Can You Travel To.Us While Waiting For.Green Card?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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If you intend taking up permanent residence in the United States, you are required to wait until the immigrant or fiancé(e) visa is issued.

You cannot reside in the U.S. on a tourist visa or visa free under the Visa Waiver Program while waiting the issuance of the visa

.

Can I travel before receiving green card?

Some people wait many weeks or even months for their green cards. However,

your lack of an actual green card shouldn’t stop you from traveling

. When you entered the U.S. as a permanent resident, you should have been given a stamp in your passport to show your new status.

Can I travel while my green card application is being processed?

Remember that

you may not be able to travel outside the United States

, while your application for a Green Card is yet to be approved. If you travel, while your application is still being processed, it will be considered that you had abandoned your application for a permanent resident card.

Can you travel to US while waiting for consular processing?

If you choose to go through consular processing,

it can be difficult to travel to the United States while your application is pending

— even just for a short trip. This is the case even if you already have a valid tourist visa.

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 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 immigration 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 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 I travel while waiting for my permanent resident card?

You can travel and your pending I485 (with or without Advance parole) will not be abandoned if you have one of these visa types to re-enter the USA: Work visas like H1B and its dependent H4, L-1, and its dependent L2. K-3 spouse or a K-4 child of a US citizen.

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

.

Can I travel while 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.

Can I travel while I 485 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 you travel while waiting for US visa?

Many people with pending immigrant visa petitions have successfully traveled to the United States on a B visitor visa or through the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). In fact,

Canadians can typically cross the border with ease with a visa or visa waiver

.

Can I travel to US while waiting for immigrant visa?

If you intend taking up permanent residence in the United States, you are required to wait until the immigrant or fiancé(e) visa is issued.

You cannot reside in the U.S. on a tourist visa or visa free under the Visa Waiver Program while waiting the issuance of the visa

.

What if my green card expires while waiting for citizenship?

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

you don’t need to worry

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

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 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 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.

Can I travel while my adjustment of status is pending?

While waiting for your adjustment of status interview, you might want or need to visit your home country or somewhere else, perhaps to visit family or continue arranging your final move to the U.S., for example.

You can travel, but must use great care.

David Evans
Author
David Evans
David is a seasoned automotive enthusiast. He is a graduate of Mechanical Engineering and has a passion for all things related to cars and vehicles. With his extensive knowledge of cars and other vehicles, David is an authority in the industry.