Traveling as a lawful permanent resident (Green Card holder) involves understanding the rules and regulations that govern your entry and exit from the United States. This guide provides essential information about traveling with your Resident Permanent Card, ensuring a smooth journey while maintaining your residency status.
When traveling outside the United States, generally you will need to present a passport from your country of citizenship or your refugee travel document to travel to a foreign country. Also, the foreign country may have additional entry/exit requirements (such as a visa).
Re-entering the U.S. with a Green Card
When returning to the United States after temporary travel abroad, you will generally need to present your valid, unexpired Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551), commonly known as a “Green Card”. A U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer at the port of entry will review your Green Card and any other identity documents you present, such as a passport, foreign national I.D. card or U.S. Driver’s License, to determine your admissibility into the United States.
Alt: A lawful permanent resident presenting their green card at a U.S. port of entry for reentry, demonstrating compliance with travel regulations.
Maintaining Permanent Resident Status While Traveling
As a permanent resident, you are generally free to travel outside the United States. Brief or temporary travel typically does not jeopardize your permanent resident status. However, extended absences can raise concerns. If authorities determine that you did not intend to make the United States your permanent home, you could be found to have abandoned your permanent resident status.
A common guideline is whether you have been absent from the United States for more than one year. Abandonment can even be determined for trips shorter than a year if there’s evidence suggesting you don’t intend to maintain the U.S. as your permanent residence. When assessing your intention, officers may consider several factors:
- Was your intention to visit abroad only temporarily?
- Did you maintain U.S. family and community ties?
- Did you maintain U.S. employment?
- Did you file U.S. income taxes as a resident?
- Did you otherwise establish your intention to return to the United States as your permanent home?
Other factors include maintaining a U.S. mailing address, U.S. bank accounts, a valid U.S. driver’s license, owning property or running a business in the United States, or any other evidence supporting the temporary nature of your absence.
Traveling Outside the U.S. for More Than One Year: Re-entry Permits
If you anticipate being outside the United States for more than one year, it’s highly recommended to apply for a re-entry permit using Form I-131 before you leave.
Obtaining a re-entry permit allows a permanent resident to apply for admission back into the U.S. during the permit’s validity without needing a returning resident visa from a U.S. Embassy or Consulate abroad. Although it doesn’t guarantee entry, as you still need to be deemed admissible, it helps establish your intention to permanently reside in the United States. Note: If you remain outside of the United States for more than 2 years, any reentry permit granted before your departure will expire. In this case, it is advisable to consider applying for a returning resident visa (SB-1) at the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
Alt: Illustration of Form I-131, Application for Travel Document, crucial for lawful permanent residents planning extended travel outside the U.S. to maintain residency.
Impact on Naturalization
It’s also important to remember that absences from the United States of six months or more can disrupt the continuous residency requirement for naturalization. If your absence is one year or longer and you wish to preserve your continuous residency in the United States for naturalization purposes, you may file an Application to Preserve Residence for Naturalization Purposes on Form N-470.
Lost or Stolen Green Card While Abroad
If your Green Card or re-entry permit is lost, stolen, or destroyed while you are temporarily traveling outside the United States, you may need to file Form I-131A, Application for Travel Document (Carrier Documentation). This document allows an airline or other transportation carrier to board a lawful permanent resident bound for the United States without penalty.
Key Takeaways
Traveling with a Resident Permanent Card requires careful planning. Always carry your Green Card when re-entering the U.S. and be aware of the potential impact of extended absences on your permanent resident status and eligibility for naturalization. Applying for a re-entry permit before traveling for more than a year is highly recommended. By understanding and adhering to these guidelines, you can enjoy your travels while safeguarding your permanent residency.
