Can You Travel Overseas While Green Card Processing Time?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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The travel document allows someone living in the U.S. while awaiting their green card to travel abroad without nullifying their green card application. For a family-based green card,

it takes anywhere from 10 months to several years or more to process a green card

.

Can you travel while green card is pending?

Individuals in H-1B or H-4 status may travel internationally on the basis of their H-documents while their employment-based green card application is pending without abandoning their green card application.

Can you travel within the US while waiting for your green card?

If you do not have an unexpired green card or an unexpired EAD,

you may use a border crossing card or a foreign government-issued passport to fly domestically within the U.S.

Can I travel while I 140 is pending?


You should not travel internationally while the travel document is pending

, or the entire process will be considered abandoned and your adjustment of status denied. After several months of waiting, you should then be scheduled for an interview with a USCIS officer.

Can you travel while waiting for green card renewal?

An expired green card will generally cause a delay, may require the payment of a steep re-entry fee, and can potentially create more significant problems. Even if you start the green card renewal process, it can take 8 to 10 months!

Don't travel abroad with an expired green card

.

Can I travel while my i 90 is pending?

No matter the case, the processing time for an I-90 application is typically 8-10 months, which means, most likely,

the LPR in question will have to postpone international travel until they receive their new green card

.

Can I travel while my adjustment of status is pending?

Adjustment applicants who are in valid H-1B status, and their dependents, can travel abroad and reenter the United States in H status while an I-485 is pending, without having to obtain advance parole. The H1B must still be eligible for H status and returning to the previously approved employer.

Can I travel internationally if I have a pending green card application with USCIS?


You cannot travel internationally unless you have received a travel authorization document from USCIS

, known as an advance parole document. You are required to obtain such travel authorization if you seek to re-enter the United States after temporary foreign travel.

Can I travel while my i-131 is pending?


Individuals may travel on the approved advanced parole document, provided the document is valid for the entire duration of the time abroad

. The pending Form I-131 will not be considered abandoned in this situation.

What is my status while waiting for green card?

Case Status Updates


Go to our Case Status Online page and use your Form I-485 receipt number to look up your case status

. Submit a case inquiry if you think your application is outside of our normal processing times. Call our USCIS Contact Center at 800-375-5283.

Can I travel while I-130 is pending?

If you are a foreign spouse,

you may apply to enter the United States via a tourist visa if you have a pending I-130 petition

, and wish to go back to your home country after the visit.

How long does I-140 processing take?

USCIS processing time for an I-140 Petition is typically

four to six months

. However, for an additional filing fee, the USCIS will adjudicate the petition via “premium processing” (15 calendar days).

What happens if my green card expires while waiting for renewal?

If your green card expires, or is about to expire, while you're waiting for ,

you don't need to worry

. The USCIS has created Form I-90 specifically for the purpose of replacing an expired green card.

Can I travel 3 months before my green card expires?


US permanent residents are free to travel and return to the United States up until the expiration date on their Green Card

.

How long does it take to renew green card 2021?

Once U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) receives your renewal form, you can expect to wait

1.5–12 months

for it to be processed. You can check the most current processing time on the USCIS website.

How long does the I-90 process take?

After filing Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card, the I-90 processing time typically takes from

6 to 10 months

. This is an approximation. It may be shorter for some and longer for others. In rare cases, USCIS will make a request for additional information or even schedule an additional interview.

Can I travel outside U.S. before receiving green card?

Leaving the U.S. While Waiting for a Green Card.

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) does provide that immigrants may travel abroad while waiting on their Green Card

, officially known as a Permanent Resident Card.

Can I travel with my i-90 receipt notice?


Lawful permanent residents should not attempt to travel using a receipt notice printed on standard paper

. The revised I-797 receipt notice, together with an applicant's green card, will serve as temporary evidence of lawful permanent resident status for 12 months from the expiration date of the green card.

Can I travel abroad while waiting for citizenship?


You may travel to another country, including your home country, provided no other legal impediment precludes you from doing so

. However, if a trip lasts longer than 180 days, USCIS may determine that you have not continuously resided in the United States and therefore are ineligible for naturalization.

What is the processing time for green card?

In most cases, it takes about two years for a green card to become available, and the entire process takes

around three years

.

Juan Martinez
Author
Juan Martinez
Juan Martinez is a journalism professor and experienced writer. With a passion for communication and education, Juan has taught students from all over the world. He is an expert in language and writing, and has written for various blogs and magazines.