Introduction
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) requires permanent residents of the United States to renew their green cards every 10 years. For those who wish to travel internationally while their green card is being renewed, the process can be complex and confusing. This article provides a comprehensive guide to the international travel process for individuals with a pending green card renewal application. It explains how to prepare for travel and maintain legal status during the renewal process, as well as tips on navigating customs and border protection regulations.
A Guide to Renewing Your Green Card While Traveling
Traveling abroad while your green card is being renewed requires careful planning and preparation. The following sections explain how to prepare for your trip, maintain your legal status during the renewal process, and navigate the international travel process with a renewed green card.
Preparing for Your Trip
Before traveling abroad, it’s important to understand the requirements for traveling with an expired or pending green card. Depending on your situation, you may need to apply for a travel document, such as an Advance Parole or Reentry Permit, in order to be allowed to enter the U.S. upon your return. You should also make sure that all of your documents, including your passport, are up to date and valid for the duration of your trip.
Maintaining Legal Status During Renewal
When renewing your green card, you must continue to maintain your legal status in the U.S. As long as you have a valid green card, you are considered a permanent resident and do not need to apply for any additional documents to remain in the country. However, if your green card has expired or is about to expire, you must apply for a new one before leaving the country. In addition, you must ensure that you are able to return to the U.S. before the expiration of your current green card.
Tips for Maintaining Your Legal Status While Renewing Your Green Card
There are several steps you can take to maintain your legal status while renewing your green card. These include understanding the Form I-131 Application for Travel Document, submitting supporting documents, and obtaining a reentry permit.
Understanding the Form I-131 Application for Travel Document
If you are traveling while your green card is being renewed, you will need to fill out and submit Form I-131, Application for Travel Document. This form will allow you to apply for an Advance Parole or Reentry Permit, which will enable you to return to the U.S. after traveling abroad. Make sure to provide all of the necessary information on the form and submit any required supporting documents.
Submitting Supporting Documents
In some cases, you may need to submit supporting documents along with your Form I-131 Application for Travel Document. These documents may include proof of identity, proof of legal status in the U.S., and evidence of your intended travel plans. Make sure to submit any requested documents in a timely manner in order to avoid delays in processing your application.
Obtaining a Reentry Permit
If you plan to remain outside of the U.S. for more than one year while your green card is being renewed, you will need to obtain a Reentry Permit. This permit will allow you to return to the U.S. without having to apply for a new green card. To apply for a Reentry Permit, you must fill out and submit Form I-131, Application for Travel Document, along with the necessary supporting documents.
How to Travel with an Expired Green Card
If your green card has already expired, there are still ways to travel abroad. You can apply for a replacement green card, obtain a reentry permit, or visit your local U.S. embassy or consulate. These options will allow you to leave the U.S. while your green card is being renewed.
Applying for a Replacement Green Card
If your green card has already expired, you can apply for a replacement by filling out and submitting Form I-90, Application for Renewal/Replacement of Green Card. You must provide all of the necessary information on the form, as well as any required supporting documents. Once your application is approved, you will receive a new green card that is valid for 10 years.
Obtaining a Reentry Permit
If you plan to remain outside of the U.S. for more than one year while your green card is being renewed, you will need to obtain a Reentry Permit. To apply for a Reentry Permit, you must fill out and submit Form I-131, Application for Travel Document, along with the necessary supporting documents. Once your application is approved, you will be able to return to the U.S. without having to apply for a new green card.
Visiting Your Local U.S. Embassy or Consulate
You may also be able to travel abroad by visiting your local U.S. embassy or consulate. At the embassy or consulate, you can apply for a travel document that will allow you to return to the U.S. even if your green card has expired. Make sure to bring all of the necessary documents with you when you visit the embassy or consulate.
Preparing to Travel with a Pending Green Card Renewal Application
If you have already submitted a green card renewal application but have not yet received a decision, there are still ways to travel abroad. You can apply for an Advance Parole or Obtain a Reentry Permit, depending on the length of your trip.
Understanding the Form I-90 Application for Renewal/Replacement of Green Card
If you have already submitted a green card renewal application, you will need to fill out and submit Form I-90, Application for Renewal/Replacement of Green Card. This form will allow you to apply for an Advance Parole or Reentry Permit, which will enable you to return to the U.S. after traveling abroad. Make sure to provide all of the necessary information on the form and submit any required supporting documents.
Obtaining Advance Parole
If you plan to stay outside of the U.S. for less than one year while your green card is being renewed, you can apply for an Advance Parole. To apply for an Advance Parole, you must fill out and submit Form I-131, Application for Travel Document, along with the necessary supporting documents. Once your application is approved, you will be able to return to the U.S. without having to apply for a new green card.
What to Expect When Renewing Your Green Card While Abroad
Once you have arrived in your destination country and your green card renewal application is pending, there are several steps you can take to ensure that you are able to return to the U.S. These include completing the Form I-90 Application for Renewal/Replacement of Green Card, understanding processing times, and applying for a new green card.
Completing the Form I-90 Application
When renewing your green card while abroad, you will need to fill out and submit Form I-90, Application for Renewal/Replacement of Green Card. This form will allow you to apply for an Advance Parole or Reentry Permit, which will enable you to return to the U.S. after traveling abroad. Make sure to provide all of the necessary information on the form and submit any required supporting documents.
Processing Times
The processing time for a green card renewal application can vary depending on the type of application and the country in which it is filed. Generally, it takes between 6 and 12 months for a green card renewal application to be processed. However, if you are traveling while your application is pending, you should contact the USCIS to find out the estimated processing time for your specific case.
Applying for a New Green Card
If your green card renewal application is denied or if you are unable to return to the U.S. before the expiration of your current green card, you may need to apply for a new green card. To apply for a new green card, you must fill out and submit Form I-90, Application for Renewal/Replacement of Green Card. You must provide all of the necessary information on the form, as well as any required supporting documents.
Navigating the International Travel Process with a Renewed Green Card
Once you have received a renewed green card, you must take certain steps to ensure that you are able to return to the U.S. These include obtaining a new reentry permit, understanding customs and border protection regulations, and exploring the U.S. with a renewed green card.
Obtaining a New Reentry Permit
If you plan to remain outside of the U.S. for more than one year while your green card is being renewed, you will need to obtain a Reentry Permit. To apply for a Reentry Permit, you must fill out and submit Form I-131, Application for Travel Document, along with the necessary supporting documents. Once your application is approved, you will be able to return to the U.S. without having to apply for a new green card.
Understanding Customs and Border Protection Regulations
When returning to the U.S. after traveling abroad, you must comply with all applicable customs and border protection regulations. These regulations can vary depending on the country you are entering and the type of entry you are making. Make sure to familiarize yourself with these regulations before attempting to enter the U.S.
Exploring the U.S. on a Renewed Green Card
Once you have obtained a renewed green card, you can begin to explore the U.S. with the rights and responsibilities afforded to you as a permanent resident. Understanding the benefits of a renewed green card and taking advantage of your rights and responsibilities as a permanent resident will help you make the most of your experience in the U.S.
Understanding the Benefits of a Renewed Green Card
Having a renewed green card provides many benefits, such as the ability to work in the U.S. without restrictions and the ability to travel freely for extended periods of time. Additionally, a renewed green card allows you to become eligible for certain government benefits, such as Social Security and Medicare.
Taking Advantage of Your Rights and Responsibilities as a Permanent Resident
As a permanent resident, you have certain rights and responsibilities. These include the right to vote in local and state elections, the responsibility to pay taxes, and the responsibility to follow all applicable laws. Make sure to familiarize yourself with your rights and responsibilities as a permanent resident before attempting to exercise them.
Conclusion
Traveling while your green card is being renewed can be a complicated process. To ensure a successful trip, it’s important to understand the requirements for traveling with an expired or pending green card and to take steps to maintain your legal status during the renewal process. Additionally, you should prepare for travel by obtaining the necessary documents, understanding customs and border protection regulations, and familiarizing yourself with your rights and responsibilities as a permanent resident.
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