Green Card Information Guide
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A Green Card or Permanent Resident Card discloses information that
provides an individual’s proof of lawful permanent resident status in the United
States. An individual with a Green Card has the right to live and work permanently in the United States. Green Card
holders have to follow immigration law and be properly registered with the
United States government. Green Card holders are entitled to depart the United
States on vacation or for work purposes. However, there are limitations on how long
an immigrant can stay outside the United States without losing his or her
permanent resident status (Green Card). A document called a "Reentry Permit"
must be obtained from the USCIS in many cases.
Reentry Permits to Green Card Holders: Only Green Card holders may obtain a reentry permit when visiting
foreign countries. United States citizens and foreign nationals on nonimmigrant
visas don't need to obtain a "Reentry Permit".
The purpose of applying for and obtaining a reentry permit is to preserve an
alien's permanent resident status (Green Card). Green Card holders leaving the
United States for a long period of time and without obtaining a reentry permit
may risk losing their Green Cards. There are different requirements that all
permanent residents should be aware of when traveling abroad with a Green Card.
The Green Card Information Guide contains detailed information on how long a
Green Card holder can stay outside the United States without losing the Green
Card, and information on how to apply for a reentry permit in case of extended
time outside the country.
Individuals leaving the United States for over a certain amount of time are
required to apply for and obtain a special travel document known as a reentry
permit. However, an individual may depart the U.S. as long as the application is
submitted in the United States. The problem with applying in advance of your
travel and leaving the country before the permit is approved is that the
application document may be denied, hence creating a problem upon returning to
the country. It may be possible to obtain a returning resident visa, but this is
not guaranteed.
Important Notice for Green Card holders planning on applying for U.S.
citizenship: Before a Green Card holder can apply for U.S. citizenship
through the naturalization process, he or she needs to fulfill a residency
requirement. The time spent abroad does not count towards this requirement.
Green Card holders staying abroad for lengthy periods may disrupt their
residency, since the time spent abroad does not count towards the residency
requirement for naturalization. However, it is possible to submit an
"Application to Preserve Residence for Naturalization Purposes". Detailed
information and application procedures can be found in the Green Card
Information Guide.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION - PLEASE READ
BEFORE PROCEEDING
- The Green Card Information Guide DOES NOT INCLUDE
GREEN CARD APPLICATIONS
- The Green Card Information Guide contains information for current Green Card
holders and individuals who would like to know more about the benefits
and obligations of being a United States permanent resident
- The information guide includes answers to some of the most frequently asked
questions, including:
- How long can a Green Card holder stay outside the country
without losing his or her Green Card?
- How to apply for a reentry permit
- How to preserve your residency for naturalization purposes
- If you are not a United States permanent resident yet, we recommend
you first apply for a Green Card. There are several ways to apply for a Green Card,
including:
- Green Card through Marriage
- Green Card through Relatives
- Green Card through Employment
- Green Card through Investment
- Green Card Lottery
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For more information about traveling abroad with a Green Card, it is recommended
to download the Green Card Information Guide.The Green Card Information Guide contains:
- Information about traveling with a Conditional Green Card
- Information about traveling with a Permanent Green Card
- Detailed information about reentry permits for Green Card holders spending
extended periods of time outside the United States
- How to apply for a reentry permit while still in the United States
- How to apply for a reentry permit abroad
- How to preserve your residency for naturalization purposes
- How submit the "Application to Preserve Residence for Naturalization Purposes"
- Information about commuter status for individuals living in Canada or Mexico but working in the U.S.
- Frequently asked questions and answers
- List of all USCIS (formerly INS) offices nationwide
- List of United States embassies and consulates
- FREE Application forms
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Green Card and Dual Citizenship Package
The Green Card and Dual Citizenship Package includes the following 2 products:
- Green Card Information Guide [the
product on this page]
- Dual Citizenship Information Guide [important
information about holding two or more citizenships]
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Regular Price: $99.90 [if downloaded separately]
Package Price: $79.90
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Save $20: Download the Green Card
Information Guide and Dual Citizenship Guide
together. |
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SPECIAL OFFER: SAVE $20 |
Green Card Renewal Information Package
The Green Card Renewal Information Package includes the following 2 products:
- Green Card Information Guide [the product on this page]
- Green Card Renewal Application
[information about how to renew/replace the Permanent
Resident Card]
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Regular Price: $99.90 [if downloaded separately]
Package Price: $79.90
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Save $20: Download the Green Card Renewal Application and Green Card Guide
together. |
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 Click here for a complete list of U.S. Immigration Guides and Packages available for download.
U.S. IMMIGRATION SUPPORT IS NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services), FORMELY INS (Immigration and Naturalization Services) OR ANY UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT AGENCY. U.S. Immigration Support is a publisher of legal books and immigration guides. The products and services provided by U.S. Immigration Support should be used for information purposes only, not as legal advice. U.S. Immigration Support strives to provide the most current and accurate information available. However, our immigration products are not substitute for legal advice from a certified immigration attorney. The product in this page is an information book or self-help U.S. immigration guide, it is not the actual application for a United States Visa, Green Card (Permanent Residence), Citizenship, Passport or any other government issued document or immigration benefit. This product will be downloaded from our servers or shipped by regular mail. The purchase price of this information or immigration guide does not include filing fees that may be charged by the USCIS (INS), Department of State, United States Embassy or Consulate. By purchasing any of our products you agree that: IN NO EVENT SHALL U.S. IMMIGRATION SUPPORT, ITS PARENT COMPANY, EMPLOYEES OR AGENT BE LIABLE FOR ANY PROBLEMS OR LEGAL ISSUES CAUSED BY THE USE OF OUR PRODUCTS OR INFORMATION IN OUR WEBSITE. No attorney-client relationship will be created through your use of this website (www.usimmigrationsupport.org) or any product provided by U.S. Immigration Support.
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