Becoming a U.S. lawful permanent resident marks a major milestone in your path to immigration. Upon your approval as a permanent resident, you apply for an immigrant visa before collecting a green card. Until then, many permanent residents wonder if they can travel internationally. This guide explains what traveling without one means, and tips on how to go about returning to the United States
How Long Will It Take to Get My Green Card
Once you are granted lawful permanent resident status, you’ll need to wait for your card. There may be delays or mistakes from USCIS. If you’ve changed your address, update it online with USCIS. If your card doesn’t arrive after a few weeks, call the USCIS Contact Center. You may need to go through an automated system, selecting options to receive a callback from an officer regarding the delay.
Proving Your Permanent Resident Status While Traveling
If you received permanent residence status from a U.S. consulate and entered the United States as a permanent resident, you will have an I-551 stamp (or ‘ADIT stamp’) in your passport, issued at the port of entry. This stamp serves as temporary proof of your status and expires six months from the issuance date. You can travel and re-enter the U.S. as long as the stamp is valid.
If your I-551 stamp has expired or is set to expire while you are abroad, contact the USCIS Contact Center to request a replacement travel document or schedule an appointment at a USCIS office. You can schedule an appointment online, but there is no guarantee of a response to your online request.
Checking Expiration Date
Before you travel, make sure your passport won’t expire while you’re abroad. If it will, get a new one from your country before leaving. Keep both passports because the old one has the permanent resident stamp you need to reenter.
Lost or Missing Passport
If your passport gets stolen or you lose it while traveling, having a backup plan is crucial. Before you leave, give a trusted person a photocopy and the page with your permanent resident stamp and you can get a new one by visiting the nearest U.S. consulate to get a replacement.
Important Tips For U.S. Permanent Resident
- Avoid staying outside the U.S. for more than six months to show you intend to keep your permanent residence.
- Keep strong connections to the U.S., like a residence, bank accounts, and family.
- In some cases, applying for Advance Parole can allow you to reenter the U.S. without a green card.
How do I apply for a re-entry permit before traveling internationally
Determine Eligibility:
You must be a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) intending to travel outside the U.S. for more than one year but less than two years. If your trip is less than one year, a re-entry permit is not necessary.
Complete Form I-131:
File Form I-131, known as the “Application for Travel Document.” This form collects information about your planned trip, your foreign travel history, and your tax filing status in the U.S..
File While in the U.S.:
You must submit Form I-131 while physically present in the United States. It is recommended to file at least 60 days before your intended departure to allow time for processing and to schedule a biometrics appointment.
Attend Biometrics Appointment:
After submitting your application, you will receive a notice for a biometrics appointment where your fingerprints and photo will be taken. This appointment must be attended in person within the U.S..
Indicate Delivery Preferences:
On Form I-131, you can specify if you would like to collect your re-entry permit at a U.S. consulate or embassy in the country you are traveling to, which is useful if you plan to travel soon after filing.
Travel After Filing:
Once you have filed Form I-131 and completed your biometrics appointment, you are free to travel abroad even if your re-entry permit has not yet been approved.
Check Application Status:
You can check the status of your application on the USCIS website using the receipt number provided after filing Form I-131.
Travelling internationally as a permanent resident without your green card is possible with proper preparation. Stay informed and take the necessary steps to ensure you can explore the world and return to the U.S. smoothly.
How Law and Visas Can Help?
At Law and Visas, our team of expert immigration consultants is here to make your travel to the United States straightforward and successful. Whether you’re applying for a Visa Waiver Program or a B-2 Tourist Visa, we handle every step—from preparing your application to gathering the required documents.
Our Immigration Consultants and Lawyers ensure that your application meets the highest standards, with no details missed. We’ll also keep you informed throughout the process and coordinate with the immigration office or embassy on your behalf.
Law and Visas has a strong record of helping clients secure the visas/permits they need to visit the United States. Call us today at +234 812 5505 986 to learn how we can assist you.
