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A green card holder traveling overseas may encounter difficulties when attempting to return to the United States. This blog provides information on what to do if you are a green card holder traveling overseas.
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Applying for a Green Card
Green Card holders (permanent residents) have certain responsibilities. One of these is to maintain their permanent address in the United States. They must also notify the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) of any changes in their address. If you are a Green Card holder and you want to travel outside the United States, you must have your Green Card with you.
You may apply for a Green Card at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad, but only if you meet certain eligibility requirements. For example, you must be applying for an immigrant visa, or you must be returning to the United States after having been abroad for more than one year. You cannot apply for a Green Card at a U.S. embassy or consulate if you are currently in the United States on a nonimmigrant visa, such as a student visa or tourist visa.
The Green Card Process
The Green Card Process
If you are a permanent resident of the United States (i.e. have a green card), you have the right to travel outside of the country and return, as long as you follow certain procedures and do not stay abroad for too long. Here is what you need to know about traveling with a green card.
When You Leave the United States
When you leave the United States, you must present your green card to the Customs and Border Protection officer at the port of entry. You will also need to present a valid passport from your country of citizenship. If you do not have a passport, you can get one at your nearest consulate or embassy.
If you are traveling by air, you will also need to fill out an I-94 Departure Record. This form will be given to you by the airline when you check in for your flight. When you return to the United States, you will need to present this form to the Customs and Border Protection officer.
When You Return to the United States
When you return to the United States, you must again present your green card and passport to the Customs and Border Protection officer at the port of entry. The officer will stamp your green card with an admission stamp, which shows the date that you entered the country.
If You Lose Your Green Card or Passport
If you lose your green card or passport while abroad, immediately contact the nearest U.S. consulate or embassy for assistance in replacing them. You will not be able to return to the United States without these documents.
Traveling with a Green Card
If you are a lawful permanent resident of the United States (also known as a “green card” holder), you are free to travel outside the United States and return, so long as you follow a few simple guidelines. Here’s what you need to know before you go.
First, be sure to bring your green card with you when you travel. You will need it to re-enter the United States. If you do not have your green card with you, you may be detained by U.S. immigration officials and could face delays in returning to the United States.
Second, keep in mind that your green card does not expire. However, if you are gone from the United States for more than one year, you may be considered “out of status” and could have your green card revoked. To avoid this, be sure to apply for a reentry permit before you leave the United States (more on that below).
And finally, remember that a green card does not grant you unlimited access to the United States. If you are convicted of a crime or otherwise become ineligible for admission to the United States, your green card may be revoked and you could be removed from the country.
So what do you need to do before traveling overseas with a green card? First, check the expiration date on your passport and make sure it is valid for at least six months beyond your planned return date to the United States. If it is not, renew your passport before leaving the country. Second, apply for a reentry permit if you plan to be gone for more than one year. A reentry permit allows lawful permanent residents to maintain their status while they are away from the United States for extended periods of time. To apply for a reentry permit, file Form I-131 with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). You can find more information about applying for a reentry permit here: http://www.uscis/gov/i-131-reentry-permit Finally, make two copies of your entire trip itinerary including flight information, hotel reservations, and contact information for family or friends in the United States who can assist you if necessary. Leave one copy of your itinerary with someone in the United States and keep another copy with you while traveling overseas.”
Green Card Renewal
As a permanent resident of the United States, you will be issued a green card, which allows you to live and work in the country indefinitely. However, your green card will expire every 10 years and will need to be renewed. If you are planning on traveling overseas with a green card that is up for renewal, there are a few things you need to know.
First, it is important to note that your green card does not expire if you leave the United States for extended periods of time. However, if your green card expires while you are outside of the country, you will need to go through the process of renewing it before you can return to the United States.
Second, if you are planning on traveling overseas with a green card that is up for renewal, you will need to bring along some additional documentation. Specifically, you will need to bring your most recent tax return and a copy of your green card. You will also need to fill out an application for renewing your green card, which can be found on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website.
Finally, it is important to remember that renewing your green card does not automatically grant you permission to return to the United States. If your request for renewal is denied, you will need to apply for a new Green card before you can re-enter the country.
Losing or Damaging Your Green Card
U.S. permanent residents who travel outside the United States for extended periods of time may have difficulty returning if their Green Card is lost or stolen. It is important to carry a copy of your Green Card at all times, and to keep your Green Card in a safe place; you should not carry it with you when traveling.
If your Green Card is lost or stolen while you are outside the United States, you should contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate as soon as possible. The consular officer will assist you in obtaining a replacement Green Card.
You will need to file a petition with USCIS to replace your lost or stolen Green Card. You will also need to submit proof of your identity and residency, such as a passport, birth certificate, or other government-issued ID. There is a filing fee for this petition, and it may take several months to receive your new Green Card.
Reentering the United States with a Green Card
Once you have your green card, you can travel outside the United States and reenter, as long as you follow some simple rules. If you are planning to be away for more than one year, or if you have any questions about maintaining your status as a permanent resident, contact U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) before leaving the United States.
To reenter the United States after a temporary visit abroad, you must present your green card to the immigration inspector at the port of entry. If you are returning from a trip of less than one year, the inspector will normally stamp your passport to show the date you were admitted and how long you are allowed to stay in the United States.
If USCIS issued you a Conditional Permanent Resident (CPR) Card, it will expire two years from the date it was issued. You must apply to remove these conditions during the 90 days before your CPR Card expires.
Applying for a Travel Document
If you are a permanent resident of the United States with a Green Card, you are allowed to travel outside of the country for business or leisure. However, before you leave, you will need to apply for a Travel Document from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
There are two types of Travel Documents: the Advance Parole Document and the Reentry Permit. The Advance Parole Document allows you to return to the U.S. after traveling abroad, while the Reentry Permit allows you to stay outside of the U.S. for up to two years without losing your status as a permanent resident.
You can apply for a Travel Document by filing Form I-131 with USCIS. The application process is generally straightforward, but it is important to make sure that your application is complete and accurate before you submit it.
If you have any questions about applying for a Travel Document, or if you need help with any other aspect of the Green Card process, consult an experienced immigration attorney who can guide you through the process and ensure that your rights are protected.
Traveling on a Commercial Aircraft
If you are a permanent resident of the United States (green card holder), you may fly on a commercial aircraft to and from the U.S. However, you must present your green Card and a valid passport from your country of citizenship when traveling. If you do not have a passport, you should apply for one at your nearest consulate or embassy.
Traveling to a Foreign Country
If you are a lawful permanent resident of the United States (green card holder), you may travel outside of the country and return, as long as you do not intend to stay outside of the U.S. for more than one year. If you plan to stay outside of the U.S. for more than one year, you must obtain a reentry permit from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) before leaving the country. If you do not obtain a reentry permit and stay outside of the U.S. for more than one year, you will be considered to have abandoned your permanent resident status and will need to apply for a new green card if you wish to return to the United States.
Before traveling outside of the United States, green card holders should make sure that their green card is still valid and has not expired. If your green card has expired, or will expire while you are away, you must apply for a new green card before returning to the United States. You can apply for a new green card from within the United States or from your home country, but it is generally easier to apply from within the United States.
It is also advisable to carry your passport with you when traveling, even if it is not required for travel to your specific destination. This is because some airlines or countries may require that you have a passport in order to board a plane or enter the country, even if they do not normally require one for citizens of your country
Returning to the United States
If you are a lawful permanent resident of the United States (green card holder), you are allowed to travel outside of the country and return, as long as you do not intend to live outside of the United States permanently. If you plan to be outside of the United States for more than one year, or if you do not have a green card, you must obtain a reentry permit or returning resident visa from a U.S. consulate before departing. If you do not obtain a reentry permit or returning resident visa and remain outside of the United States for more than one year, you will be considered to have abandoned your status as a lawful permanent resident.
When returning to the United States after traveling overseas, you will need to present your green card and either a valid passport or other travel document, such as an airplane ticket and government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license. If you are returning from a trip of less than one year, you generally will not need any additional documentation beyond your green card and passport. However, if you are returning from a trip of more than one year or if your green card has expired, you will need to obtain a new green card before returning to the United States. You can apply for a new green card at a U.S. consulate abroad or at a port of entry into the United States.
