Your green card grants you the privilege to live and work permanently in the United States. It also serves as essential identification and proof of your permanent resident status when re-entering the country after traveling abroad. But what happens when your green card is nearing its expiration date, and your renewal application is still under review? Is international travel still possible? The green card renewal process, which involves filing Form I-90, can sometimes extend beyond eight months. So, Can I Travel While My Green Card Is Being Renewed? Let’s explore your options.
Risks of Traveling with an Expired or Expiring Green Card
Traveling internationally with an expired or soon-to-expire green card can lead to serious issues:
- Denied Re-entry: You could be denied re-entry into the United States if you cannot provide valid proof of your permanent resident status. Border officials require valid documentation for entry.
- Fines and Delays: Attempting to enter the U.S. with an expired green card may result in fines and delays. At best, it’s an inconvenience; at worst, it could negatively affect pending immigration applications.
- Application Termination: Traveling after your green card’s expiration could jeopardize your renewal application, implying abandonment of your permanent resident status.
- Automatic Termination: Leaving the country without proper documentation while a green card renewal application is pending will lead to its automatic termination, forcing you to restart the entire process.
As demonstrated, traveling abroad without valid proof of permanent residence during the renewal process can be risky. It’s crucial to maintain valid documentation whenever leaving and re-entering the United States.
Alt text: A sample USCIS Form I-797, Notice of Action, illustrating the receipt notice received when applying for green card renewal.
Temporary Proof Options for International Travel
If your green card renewal is in progress and international travel is necessary, several temporary options are available to prove your permanent resident status:
Receipt Notice Accompanied by Expired Green Card
After submitting your green card renewal application, you’ll receive a receipt notice (Form I-797) from USCIS, confirming that your application is being processed. If you applied within 12 months before your green card’s expiration, this receipt notice, along with your expired green card, can serve as temporary proof of your permanent resident status for one year from the expiration date.
The receipt explicitly states that it “provides evidence of your lawful permanent resident status” for this 12-month period. You can use these documents together to re-enter the United States.
Obtaining a USCIS I-551 Stamp or Sticker
If your green card has already expired, and you are outside the 12-month receipt validity period, or if it’s lost or stolen, you may need to schedule an appointment at your local USCIS office.
Explain that you have applied for renewal but require urgent travel before receiving the new card. Bring supporting documents, such as:
- Expired green card (or a valid passport if your card is lost)
- Renewal receipt notice
- Proof of urgent travel needs, such as plane tickets or a doctor’s note
If you can demonstrate a pending renewal and urgent travel plans, the USCIS officer may provide temporary proof of permanent residence by:
- Affixing a sticker to your expired green card, extending its validity for 12 months
- Placing an I-551 stamp in your passport as proof of permanent residency
Either the sticker or stamp provides temporary proof for international travel and return during your renewal period.
Alt text: An I-551 stamp example, displayed inside a foreign passport, serving as the temporary evidence for permanent residency.
Applying for Advance Parole Travel Document
If your green card is expiring soon, and you anticipate needing to travel internationally more than once while awaiting renewal, you can apply for an advance parole travel document using Form I-131. This allows you to maintain permanent resident status and eligibility for re-entry while your renewal application is pending.
To apply for advance parole:
- Submit Form I-131 to USCIS, along with a copy of your green card renewal receipt notice, two passport photos, and a copy of your photo ID.
- Once approved, you will receive a re-entry travel document valid for one year. Returning within this period ensures your eligibility for lawful permanent resident status.
- If your advance parole document expires, and your green card renewal is still pending, you can refile Form I-131 to renew your advance parole as long as your renewal application is being processed.
Advance parole offers peace of mind if you need to travel internationally multiple times while awaiting your green card renewal. Securing a valid travel document allows you to travel as needed without risking your green card status.
Planning Ahead: Navigating Green Card Renewal and International Travel
While a pending green card renewal can complicate travel, options exist to maintain your lawful permanent resident status and re-enter the United States while your application is in process.
Planning ahead and understanding your options for temporary travel documents is essential. Never travel abroad without valid documentation during renewal, as doing so can significantly impact your immigration status and your ability to remain in the U.S.
If you have a pending green card renewal application and need to travel internationally, consult with an immigration expert early in the process. An experienced professional can provide tailored advice on maintaining your permanent resident status, assist with applications for advance parole or temporary proof, monitor processing times, and ensure you have the necessary documentation for smooth and secure travels while awaiting your green card renewal.
