Yes, in some situations, you may be able to travel without having your physical green card on your person, though your ability to exit and re-enter the United States will depend on a number of circumstances, including your immigration status and whether or not you have temporary proof of lawful permanent residence. Traveling without proper documentation can delay your return and jeopardize your immigration case. Please continue reading to learn whether you can travel outside the United States while awaiting the change of your immigration status and how our adept Essex County Green Card Attorneys can help you avoid jeopardizing your application.
Understanding Travel Rights While Awaiting a Green Card
Immigration law can be incredibly overwhelming, especially when you’re waiting on the approval of your green card application or lawful permanent resident. A common question many immigrants have is whether or not they can travel internationally while their application is pending. Traveling outside of the United States without proper immigration documents can cause a considerable amount of issues when:
- Your green card application is pending
- Your adjustment of status application hasn’t been approved yet
- Your passport was expedited while you were abroad
- You remain outside ot the U.S. for an extended period of time
- You leave without advanced parole authorization
Is a Green Card Necessary to Travel Abroad?
If you are currently awaiting approval for a green card, you may have inquiries about your travel rights outside of the U.S. during this period. It’s essential to understand the limitations and regulations governing travel to avoid possible complications regarding your application.
A green card is a document that proves your permanent residency in the United States. It demonstrates that you can legally live and work in the country. Additionally, it shows your legal status according to immigration laws.
That said, a green card is not necessary to travel abroad.
If you applied for a green card and were approved but haven’t received your document yet, traveling internationally is only possible if you are already a permanent resident.
Upon arrival at a port of entry, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers will stamp your passport with a “Temporary Proof of Legal Residence” stamp.
This stamp:
- Acts as temporary proof of lawful permanent residence
- Can allow your re-entry into the United States
- Is often used until a physical green card arrives
- Is typically valid for up to one year from the date on which it was stamped
This temporary proof of lawful permanent residence is also called an I-551 stamp or ADIT stamp and is issued by USCIS when a green card has been lost, stolen, or has not yet arrived.
Individuals traveling through Newark, which is a major international travel hub, may encounter additional immigration procedures upon re-entry into the country.
What If My Passport Expires While Abroad?
Before traveling, you should check when your passport is set to expire. This information can be located on the same page as your photo and identifying information.
If your passport has expired or will expire while you are outside the U.S., you must renew it.
Green card holders may:
- Contact the country’s embassy office to renew their passports
- Renew their passport when they visit their home country
- Obtain temporary travel documentation in emergency situations
Renewal of passports online in the U.S. The Department of State’s website is only available to U.S. passport holders, not green card holders.
Why Passport Validity Matters for International Travel
- Many countries require travelers to have a valid passport for at least six months
- Airlines may deny travelers the right to board if their passport’s expired
- Immigration officials may deny re-entry if travel documents have expired
- Passport validity can cause issues with immigration applications and travel plans
What Documents Should You Carry When Traveling Internationally?
Travelers awaiting immigration documentation should keep a number of important documents on their person when traveling internationally.
Recommended Immigration or Travel Documents
- Valid foreign passport
- Emergency contact information
- ADIT or I-551 stamp
- Green card, if received
- Copies of immigration filings
- Travel itinerary and return flight details
Contact an Experienced Essex County Immigration Attorney
If you are awaiting approval for a green card application, please don’t hesitate to contact the Law Offices of Christopher T. Howell, Esq., who can help guide you through every step of this complex legal process.
