Can You Leave The Country While Waiting For Green Card?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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The U.S. and Services (USCIS) does provide that

immigrants may travel abroad while

waiting on their Green Card, officially known as a Permanent Resident Card. … In order to obtain Advance Parole, you must complete Form I-131—Application for Travel Document.

Can I leave the country while waiting for I 485?


There are no restrictions on domestic travel before Form I-485 is approved

. However, travel abroad can affect your pending application and your immigration status. Always check with your transportation carrier to ensure you bring the appropriate identification.

Can I leave the country after applying for green card?


You can't leave the country until you have your approved travel document in hand

, so you should expect to spend the 3–5 months after submitting your green card application in the United States. Theoretically, you could be out of the United States for as long as you have a travel document (one year plus renewals).

Can I travel outside US while waiting for green card renewal?

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 if 485 pending?


There are no restrictions on domestic travel before

Form I-485 is approved. However, travel abroad can affect your pending application and your immigration status. Always check with your transportation carrier to ensure you bring the appropriate identification.

How long does it take for the I-485 to get approved?

After filing Form I-485, Application to Adjust Status, and related forms, your I-485 processing time can take anywhere from

8 to 14 months

. The basis of your adjustment of status (e.g. family, employment, asylum, etc.) will be a significant factor.

Can I stay more than 6 months outside US with green card?

Now you know the answer to “can I stay more than 6 months outside the U.S. with a green card?”. Yes, you can,

as long as you only travel for a temporary purpose

. Otherwise, you might be regarded as having abandoned your LPR status. Don't be caught off guard when returning from your travels.

Can you be denied a green card renewal?

Green card renewal applications can be accepted, rejected, approved, and denied. Your green card renewal could be

denied if you are no longer eligible for permanent residence or make mistakes in filing paperwork

. This could have serious consequences, including .

Can you be deported because of an expired green card?


You won't be deported if you have an expired green card

. The U.S. government will still consider you a lawful permanent resident, even if your green card is expired. However, the way you file for renewal may be a little bit different if you're outside the United States.

Why is I-485 taking so long?

The main issue that USCIS has publicly identified as a cause of the lengthy delays in processing is

the lack of manpower

. … According to USCIS, it takes 97.8 minutes to adjudicate an I-485. It takes 15 minutes to process an advance parole document and 12 minutes to adjudicate an EAD.

How many green card applications are pending?

Overall for FY2020, 85% of the 7.47 million immigration applications submitted were accepted, with an additional

1.12 million

either denied or still pending.

What happens after I-485 is approved?

Upon approval, the applicant is mailed a Form I-551, Permanent Resident Card. The date the Form I-485 is approved becomes

the date of adjustment

, which in turn determines how soon the newly adjusted Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) may apply for U.S. citizenship. Permanent Resident Cards are valid for ten years.

How long does it take to get green card after interview 2020?

If the interview goes well, the U.S. government will approve your Green Card case. In many cases, the interviewing officer will let you know that your case is approved at your interview! You can expect to receive your Green Card in the mail some

2 to 3 weeks after your

case is approved.

How long does it take to get a green card after applying?

In most cases, it takes

about two years

for a green card to become available, and the entire process takes around three years.

How much does the I-485 cost?

If You Are… Form Fee Total Under 14 and not filing with the I-485 application of at least one parent

$1,140

$1,140
Age 14–78 $1,140 $1,225 Age 79 or older $1,140 $1,140 Filing Form I-485 based on having been admitted to the United States as a refugee $0 $0
Maria LaPaige
Author
Maria LaPaige
Maria is a parenting expert and mother of three. She has written several books on parenting and child development, and has been featured in various parenting magazines. Maria's practical approach to family life has helped many parents navigate the ups and downs of raising children.