Contents
- What to do if your green card is expired and you need to travel
- How to renew your green card
- What to do if your green card is lost or stolen
- How to replace your green card
- What to do if you are a permanent resident and you need to travel
- How to apply for a reentry permit
- What to do if you are a permanent resident and you need to travel outside the United States
- How to apply for a travel document
- What to do if you are a conditional permanent resident and you need to travel
- How to apply for a waiver
If you have a green card that has expired you may be wondering if you can still travel. The answer is yes, but there are a few things you need to do first. Follow these steps to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience.
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What to do if your green card is expired and you need to travel
If your green card is expired and you need to travel, there are a few things you can do to make the process easier. First, if you have a valid passport from your country of origin, you can travel with that. You will also need to get a new green card before you can return to the United States.
If you do not have a valid passport, you can apply for an emergency travel document from the USCIS. This document will allow you to return to the United States. You will need to show proof of your identity and your relationship to a lawful permanent resident or citizen of the United States.
How to renew your green card
If you are a permanent resident who needs to travel outside the United States and your green card has expired, you will need to renew it before you can return. Depending on how long it has been since your card expired, the process for renewing your green card may be different.
If your green card has been expired for less than a year, you can simply apply for a new one using Form I-90. However, if your green card has been expired for more than a year, you will need to go through a different process.
First, you will need to fill out Form I-90 and pay the $540 filing fee. Then, you will need to attend an interview at a USCIS office, where you will be asked questions about your application and background. After your interview, USCIS will either approve or deny your application for a new green card.
If your application is approved, you will receive a new green card in the mail. If it is denied, USCIS will send you a notice explaining why your application was denied and what you can do to appeal the decision.
What to do if your green card is lost or stolen
If your green card is lost or stolen while you are outside the United States, you should report the loss or theft to the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate right away. You will need to apply for a new Green card before you can return to the United States. For more information, please see our renew or replace agreen card page.
How to replace your green card
It’s important to keep your green card up-to-date and in a safe place. If it’s expired or lost, you can replace it by following these simple steps:
1. Fill out an application. You will need to complete form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card. You can get this form from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website or by visiting your local USCIS office.
2. Gather the required documents. In addition to the completed form I-90, you will need to submit proof of your identity and a copy of your expired green card. Acceptable forms of identification include a passport, driver’s license, or state ID card.
3. Submit the application and required documents. Once you have everything in order, you can submit your application by mail or online through the USCIS website. If you choose to mail it in, be sure to use a traceable delivery method so that you can track the status of your application.
4. Wait for a decision from USCIS. The processing time for form I-90 can vary depending on the workload of USCIS, but you can expect to receive a decision within 6-12 weeks from the date that your application is received.
What to do if you are a permanent resident and you need to travel
If you are a permanent resident and you need to travel, there are a few things you need to do before you leave. First, you need to make sure that your green card is up to date. If it is expired, you will need to renew it before you can travel.
Second, you need to make sure that you have all of the necessary documents for travel. This includes your passport, green card, and any other visas that may be required for your destination country.
Third, you should notify the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) of your upcoming travel plans. This can be done by filing Form I-131, Application for Travel Document.
Finally, it is recommended that you carry a copy of your most recent green card with you when you travel. This will help prove your status as a permanent resident if necessary.
How to apply for a reentry permit
If you are a permanent resident of the United States (also called a “green card” holder), you may leave the country and return as often as you wish. However, if you plan to be outside the United States for more than one year but less than two, you must obtain what is called a “reentry permit.”
A reentry permit is simply an acknowledgement from USCIS that you intend to maintain your permanent resident status even though you will be living outside the United States for an extended period of time. It is valid for multiple entries and is generally valid for two years from the date it is issued. You can apply for a reentry permit up to six months before your planned trip.
If your green card will expire while you are outside the United States, you should apply for a reentry permit and a new green card (also called an “immigration returning resident visa”). You will need to submit proof that you have maintained your residency in the United States, such as evidence of tax filings, utility bills, or leases. You will also need to provide documentation of your travel plans and a reason why you need to remain outside of the United States for an extended period of time.
What to do if you are a permanent resident and you need to travel outside the United States
If you are a permanent resident of the United States and you need to travel outside the United States, there are a few things you need to keep in mind.
First, you need to make sure that your green card is up-to-date and has not expired. If your green card has expired, you will not be able to reenter the United States without first obtaining a new one.
Secondly, you need to have a valid passport from your country of citizenship. If you do not have a valid passport, you will not be able to board a plane or ship bound for the United States.
Third, you need to make sure that you have all of the necessary documents required for entry into the United States. These documents include a valid visa (if required), a completed I-94 form, and proof of your relationship to any accompanying family members.
If you have any questions or concerns about traveling outside the United States as a permanent resident, please contact an experienced immigration attorney for assistance.
How to apply for a travel document
If your green card expires and you need to travel outside the United States, you will need to apply for a travel document. You can apply for a travel document by filing Form I-131, Application for Travel Document, with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
If you are applying for a travel document because your green card has expired, you will need to demonstrate that you are eligible for a new green card. You can do this by showing that you meet the requirements for a green card through employment, family, or asylum status.
Once USCIS approves your application for a travel document, you will be able to pick up your travel document at a local USCIS office or have it mailed to you. You will need to present your travel document when you return to the United States.
What to do if you are a conditional permanent resident and you need to travel
If you are a conditional permanent resident (CPR) and you need to travel, you must carry both your expired Green Card and your I-551 stamp in your passport. The I-551 stamp is evidence of your CPR status. It is placed in your passport by a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Officer when you are admitted as a CPR. If your Green Card expires while you are outside the United States, you will need to obtain a new Green Card in order to reenter the United States.
How to apply for a waiver
If your green card is expired and you need to travel, you may be able to apply for a waiver. The waiver would allow you to travel without a valid green card.
To apply for the waiver, you would need to submit a Form I-131, Application for Travel Document. You would also need to submit evidence that shows why you need to travel and that you will return to the United States after your trip.
If you are approved for the waiver, you will be able to travel without a valid green card. However, you will need to carry your approved waiver with you when you travel.
