USCIS Travel Document for Green Card Holders

Green Card holders (permanent residents) may travel outside the United States for pleasure or business and temporarily return to the U.S. using a travel document.

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Applying for a travel document

Applying for a travel document
If you are a permanent resident or conditional permanent resident and you want to apply for a travel document (also called an advance parole document), you will need to file Form I-131, Application for Travel Document.

You may use this form to apply for an advance parole document if:
-You are a permanent resident who needs to travel outside the United States and return before your permanent resident card expires;
-You are a conditional permanent resident who needs to travel outside the United States and return before your conditional permanent residency expires; or
-You are applying for reentry permission after traveling outside the United States without first getting advance parole.

Eligibility for a travel document

To be eligible to apply for a travel document, you must:

-Be a lawful permanent resident of the United States
-Have a valid Green Card
-Be able to show that you have reason to travel outside the United States and that you will return to the United States

What information to include in your application

If you are a permanent resident (green card holder) of the United States, you may leave the country and return using your green card. However, if you plan to be outside of the U.S. for an extended period of time, you may need to apply for a travel document.

You will need to include the following information in your application:
-Your name, date of birth, place of birth, and current address
-Your Alien Registration Number (A-Number)
-The reason for your trip
-Your travel plans, including dates and destinations
-Information about your job or schooling in the United States
-Your family members who are also permanent residents or U.S. citizens

How to submit your application

To apply for a travel document, you will need to submit:

– Form I-131, Application for Travel Document
– A passport-style photo
– A filing fee
– Proof of your identity and U.S. citizenship (if you are applying for a reentry permit) or lawful permanent resident status (if you are applying for an advance parole document)
– Evidence of your need to travel (if you are applying for an advance parole document)

Fees for a travel document

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) charges a fee for most applications, including applications for a travel document. The current fee for an application for a travel document is $585.

Processing time for a travel document

According to the USCIS website, the average processing time for a travel document is 45 days. However, processing times can vary depending on individual circumstances.

Receiving your travel document

If you are a Green Card holder, you may apply for a travel document (also called a “reentry permit”) from the USCIS if you need to travel outside of the United States for an extended period of time. If you have been granted a reentry permit, you will be able to return to the United States as long as your reentry permit is valid.

To apply for a travel document, you will need to file Form I-131, Application for Travel Document. You can find the form and instructions on the USCIS website.

Once you have filed your application, you will need to attend an interview at a USCIS office. At the interview, an officer will ask you questions about your application and your plans for travel. Be sure to bring any supporting documentation with you to the interview.

After your interview, the USCIS officer will tell you whether or not your application has been approved. If it is approved, you will receive your travel document in the mail.

Using your travel document

You may use your travel document for:
-Travel within the United States;
-Re-entry into the United States after travel abroad; and
-Applying for admission into the United States at a land border or seaport.

Your travel document does not guarantee your admission into the United States. A U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer at the port of entry will determine your admissibility to the United States.

Renewing or replacing your travel document

If your Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can apply for a replacement by filing Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card.

You may also need to apply for a new travel document if your name has changed or if you need to update your photo.

If your Green Card expired more than one year ago, you will need to file a new Application for Travel Document (Form I-131).

What to do if your travel document is lost or stolen

If your Green Card is lost or stolen while you are traveling, you should immediately contact the nearest U.S. consulate or embassy. They will be able to issue you a new travel document.