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 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 within the US while waiting for green card?
However,
USCIS will allow you to travel while you wait for your permanent resident card, if you apply for and obtain an advance parole document
. This advance parole document will permit you to return to the country, even if you have not received your Green Card.
Can I travel out of U.S. before receiving the green card?
You can still travel without it
. If you applied for a green card and you were approved, yet you haven’t received your document, traveling is possible as you’re already a permanent resident. Remember that when you entered the U.S., your passport was stamped by the border officer.
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.
Can I travel while my 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 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 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 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?
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 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
.
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.
How long can I stay outside the US with my green card?
If you are a lawful permanent resident (green card holder), you may leave the U.S. multiple times and reenter, as long as you do not intend to stay outside the U.S. for
1 year or more
. This 1-year rule creates a rebuttable presumption that you intended to abandon your residency.
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
.
What happens if you lose your green card while traveling?
If you are overseas and your Permanent Resident Card was lost or stolen, and you have been out of the United States for less than 365 consecutive days,
you may request a boarding foil to allow you to return to the United States
. In order to apply for a boarding foil, you require an appointment.
Can I travel while I 485 is pending?
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 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.
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.
