If you have a Green Card and plan to travel outside the United States, there are important rules you should know.
Staying outside the U.S. for a long time can cause problems when you try to return. You should also check the expiration date on your Green Card before you travel.
If your 10-year Green Card has expired or will expire soon, do not wait until you have travel plans or urgently need proof of your permanent resident status.
How Long Can You Stay Outside the U.S. With a Green Card?
Green Card holders are expected to make the United States their permanent home.
Short trips outside the United States usually do not affect permanent resident status. However, staying outside the country for a long time may raise questions about whether you still intend to live permanently in the U.S.
A trip lasting between six months and one year can sometimes create questions about your intent to keep the U.S. as your permanent home.
If you stay outside the United States for one year or more, additional immigration problems may arise.
This is why it is important to plan before you travel.
What If You Plan to Stay Outside the U.S. for More Than One Year?
If you know you may be outside the United States for more than one year, you should check whether you need a re-entry permit before leaving.
A re-entry permit can help show that your trip is temporary and that you do not intend to give up your permanent resident status.
You generally need to be physically present in the United States when you apply for a re-entry permit.
Planning ahead can help prevent problems when you are ready to return.
What Happens If You Stay Outside the U.S. for More Than One Year?
If you stay outside the United States for more than 12 months without the proper travel document, returning to the U.S. may become more difficult.
In some situations, you may need to apply for returning resident status.
You may need to show that:
- You kept strong ties to the United States.
- You planned to return to the United States.
- Your long stay outside the country happened because of reasons you could not control.
Travel problems can already be stressful. Having an expired Green Card at the same time can create another issue to deal with.
That is why checking your Green Card expiration date before traveling is important.
Is Your Green Card Expiring Soon?
Your Green Card is important proof that you are a lawful permanent resident of the United States.
Most Green Cards issued to regular permanent residents are valid for 10 years.
If your 10-year Green Card has expired or will expire within the next six months, it may be time to renew it.
You can renew an eligible 10-year Green Card by filing Form I-90.
Form I-90 is the Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card. It is used by lawful permanent residents to renew or replace an existing Green Card.
If your expiration date is getting close, starting the renewal process early can help you avoid dealing with an expired card when you suddenly need proof of your status.
Why Should You Keep Your Green Card Current?
An expired 10-year Green Card does not automatically mean that you lose your lawful permanent resident status.
However, an expired card can make it more difficult to prove your status.
You may need your Green Card for:
- International travel
- Employment verification
- Proof of permanent resident status
- Certain government or financial services
If your card is getting close to its expiration date, checking it now can help you avoid an urgent situation later.
When Can Form I-90 Be Used?
For eligible permanent residents, Form I-90 may be used when a Green Card:
- Has already expired
- Will expire within six months
- Has been lost or stolen
- Has been damaged
- Contains certain incorrect information
- Needs certain biographic information updated
If your 10-year Green Card has expired or is getting close to its expiration date, you can review Form I-90 and begin your renewal before you urgently need a valid card.
Starting early can give you more time to prepare your application and avoid last-minute stress.
Do You Have a 2-Year Conditional Green Card?
Not every Green Card holder should use Form I-90 to renew an expiring card.
If you have a 2-year conditional Green Card and your conditional status is expiring, you generally need to file the appropriate petition to remove the conditions on your residence instead of using Form I-90 simply to renew the card.
The process depends on how you received your conditional permanent resident status.
Check the type of Green Card you have before starting any application.
Before You Travel, Check These 3 Things
1. Check Your Green Card Expiration Date
Look at the expiration date printed on your Green Card.
If you have a 10-year Green Card that has expired or will expire soon, check whether it is time to renew.
Do not wait until you are packing for an international trip to notice that your card has expired.
2. Check How Long You Plan to Stay Outside the U.S.
Think about how long you expect to be away.
Long absences from the United States may raise questions about whether you still intend to make the U.S. your permanent home.
Being outside the United States for one year or more can create additional issues when you try to return.
3. Check Whether You Need a Re-entry Permit
If you expect to stay outside the United States for an extended period, review the re-entry permit rules before you leave.
Taking the right steps before you travel can help you avoid problems when you return.
Do Not Wait Until You Need Your Green Card Urgently
Many people only check their Green Card when they are preparing to travel, starting a new job, or completing an important application.
By that time, the card may already be expired.
If you have a 10-year Green Card, check the expiration date today.
If it has expired or will expire within the next six months, you may be able to renew it using Form I-90.
Taking action early can help you avoid additional stress when you need proof of your permanent resident status.
Before traveling outside the United States, check your trip length, check your Green Card expiration date, and make sure you understand the rules that apply to your situation.
