When your green card is in the final stages of expiration and you are a U.S permanent resident, you may be asking yourself the question, do I travel and can I travel since my green card is yet to be materialized? The following are some factors that you need to take into consideration when booking your flight.
Can You Travel Abroad with an Expired Green Card?
Technically, it is not advisable to travel outside the U.S with an expired green card. Valid permanent residency proof is usually required by the airlines as well as the border officials. Nevertheless, you can still travel in case you have already filed form I-90 (Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card) and you have already received Form I-797C which is a receipt notice.
The 24-Month Extension Rule
As of January 2021, the USCIS offers an automatic two-year extension of the validity of the green card to those who submitted their documents in Form I-90. Your green card has expired and this receipt notice coupled with it acts as temporary evidence of your legal permanent resident status at that time.
Documents You Should Carry When Traveling
If you must travel abroad with a pending green card renewal, carry the following:
1. Your expired green card
2. The I-797C receipt notice showing the 24-month extension
3. A valid passport from your home country
4. Any additional travel documents (e.g., re-entry permit, if applicable)
These documents help prove your status upon re-entry to the U.S.
Re-entry Challenges You Might Face
Although the I-797C notice is legally admissible to re-entry, not every airline knows about extension policy of USCIS. This can lead to delays or even boarding problems. You need to call your airline early to clarify their needs of the lawful permanent residents whose renewal is pending.
Alternative: Apply for a Re-entry Permit or I-551 Stamp
When you travel on an urgent basis, or you missed the notice to extend the green card already due, or you have an already expired card, you may consider:
1. Getting an I-551 stamp in your passport at a local USCIS field office – this serves as temporary proof of permanent residency.
2. Applying for a re-entry permit (Form I-131) before departure, especially if you plan to stay outside the U.S. for over one year.
Need Help Planning Your Green Card Strategy?
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