Receiving your green card is a momentous occasion, granting you the right to permanently live and work in the United States. It offers protection from deportation, the ability to sponsor family members, eligibility for federal and educational benefits, and a pathway to U.S. citizenship. You also gain the freedom to travel within and outside the U.S. without visa restrictions. However, questions often arise about international travel to your home country as a green card holder. Continue reading to learn more about this topic and how a knowledgeable Middlesex County, New Jersey Green Card Lawyer can assist you.
Can I Travel to My Home Country as a Green Card Holder?
Yes, you can visit your home country after receiving a green card. This is one of the various benefits of being a permanent resident of the U.S. However, you need to be mindful of the duration of your absence, as extended trips may be deemed as the abandonment of your permanent residency. Essentially, the trip must be temporary. You are prohibited from remaining outside of the U.S. for one year.
If your trip will last less than six months, you typically won’t have any issues. However, trips exceeding this timeframe can result in increased questioning upon re-entry by the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer. Additionally, you may need to prove that you still have strong ties to the U.S. If you cannot prove that you intend to continue living permanently in the country, they may revoke your status as a permanent resident.
How Do You Apply for a Re-Entry Permit?
If you plan on traveling for more than a year, you must obtain a Re-Entry Permit (Form I-131) before you leave the country to avoid abandoning your status. It is important to clarify that this document does not guarantee successful admission into the U.S.; rather, it serves solely as evidence of your intention to reside permanently in the U.S.
To apply, you will need to complete Form I-131, Application for Travel Document, while you are physically present in the country. To initiate this process, it is necessary to submit the form along with the required supporting documents, which include your green card, passport, and the applicable fee to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Following the submission of the petition, you will be scheduled for a biometrics appointment. Subsequently, USCIS will process and approve the application. You may choose to have the permit mailed to your U.S. address or opt to collect it at a U.S. embassy or consulate situated abroad.
For more information, please don’t hesitate to contact an attorney at the Law Offices of Aditya Surti, LLC.