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’re granted lawful permanent resident status, you’ll wait for your card. It will come sometime, but there can be delays and mistakes at USCIS along the way. If you’ve moved during this time, be sure to update your address online with USCIS. If after a few weeks, your card doesn’t arrive, you can call the USCIS Contact Center to ask about it. You might have to submit yourself to an automated system, where you need to select a few optional buttons to get a callback and an officer on the line, to explain the delay.
Proving Your Permanent Resident Status While Traveling
If you received permanent residence status from a US consulate and were admitted to the United States as a permanent resident, you would also have a separate I-551 stamp in your passport (otherwise known as an ‘ADIT stamp’) issued when at the port of entry. This stamp merely serves as temporary proof of your status and expires six months from the date issued. You may continue to travel and re-enter the US so long as this stamp has not expired.
If your I-551 stamp has already expired or is due to expire while you’re abroad, you should call the USCIS Contact Centre and ask that they send you a replacement travel document, or schedule an appointment for you to attend the USCIS office. It is possible to schedule an appointment online (which you should do) but there is no guarantee that the USCIS will respond to an online request for an appointment.
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.
Traveling 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.
