How to Get a US Travel Document if Your Green Card is Pending

If you are a permanent resident of the United States and your Green Card is pending, you may be eligible to apply for a travel document.

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Introduction

If your green card is pending, you may be able to get a travel document that will allow you to travel to and from the United States. This document is called a “boarding foil.”

To get a boarding foil, you must have an approved Application for Travel Document (Form I-131). You can apply for a boarding foil at the same time that you apply for your green card.

If you already have a green card, you do not need a boarding foil. You can travel to and from the United States with your green card

What is a travel document?

A travel document is an identification document issued by the United States government to certain individuals who are not U.S. citizens or otherwise eligible for a passport. A travel document allows the bearer to re-enter the United States after traveling abroad.

There are two types of travel documents: the Advance Parole Document and the Refugee Travel Document. The Advance Parole Document is issued to lawful permanent residents (green card holders) and non-immigrants (persons with a valid visa) who need to travel outside of the United States but are unable to obtain a passport from their country of citizenship. The Refugee Travel Document is issued to refugees and asylees who need to travel outside of the United States but are unable to obtain a passport from their country of citizenship.

If you are a green card holder and your green card is pending, you may be eligible for a travel document. To apply for a travel document, you will need to file Form I-131, Application for Travel Document, with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). You will also need to pay a filing fee and submit evidence that you meet the requirements for a travel document.

Who needs a travel document?

Certain non-U.S. citizens who are in the United States may need a travel document to return to their home countries or to travel to other countries. For example, a non-U.S. citizen who is in the United States on a student visa may need a travel document to return home for winter break. Or, a non-U.S. citizen who is in the United States on a work visa may need a travel document to attend a business conference in another country.

If you are a non-U.S. citizen with a pending green card application, you may need a travel document if you want to leave the United States and return while your application is pending.

How to apply for a travel document

You may be eligible to apply for a travel document if your green card is pending. A travel document allows you to return to the United States after traveling abroad.

To apply for a travel document, you must:
-Submit an Application for Travel Document (Form I-131).
-Submit a $575 filing fee.
-Submit evidence of your pending green card application, such as a copy of your Form I-485 confirmation notice or a copy of your application receipt.
-Submit evidence that you will be traveling within the next few months, such as airline tickets or hotel reservations.

If you are granted a travel document, it will be valid for one year. You can renew it by submitting another Application for Travel Document (Form I-131) and paying the $575 filing fee.

What information do you need to apply for a travel document?

To apply for a travel document, you will need to provide:
-Your name and date of birth
-Your green card application number
-Your current address and telephone number
-The address and telephone number of your intended destination
-A copy of your passport or other government-issued photo ID
-Proof of travel, such as a plane ticket or hotel reservation

How long does it take to get a travel document?

Once you have applied for a green card, you may travel outside of the United States. However, you will need to obtain a travel document called a advance parole before leaving the country.

It usually takes about 90 days to receive an advance parole document. If you need to travel before you receive your document, you can request expedited processing. Expedited processing takes about 30 days.

How much does it cost to get a travel document?

The current fee for a travel document is $575.

What if my application is denied?

If your green card application is denied, you will not be able to get a travel document. You may be able to appeal the decision or reapply, but you will need to check with an immigration attorney to find out what your options are.

What are the consequences of not having a travel document?

If you try to travel without a travel document, you may be stopped at the airport or border. You could be sent back to your last place of departure or returned to the United States. If you are already in another country, you may not be allowed to enter and may have to return to the United States.

You could also face other consequences, such as:
-You may miss important interviews or appointments related to your green card application.
-You could jeopardize your chances of getting a green card.
-You could prolong the time it takes to get a green card.
-You might have to apply for a new visa if you want to travel again in the future.

It’s important to note that even if you have a pending green card application, you are still considered a U.S. citizen or national for purposes of travel. This means that if you are stopped by authorities while traveling, you should always show your U.S. passport or passport card as proof of citizenship or nationality.

Conclusion

If your green card application is pending, you may be able to travel using a US travel document. This document will allow you to return to the United States after traveling abroad. To get a US travel document, you will need to submit an application and supporting documentation to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).