Permanent Resident Card Information Guide
A Permanent Resident Card or Green Card discloses information that
provides an individual’s proof of lawful permanent resident status in the United
States. An individual with a Permanent Resident Card has the right to live and work permanently in the United States. Permanent Resident Card
holders have to follow immigration law and be properly registered with the
United States government. Permanent Resident 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 (Permanent Resident Card). A document called a "Reentry Permit"
must be obtained from the USCIS in many cases.
Reentry Permits to Permanent Resident Card Holders: Only Permanent Resident 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 (Permanent Resident Card). Permanent Resident Card holders leaving the
United States for a long period of time without obtaining a reentry permit
may risk losing their Permanent Resident status. There are different requirements that all
permanent residents should be aware of when traveling abroad with a Permanent Resident Card.
The Permanent Resident Card Information Guide contains detailed information on how long a
Permanent Resident Card holder can stay outside the United States without losing the
residence status, and information on how to apply for a reentry permit in case of extended
time outside the country.
An individual may depart the U.S. as long as the reentry 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 Permanent Resident Card holders planning on applying for U.S.
citizenship: Before a Permanent Resident 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.
Permanent Resident 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 Permanent Resident Card
Information Guide.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION - PLEASE READ
BEFORE PROCEEDING
- The Permanent Resident Card Information Guide DOES NOT INCLUDE
Permanent Resident Card APPLICATIONS
- The Permanent Resident Card Information Guide contains information for current Permanent Resident 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 Permanent Resident Card holder stay outside the country
without losing his or her
Permanent Resident 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 Permanent Resident Card. There are several ways to apply for a Permanent Resident Card,
including:
- Green Card through Marriage
- Green Card through Relatives
- Green Card Resident Card through Employment
- Green Card Resident Card through Investment
- Green Card Resident Card Lottery
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For more information about traveling abroad with a Permanent Resident Card, it is recommended
to download the Permanent Resident Card Information Guide.The Permanent Resident Card Information Guide contains:
- Information about traveling with a Conditional Permanent Resident Card
- Information about traveling with a Permanent Resident Card
- Detailed information about reentry permits for Permanent Resident 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
 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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