Traveling as a lawful permanent resident (Green Card holder) involves understanding specific requirements to ensure smooth international travel and re-entry into the United States. This guide provides essential information about using your Green Card for travel, maintaining your permanent resident status, and what to do in case of emergencies.
Documents Needed for International Travel
Generally, when traveling outside the United States, you’ll need to present a passport from your country of citizenship or your refugee travel document. Additionally, foreign countries may have their own entry and exit requirements, such as visas. It is important to check the Department of State’s website for specific requirements of the countries you plan to visit.
Re-entering the United States with a Green Card
To re-enter the U.S. after temporary travel abroad, you must present a valid, unexpired Green Card (Form I-551, Permanent Resident Card). Upon arrival at a port of entry, a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer will review your Green Card along with other identity documents such as a passport, foreign national ID card, or U.S. driver’s license. The officer will then determine your admissibility into the United States. Additional details can be found on the U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s webpage.
Example of a Green Card used for re-entry into the United States.
Impact of International Travel on Permanent Resident Status
While permanent residents can freely travel outside the United States, lengthy absences can affect your permanent resident status. Temporary or brief trips are generally not problematic. However, if authorities determine that you did not intend to make the U.S. your permanent home, you may be deemed to have abandoned your permanent resident status.
A key factor is whether you have been absent from the U.S. for more than one year. Even trips shorter than a year can lead to abandonment if there’s evidence suggesting you don’t intend to maintain the U.S. as your permanent residence.
Factors considered include:
- Whether your intention was to visit abroad only temporarily.
- Whether you maintained U.S. family and community ties.
- Whether you maintained U.S. employment.
- Whether you filed U.S. income taxes as a resident.
- Whether you maintained a U.S. mailing address.
- Whether you kept U.S. bank accounts and a valid U.S. driver’s license.
- Whether you own property or run a business in the United States.
These factors collectively help establish your intention to return to the U.S. as your permanent home.
Traveling Outside the U.S. for More Than One Year
If you anticipate being outside the U.S. for more than a year, it’s advisable to apply for a reentry permit using Form I-131 before you leave. A reentry permit allows a permanent or conditional permanent resident to apply for admission into the U.S. during the permit’s validity without needing a returning resident visa from a U.S. Embassy or Consulate abroad.
Application form I-131 used to apply for a reentry permit if you anticipate being outside the U.S. for more than a year.
Note that a reentry permit does not guarantee entry into the U.S.; you must still be determined admissible. However, it assists in establishing your intention to permanently reside in the United States. For further details, refer to the Travel Documents page.
If you remain outside the U.S. for more than two years, any reentry permit issued before your departure will expire. In such cases, consider applying for a returning resident visa (SB-1) at the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. SB-1 applicants must demonstrate eligibility for an immigrant visa and undergo a medical examination. An exception exists for spouses or children of U.S. Armed Forces members or U.S. Government civilian employees stationed abroad on official orders. More information can be found on the Department of State’s webpage on returning resident visas.
Additionally, absences of six months or more may disrupt the continuous residency required for naturalization. If your absence is one year or longer and you wish to preserve your continuous residency for naturalization, you can file Form N-470, Application to Preserve Residence for Naturalization Purposes. See the Continuous Residence and Physical Presence Requirements page for more information.
Lost or Stolen Green Card While Abroad
If your Green Card or reentry 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 the carrier facing penalties. For further details, see the Form I-131A, Application for Travel Document (Carrier Documentation) page.
Conclusion
Understanding the rules and regulations surrounding international travel with a Green Card is crucial for maintaining your permanent resident status and ensuring smooth re-entry into the United States. Always carry your valid Green Card, and if you anticipate extended travel, consider applying for a reentry permit. In case of loss or theft of your Green Card, take immediate steps to apply for a travel document to facilitate your return.
