Green Card Information Guide

A Green Card or Permanent Resident Card serves as proof of an individual’s 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. In order to remain in compliance with federal regulations, 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). In most cases, a document called a "Reentry Permit" must be obtained from the USCIS prior to travel.

Reentry Permits for 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 their Green Card privileges, and information on how to apply for a reentry permit in case of extended time outside of 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. Therefore, 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

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 to 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
  * All immigration forms are provided to you free of charge with the purchase of this application guide.
  

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