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How to Travel Overseas with an Expired Green Card. You may think your Green Card has expired, but you may be wrong.
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Introduction
If you are a permanent resident of the United States (a green card holder), you are allowed to travel outside of the country for pleasure or business. However, if your green card expires while you are overseas, you will not be able to return to the United States unless you obtain a new green card or other travel document.
There are two ways to obtain a new green card while you are overseas:
1. apply for a new Green card through the U.S. embassy or consulate in the country where you are located; or
2. Apply for a “transportation letter” from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
If you have an expired green card and wish to return to the United States, you should contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate to find out which of these options is available to you and what the specific requirements are.
Applying for a Green Card
Applying for a Green Card
If you are a permanent resident of the United States with an expiring green card, you will need to renew your green card before traveling outside of the country Permanent residents can renew their green cards by filing form I-90 with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The instructions for I-90 can be found here.
Permanent residents who are unable to renew their green cards before traveling may be able to apply for a reentry permit by filing form I-131 with USCIS. The instructions for I-131 can be found here. Reentry permits are generally valid for two years and allow permanent residents to apply for readmission to the United States after traveling abroad.
Permanent residents who plan on being outside of the United States for more than one year but less than two years may be able to apply for a returning resident visa by filing form DS-117 with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. More information on returning resident visas can be found here.
Renewing Your Green Card
If your green card has expired, you will need to renew it before you can travel outside of the United States. You can apply for a new green card by filling out an Application for replace Permanent Resident Card ( Form I-90).
You will need to include the following with your application:
-A copy of your expired green card
-Two passport-style photographs
-The application fee
You may also need to submit additional documentation, such as proof of your relationship to a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident if you are applying for a family-based green card.
Once you have submitted your application, you will be scheduled for an interview at your local USCIS office. At the interview, you will be asked questions about your ties to the United States and your reasons for wanting to renew your green card. You will also be required to take a oath of allegiance to the United States.
If your application is approved, you will be issued a new green card valid for 10 years.
Applying for a Travel Document
If your green card has expired, you will need to apply for a travel document before you can return to the United States. You can apply for a travel document at a U.S. consulate or embassy overseas.
To apply for a travel document, you will need to submit:
-A completed Application for Travel Document (Form I-131).
-A passport-style photo.
-Your expired Green Card.
-Evidence that you have maintained your status as a permanent resident, such as tax records, employment records, or evidence of ties to the United States.
-A fee of $575.
Green Card Replacement
If you are a permanent resident of the United States with an Expired Green Card, you will need to replace it before traveling outside of the country.
The first step is to fill out form I-90, which you can do online or download and print from the USCIS website. The form must be signed and dated, and you will need to include a recent passport-style photo.
Once you have completed the form, you will need to send it to the USCIS along with the correct filing fee. The current fee is $455, but it is subject to change so it’s always best to check the USCIS website before sending in your application. You can pay the fee by check or money order made out to the “Department of Homeland Security.”
Once your application has been processed, you will receive a new Green Card in the mail. It is important to note that if your Green Card expires while you are outside of the United States, you will not be able to reenter the country until you have obtained a new one.
Reentry Permit
If you are a lawful permanent resident of the United States (green card holder), you may leave the country and return using your green card. However, if you will be gone for an extended period of time (more than one year but less than two years), you will need to apply for a reentry permit before leaving.
A reentry permit allows green card holders to apply for readmission to the United States after traveling abroad for up to two years. Without a valid reentry permit, green card holders may be deemed “abandoning” their status and be subject to removal from the United States.
To apply for a reentry permit, you must file Form I-131, Application for Travel Document, with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). You will need to provide evidence that you have a valid reason for traveling outside of the United States and that you intend to return within the authorized period of time.
Returning Resident Visa
If your green card has expired, you will need to apply for a returning resident visa before you can return to the United States. You should do this as early as possible, as it can take some time to obtain a visa.
To apply for a returning resident visa, you will need to submit the following:
-A completed application form
-Your passport
-Two passport-sized photos
-A copy of your green card
-A copy of your airline ticket or other travel plans
-A letter from your employer or other proof of ties to the United States
-Proof of financial support
-Any other supporting documentation that may be required
Traveling on an Expired Green Card
If your Green Card expires while you are traveling outside the United States, you will need to obtain a reentry permit before returning. A reentry permit is a travel document that allows you to return to the United States after traveling abroad.
To apply for a reentry permit, you must file Form I-131 with USCIS. You can file this form up to six months in advance of your trip, or if you have already left the country, as long as you still intend to return to the United States.
The application process for a reentry permit is similar to that of applying for a Green Card. You will need to submit evidence of your identity and U.S. residency, as well as a passport-style photo. You will also need to pay the filing fee, which is currently $575.
If your application is approved, you will be issued a reentry permit that is valid for two years from the date of issuance. This means that if your Green Card expires while you are abroad, as long as you have a valid reentry permit, you will be able to return to the United States.
It is important to note that a reentry permit does not replace your Green Card – it simply allows you to retain your status as a legal permanent resident while you are outside the country. Therefore, it is still necessary to renew your Green Card every 10 years, even if you have a reentry permit.
FAQs
If you have an expired green card, you may be wondering if you can still travel overseas. The answer is yes, but there are a few things you need to know before you go.
First, make sure you have a valid passport. If your green card is expired, your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your planned return to the United States.
Second, if your green card has been expired for more than one year, you will need to apply for a re-entry permit before traveling. This permit allows you to remain outside of the United States for up to two years. To apply for a re-entry permit, you will need to submit Form I-131 Application for Travel Document.
Finally, even if you have a valid passport and re-entry permit, there are some countries that will not allow you to enter with an expired green card. Be sure to check the entry requirements of the country or countries you plan to visit before making travel plans.
Conclusion
If your Green Card has expired, you will need to get it renewed before you can travel overseas. You can renew your Green Card by mail or in person at a U.S. consulate or embassy. If you are outside of the United States, you will need to contact the nearest consulate or embassy to inquire about how to renew your Green Card.
