Traveling Back to the US with an Expired Green Card

Traveling back to the United States with an Expired green card can be a daunting task. However, if you follow these best practices, the process will be much smoother.

Checkout this video:

Introduction

This is a guide for those who are looking to travel back to the United States with an expired green card. Although it is possible to do so, it is important to be aware of the risks involved and take the necessary precautions.

What is a Green Card?

A green card is an identification card that proves that you are a legal resident of the United States. If you have an expired green card, you will need to renew it before you can travel back to the United States.

What Happens if Your Green Card Expires?

If your green card expires, you will still be able to travel to and from the United States as long as you have a valid passport. However, if you try to enter the United States with an expired green card, you will be detained and may be denied entry. To avoid this, it is important to renew your green card before it expires.

Traveling Back to the United States with an Expired Green Card

If your green card has expired, you may be wondering if you can still travel back to the United States. The answer is yes, you can still travel back to the United States with an expired green card. However, there are a few things you need to keep in mind.

First, you will need to have a valid passport from your country of citizenship. You will also need to apply for a reentry permit before you leave the United States. This permit will allow you to remain in the United States for up to two years after your green card has expired.

Once you have obtained your reentry permit, you can then travel back to the United States. However, it is important to note that you will need to present your reentry permit at the port of entry. If you do not have your reentry permit, you may be denied entry into the United States.

If you are planning on traveling back to the United States with an expired green card, it is important to plan ahead and make sure that you have everything in order before you leave.

Tips for Traveling Back to the United States with an Expired Green Card

If your green card expires while you are outside the United States, you will need to obtain a new one before returning. Depending on your circumstances, this process can take several months. In the meantime, there are a few things you can do to make traveling back to the United States easier.

First, if you have an expired green Card and a valid passport from your country of citizenship, you should be able to apply for a tourist visa at a U.S. consulate or embassy. If you are granted a tourist visa, you will be allowed to enter the United States for up to six months.

Second, if you have an expired green card but are not a citizen of the United States, you may be able to apply for what is known as “advance parole.” Advance parole allows you to enter the United States for a specific purpose, such as attending school or visiting family, without having to obtain a visa first. To apply for advance parole, you will need to fill out Form I-131 and submit it to the USCIS along with the appropriate fee.

Finally, if you have an expired green card and are eligible for reentry permission, you can apply for what is known as “reentry permits.” A reentry permit allows you to remain outside of the United States for up to two years without losing your status as a lawful permanent resident. To apply for a reentry permit, you will need to fill out Form I-131 and submit it to the USCIS along with the appropriate fee and documentation proving that you meet the eligibility requirements.

What to Do if You are Denied Entry into the United States with an Expired Green Card

If you are a permanent resident of the United States with an expired green card, you may be denied entry into the country if you attempt to travel without getting your card renewed. If this happens, you will be placed in removal proceedings and will have to appear before an immigration judge.

It is important to note that although you may be allowed to enter the United States with an expired green card, it is highly recommended that you renew your card before traveling. This is because if you are caught attempting to enter the country with an expired green card, you may be detained and placed in removal proceedings.

Renewing Your Green Card

If you are a legal permanent resident of the United States with an expired green card, you will need to renew your green card before you can return to the United States.

The first step is to fill out the application for a new green card, which can be done online or at a local USCIS office. You will also need to pay the application fee and submit any supporting documents, such as a new passport photo and proof of your current status in the United States.

Once your application is approved, you will be scheduled for an interview at a U.S. consulate or embassy in your home country. During the interview, you will need to present your original green card and any other required documents. Once your new green card is issued, you will be able to return to the United States.

Conclusion

If you are a permanent resident whose Green Card has expired, you will need to renew your Green Card before returning to the United States. Depending on how long you have been outside of the United States, you may also need to apply for a new Green Card. You can apply for a Green Card renewal by mail or in person at a USCIS office. Make sure to check the expiration date on your passport and apply for a new one if it is close to expiring.

Resources

There are a few different ways to renew your green card if it has expired. The first is to contact the US Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) and request a new card. You will need to complete an application and submit it along with the appropriate fee. You may also be required to attend an interview.

If you are outside of the United States, you will need to contact the nearest US embassy or consulate to apply for a new green card. You will again need to complete an application and submit the appropriate fee, as well as any required supporting documentation. You may also be required to attend an interview.

Once you have your new green card, you will be able to re-enter the United States and resume your life here. It is important to keep in mind that if your green card expires while you are outside of the country, you may not be able to re-enter without first renewing your card.

Scroll to Top