lifted the travel ban.
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Introduction
If you are a holders of a Green Card, you may now travel outside of the United States and return, so long as you meet the requirements for admission to the United States. This means that you must complete the application for a travel document, which you can find on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website. Once you have applied for and received your travel document, you will be able to re-enter the United States with it. Please note that if your Green Card is set to expire while you are outside of the country, you will need to renew it before returning.
What is a Green Card?
If you’re a permanent resident of the United States, you have what’s commonly known as a Green Card. Permanent residents are authorized to live and work in the U.S. indefinitely. You can also travel in and out of the country, but there are some restrictions.
If you have a Green Card and want to travel outside the U.S., you must have a valid passport from your country of citizenship, as well as your Green Card. You should also check with the embassy or consulate of the country you’re visiting to find out what other documents you might need, such as a visa.
You can apply for a Green Card through family sponsorship, employment sponsorship, or by winning the Diversity Visa Lottery.
Eligibility for a Green Card
To be eligible for a Green Card, you must be admissible to the United States. You will need to meet the requirements for one of the immigrant categories listed below. If you have any questions about your eligibility, please contact us.
You may be eligible for a Green Card if you:
-Have been sponsored by a family member who is a U.S. citizen or Green Card holder
-Have been sponsored by an employer in the United States
-Are a refugee or asylee
The Green Card Application Process
If you want to become a permanent resident of the United States, you will need to obtain a green card. The process of applying for a green card can be long and complicated, but it is worth it if you want to live and work in the United States permanently.
There are two main ways to apply for a green card: through family sponsorship or through employment. If you have a family member who is already a permanent resident or citizen of the United States, they may be able to sponsor you for a green card. If you have a job offer from a US employer, they may also be able to sponsor you for a green card.
The process of applying for a green card can take several months or even years. You will need to fill out many forms and submit them to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). You may also need to attend an interview with USCIS officials.
Once you have obtained your green card, you will be able to live and work in the United States permanently. You will also be able to apply for US citizenship after five years.
Benefits of Having a Green Card
The United States Green Card is an identification card that proves that an individual is a lawful permanent resident of the United States. Green Card holders are also sometimes referred to as “Lawful Permanent Residents” or “LPRs.”
A Green Card gives the holder many benefits, including the ability to live and work permanently in the United States, as well as access to social services, such as healthcare and education. In addition, Green Card holders have the ability to travel in and out of the United States without having to obtain a visa.
There are many ways to obtain a Green Card, including through family sponsorship, employment sponsorship, or refugee status.
Traveling on a Green Card
If you are a green card holder, you are now able to travel outside of the United States and return without having to apply for a reentry permit. However, there are a few things you should keep in mind before you travel.
First, you should make sure that your green card is up to date and will not expire while you are abroad. If it does, you may not be able to return to the United States. If you are unsure about the expiration date, you can check the date in the lower right-hand corner of the card.
Second, you should be aware of the length of time you intend to stay outside of the United States. If you plan on staying for more than one year, you will need to apply for a reentry permit before your trip.
Finally, it is important to note that even if your green card is valid, you may still be subject to inspection when returning to the United States. You may be asked questions about your trip and your intentions for returning. It is always best to be prepared with any relevant documentation or information that could help facilitate your inspection and return home.
Renewing Your Green Card
If your Green Card expires, you can renew it by filing form I-90 with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). You should file Form I-90 as early as possible.
You will need to submit the following with your Form I-90:
-Your current Green Card
-A color photo
-The filing fee (check or money order)
You will need to send these forms and documents to the USCIS address listed on the form. Once USCIS has received and processed your Form I-90, they will send you a new Green Card. For more information on renewing your Green Card, please visit the USCIS website.
Losing Your Green Card
If you are a permanent resident of the United States (holder of a “green card”), you should know that there are certain rules you must follow to keep your status. If you fail to follow these rules, you could be deported (removed) from the United States.
What Are the Rules?
The main rule is that you must live in the United States for at least seven months out of every year. If you leave the country for more than seven months, you could be considered to have abandoned your green card status.
There are other rules as well. For example, if you are convicted of a crime, that could lead to your deportation. Or if you fail to file your taxes or vote in elections, those could also be grounds for losing your green card.
What Happens if I Lose My Green Card?
If you lose your green card, you will no longer have the right to live and work in the United States permanently. You may also lose other benefits that come with being a permanent resident, such as the ability to sponsor relatives for green cards of their own.
If you believe you have lost your green card or that it has been stolen, you should contact U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) immediately. You will need to file a form called I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card.
Green Card Holders and U.S. Citizenship
Green Card holders, also known as Permanent Residents, are now able to travel outside of the United States and return without any issues. This is thanks to the recent changes in the law that allow for dual citizenship.
Previously, Green Card holders were not able to leave the country for more than six months at a time without risking their status. However, with dual citizenship, they are now able to travel freely and return to the United States without any issues.
This is great news for those who have been wanting to travel but were unable to do so due to their immigration status. Now, they can go and explore the world without having to worry about their residency in the United States.
FAQs
Assuming you are referring to the U.S. Green Card, holders of which are lawful permanent residents of the United States, the following information may be of use.
Can I travel outside the United States?
Yes, but you must ensure that you do not exceed the period of authorized stay in any foreign country. The period of authorized stay is noted on your I-94 card, which you should keep with your passport at all times. If you need to extend your stay in a foreign country, you must apply for permission from the relevant authorities in that country well in advance of your proposed travel date.
Do I need a return ticket?
Although some airlines may require it, there is no U.S. government rule stating that green card holders must have a return ticket when they travel. However, if you cannot demonstrate to the satisfaction of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers that you have ties to the United States that will compel you to return after your trip abroad, they may refuse to allow you to board your flight or enter the United States. It is therefore advisable to have some kind of documentation, such as a round-trip ticket or an itinerary for onward travel, when traveling on a one-way ticket.
How long can I stay outside the United States?
There is no definitive answer to this question since it can vary depending on individual circumstances, but generally speaking, as long as you maintain your residence in the United States (i.e., pay taxes, own property, have a driver’s license, etc.), and do not exceed the period of authorized stay in any foreign country, you should be able to travel abroad without issue. However, if you intend to be away from the United States for an extended period of time (months or years), it is advisable to speak with an immigration lawyer beforehand to ensure that there will be no problems with re-entering the country upon your return.
