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If you have a green card, you may travel freely within the United States. However, there are a few things you should keep in mind when planning your trip.
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Introduction
If you are a legal permanent resident of the United States (“green card” holder), you are allowed to travel freely within the US, and re-enter from trips to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda. You do not need a passport for these trips.
Applying for a Green Card
If you want to live permanently in the United States, you must first obtain a green card. The steps you must take to apply for a green card depend on your individual situation. You may be eligible to apply for a green card through your family, employment or other special circumstances. If you qualify, you will need to fill out an application and submit it to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). USCIS will review your application and schedule an interview with you. Once you have been interviewed and approved, you will be issued a green card.
The Benefits of a Green Card
As a holder of a Green Card, you are entitled to many benefits when traveling within the United States. With a Green Card, you can live and work permanently in the United States. You can also travel freely within the United States, and you are not required to obtain a visa in order to do so. In addition, as a Green Card holder, you are eligible for certain government benefits, such as Social Security and Medicare.
Traveling on a Green Card
As a permanent resident or green card holder, you are free to travel within the United States. You can also travel outside of the country but there are some important things to keep in mind before you do.
When returning to the US after international travel, you will need to present your green card and passport to the Customs and Border Protection officer at the airport. It is important to make sure that your passport is valid for at least six months after your planned return date, as this is a requirement for all travelers to the US.
You should also be prepared to answer questions about your trip, such as where you went and how long you were gone. It is important to be honest and upfront with the CBP officer, as lying about your travel plans can result in serious consequences.
If you are traveling outside of the US for an extended period of time, you may need to apply for a reentry permit before your trip. This permit allows green card holders to remain outside of the country for up to two years without losing their permanent resident status.
There are also some circumstances in which you may not be allowed to return to the US if you have been out of the country for more than six months. This includes if you have been convicted of a crime or if you are considered likely to become a public charge. Therefore, it is always best to check with an immigration lawyer before planning any international travel.
Tips for Traveling Within the US With a Green Card
If you have a green card, you are allowed to travel within the United States. However, there are a few things you should keep in mind when traveling with a green card:
– Make sure your green card is up to date and will not expire while you are traveling.
– Be prepared to show your green card if asked by an immigration officer.
– If you plan to travel outside of the United States, make sure to get a reentry permit before you leave.
– Keep your contact information up to date with the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) so they can reach you if necessary.
Green Card Renewal
If you are a permanent resident of the United States with a green card, you will need to renew your green card every 10 years. The process for renewing your green card is similar to the process for applying for a green card, and you will need to submit many of the same documents.
To renew your green card, you will need to fill out an I-90 form and submit it to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). You will also need to provide proof of your identity, proof of your permanent resident status, and proof that you have not committed any crimes that would make you ineligible for a green card. Once your application is received, USCIS will review it and may request additional information or an interview.
Once your application is approved, you will be issued a new green card that will be valid for another 10 years. It is important to keep your green card up to date, as it is evidence of your legal status in the United States. If you allow your green card to expire, you could face deportation.
FAQs
Are you a lawful permanent resident of the United States? If so, you’re probably wondering what documents you need in order to travel. Read on for answers to some frequently asked questions about traveling with a green card.
Do I need a passport to travel if I have a green card?
No, you are not required to have a passport to travel within the United States if you have a green card. However, we recommend that you carry your passport with you whenever possible, as it may make it easier for you to prove your identity and status if necessary.
What other documents should I carry with me when I travel?
When traveling within the United States, we recommend that you carry your green card, as well as another form of photo identification such as a driver’s license. If you are traveling by air, you will also need to present a valid boarding pass and government-issued photo ID at the security checkpoint.
Can I travel outside the United States with my green card?
Yes, you can travel outside the United States with your green card However, we recommend that you carry your passport with you whenever possible, as it may make it easier for you to prove your identity and status if necessary. If you plan to stay outside the United States for an extended period of time, please be sure to check the expiration date on your green card and renew it if necessary.
Conclusion
If you are a lawful permanent resident of the United States (green card holder), you are generally allowed to travel outside of the country and return. However, there are some restrictions and things to keep in mind when planning your trip.
First, you should make sure that your green card is still valid and that you have not let it expire. If your green card has expired, you will need to get it renewed before leaving the country.
Second, if you plan on being gone for an extended period of time (more than 6 months), you should get a reentry permit before you leave. This will allow you to come back into the US without having to get a new green card.
Lastly, even if your green card is valid and you have a reentry permit, there are still some countries that you may not be able to enter with a green card. For example, Cuba and North Korea do not allow entry to anyone with a US green card. So if you are planning on traveling to any of these countries, you will need to get a different type of visa.
As long as you keep these things in mind, traveling with a green card should not be a problem. Enjoy your trip!
Further Reading
If you are a lawful permanent resident of the United States, you are allowed to travel freely within the country. You may leave and re-enter as many times as you like, without having to obtain permission from U.S. authorities in advance. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when traveling on a green card:
-First, you should always carry your green card with you when you travel. This will serve as proof that you are a lawful permanent resident and allow you to re-enter the United States without any problems.
-Second, if you plan on traveling outside of the United States, you should get a reentry permit before you leave. This permit will allow you to reenter the United States without having to obtain a new green card.
-Finally, if your green card expires while you are outside of the United States, you will need to obtain a new one before returning.
For more information on traveling with a green card, please see the following resources:
-USCIS: https://www.uscis.gov/greencard/after-green-card-granted/traveling-outside-united-states
-Department of State: https://www.state.gov/lawfulpermanentresidents/
About the Author
My name is Abby and I am a 20-year-old college student at the University of Washington in Seattle. I was born in South Korea and adopted by an American family when I was six months old. I grew up in the suburbs of Los Angeles and moved to Seattle for college. My hobbies include photography, exploring new places, and trying new food.
I am writing this blog to share my experiences as a Korean-American woman traveling within the United States with a green card. I hope my stories will provide insight and information for others who may be interested in travel but have questions or concerns about their status as a green card holder.
