us green card travel rules

Can Green Card Holders Travel Outside the U.S.?

• By Immigration Direct
• June 2, 2022
• Immigration Articles

Table of Contents

As a green card holder, leaving the U.S. to travel abroad is a huge perk of being a permanent resident. However, unforeseen circumstances could arise, leaving you to travel outside the U.S. for extended periods of time or even leave you stuck outside the U.S., unable to return back for countless reasons.

This begs the question of how long can a green card holder stay outside the U.S. Unfortunately, there isn’t a simple answer to this question. Luckily, this article will focus on everything a green card holder needs to know, before traveling outside of the U.S.

Determining Your Eligibility

The good news is that if you are a permanent resident by way of a green card, you are allowed to travel outside of the U.S. at any given time. Ultimately, a green card is just another document to help prove a legal residence in the U.S. and will also allow you to leave and re-enter the country easily, similar to any other U.S. resident.

Mistakes on your USCIS application forms can lead to rejection, denial, or delay in processing your application. Prepare your application safely and securely using Immigration Direct’s online immigration software to eliminate costly mistakes. Our software provides you with easy-to-understand instructions to prepare and also access to other services to file your application correctly. Get Started Now .

There are a few travel documents required for green card holders to fill out before a trip, which will be explained more in the sections below.

Steps to Be Followed Before Traveling

If you are traveling outside the U.S. briefly, your permanent resident status will not be affected. As a permanent resident, travel restrictions aren’t as strict. However, it’s important to note that as a green card holder, you can leave the country as many times as you wish, but are not allowed to stay abroad for more than a year.

If you do intend to stay outside the U.S. for longer periods of time, it’s mandatory for you to apply for a re-entry permit prior to your trip. To get reentry permit to the U.S., file I-131 Form, Application for Travel Document . In some cases, upon re-entry following many months abroad, it can be determined that you have abandoned your permanent residence or did not intend on making the U.S. your permanent home, leaving customs to revoke your green card.

How Long Can a Green Card Holder Stay Outside the U.S.?

A green card enables you to work legally in the country, live in the country as a permanent resident, and travel outside of the country, similar to any other U.S. citizen. However, if a green card holder stays outside of the country for any amount of time longer than one year, they will lose their green card.

This is likely the case in almost all scenarios. But as extenuating circumstances arise, new questions are brought to light. For example, can green card holders travel back to the U.S. during COVID if they have been abroad for over a year?

Unfortunately, there are no new rules outlined for situations such as this, and at the current time, there is no clause that will automatically allow re-entry if you are stuck abroad due to covid. However, the requirements for re-entering the U.S. after an extended time abroad are sometimes flexible.

Staying Outside of the U.S. for Too Long

When it comes to green card travel, it’s allowed, but regulations are apparent. Below, we will go over the requirements and documents needed to travel without any re-entry setbacks.

Requirements for Re-Entry

Upon re-entry into the country after time abroad, it is solely up to the customs officers if you are allowed back in or not. When re-entering the country, you will present all green card holder travel documents for a customs inspection.

Likely, you will be asked questions about your travels, and your life in the U.S. Ultimately, your ties to the U.S. will be tested. If you are someone who holds a job in the country, owns land and property, or has local bank accounts, you are viewed as someone who has strong ties, which will make your re-entry back into the country easy.

Note: If you hold an expired old reentry permit you need to apply for the new one. The reentry permit cannot be extended. If your reentry permit was lost, destroyed or stolen, intimate this information on your application while applying for new permit.

If the customs officer doesn’t believe that you are living in the country or that you don’t have strong enough ties, they may:

• Take your green card away. If this is the case, you will need to appear in an immigration court. From there, you must present your evidence and all ties you have to the U.S., in order to prove that you did not abandon your permanent residence while spending extended time aboard.
• Ask you to forfeit your green card. In this situation, the customs officer will urge you to give up your green card, and return back to your home country.
• Give you a serious warning for future travel, but allow re-entry. In some cases, the customs officer will allow your re-entry but make sure to emphasize the importance of remaining in the U.S. more frequently and limiting future travel.

180-Day Portability Rule

As stated above, there are certain documents that are required for green card holders to show to customs upon re-entry. But, you may be asking, what is considered a travel document for a green card holder?

Simply put, the documents that are typically required for green card holders to present while coming back into the U.S. include:

• A re-entry permit
• Your passport
• A green card

Additionally, proving that you have strong ties to the U.S. will include showing bank account information, property ownership, and proof of a legal job. If in the case there is a recent career change, the 180-day portability rule will apply.

This rule states that if an individual has already submitted an application to adjust their residency status under one job, they are able to change careers within the same field, and not have to worry about losing their green card. Additionally, showing all necessary documentation that the 180-day portability rule mandates will ensure smooth re-entry into the U.S.

Do You Have to Return to the U.S. Every Six Months of Travel?

The short answer to this question is no. However, if you are traveling outside of the U.S. for extended periods of time, you must obtain the proper documentation for re-entry.

Only traveling outside the country for periods of time under six months will help your permanent residence status and reduce questioning at customs when re-entering. Additionally, it’s important to know your exact dates of travel.

If you’re wondering how to get travel history as a green card holder, you can access all the information needed online. All you need to provide will be:

• Your full name
• Your passport number
• Your birth date
• Your original country of citizenship

The Procedure to Return to the U.S. After Traveling Abroad

Even though, as a legal green card holder, you have the right to travel abroad freely, it does not mean that re-entry is automatically granted. Prior to traveling outside of the U.S. on a green card, there are the necessary travel documents to fill out in order to re-enter the U.S.

Valid Entry Documents

Here are the necessary documents for a green card holder to travel outside the U.S. and re-enter with ease.

• Your passport from your native country: Even though you are a permanent resident of the U.S., you will need to hand in your original passport to customs in order to re-enter.
• Your valid green card: You will be expected to show your valid, and unexpired green card to customs upon re-entry. In the case where you haven’t received your physical green card yet, you are allowed to present an I-551 stamp in your passport to customs in its place.
• A re-entry permit : This permit is only required for extended trips abroad. Generally, you will need to apply and prepare this pre-travel for all trips that are longer than a year.

Applying for a Re-entry Permit

Listed above are required documents to obtain if planning to travel outside the U.S. for extended periods of time. Even if you aren’t outside of the U.S. for as long as a year, you can still be denied entry if you don’t apply for a re-entry permit.

The question of how many months a green card holder can stay abroad varies, but in general, travel greater than a year and one day is grounds to have permanent residency taken away.

What to Do if Your Green Card Expires While Traveling

Holding an expired green card while traveling outside of the country will cause issues, and sometimes, even delay re-entry while arriving at customs. Additionally, re-entering with an expired green card might lead to significant fines and various immigration problems.

In order to re-enter the U.S. with an expired green card, there are a few ways to acquire proof of permanent residence without your physical green card:

• Completing and filing Form I-90 : This form is known commonly as a simple application to replace a permanent resident card, and costs around $540. This is made payable to the USCIS and will be approved or denied depending on the case within two to four weeks.
• A receipt of acceptance from your I-90 form: If your form gets approved, you will receive a receipt in the mail. From here, you will need to schedule an appointment with the USCIS at your earliest convenience.
• Attending an appointment with USCIS: You will need to appear at your local USCIS office. Be sure to bring with your most recent green card, any required forms, and the evidence of urgent need. Some approved urgent need documents include airline tickets, doctors’ letters, or death certificates.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I Travel While Waiting for My Green Card Renewal?

Simply put, yes, you can travel while waiting for your green card renewal. The USCIS can give you temporary proof of status, which is a sticker placed in your passport that will extend your green card’s validity for as long as a year. This sticker will ensure swift entry back into the U.S.

2. What Happens if a Green Card Holder Stays Out of the Country for More Than One Year?

Living abroad, or traveling outside of the U.S. for more than a year, may result in the loss of your green card. Of course, each case will be different, but the longer you are outside of the U.S., the harder it will be to re-enter.

Currently, with the pandemic onsetting many travel issues for those abroad, re-entry to the U.S. due to COVID has been weighing on people’s minds. Even though there hasn’t been any new announcements regarding extended travel outside the U.S. on a green card due to COVID, an SB-1 Returning Resident Visa can sometimes be applied for to make re-entry a bit smoother.

When it comes to common questions like, “Can I travel while waiting for my green card renewal?” or, “What is traveling with a green card like?” speaking with a skilled immigration lawyer can be of great help.

With temporary green card travel restrictions and the global pandemic making things difficult for those traveling abroad, there are always updates and new regulations to abide by. Luckily, our team can provide you with the support you need and any paperwork that is required. Contact us today for more information.

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• Fact Sheets

Frequently Asked Questions: Guidance for Travelers to Enter the U.S.

Updated Date: April 21, 2022

Since January 22, 2022, DHS has required non-U.S. individuals seeking to enter the United States via land ports of entry and ferry terminals at the U.S.-Mexico and U.S.-Canada borders to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 and provide proof of vaccination upon request.  On April 21, 2022, DHS announced that it would extend these requirements. In determining whether and when to rescind this order, DHS anticipates that it will take account of whether the vaccination requirement for non-U.S. air travelers remains in place.

These requirements apply to non-U.S. individuals who are traveling for essential or non-essential reasons. They do not apply to U.S. citizens, Lawful Permanent Residents, or U.S. nationals.

Effective November 8, 2021, new air travel requirements applied to many noncitizens who are visiting the United States temporarily. These travelers are also required to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination. All air travelers, including U.S. persons, must test negative for COVID-19 prior to departure. Limited exceptions apply. See  CDC guidance  for more details regarding air travel requirements.

Below is more information about what to know before you go, and answers to Frequently Asked Questions about cross-border travel.

Entering the U.S. Through a Land Port of Entry or Ferry Terminal

Q. what are the requirements for travelers entering the united states through land poes.

A:  Before embarking on a trip to the United States, non-U.S. travelers should be prepared for the following:

• Possess proof of an approved COVID-19 vaccination as outlined on the  CDC  website.
• During border inspection, verbally attest to their COVID-19 vaccination status. 
• Bring a  Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative  compliant border crossing document, such as a valid passport (and visa if required), Trusted Traveler Program card, a Department of State-issued Border Crossing Card, Enhanced Driver’s License or Enhanced Tribal Card when entering the country. Travelers (including U.S. citizens) should be prepared to present the WHTI-compliant document and any other documents requested by the CBP officer.

 Q. What are the requirements to enter the United States for children under the age of 18 who can't be vaccinated?

A:  Children under 18 years of age are excepted from the vaccination requirement at land and ferry POEs.

Q: Which vaccines/combination of vaccines will be accepted?

A:  Per CDC guidelines, all Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved and authorized vaccines, as well as all vaccines that have an Emergency Use Listing (EUL) from the World Health Organization (WHO), will be accepted.

Accepted Vaccines:

• More details are available in CDC guidance  here .
• 2 weeks (14 days) after your dose of an accepted single-dose COVID-19 vaccine;
• 2 weeks (14 days) after your second dose of an accepted 2-dose series;
• 2 weeks (14 days) after you received the full series of an accepted COVID-19 vaccine (not placebo) in a clinical trial;
• 2 weeks (14 days) after you received 2 doses of any “mix-and-match” combination of accepted COVID-19 vaccines administered at least 17 days apart.

Q. Is the United States requiring travelers to have a booster dose to be considered fully vaccinated for border entry purposes?

A:  No. The CDC guidance for “full vaccination” can be found here.

Q: Do U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents need proof of vaccination to return to the United States via land POEs and ferry terminals?

A:  No. Vaccination requirements do not apply to U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, or Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs). Travelers that exhibit signs or symptoms of illness will be referred to CDC for additional medical evaluation.

Q: Is pre- or at-arrival COVID testing required to enter the United States via land POEs or ferry terminals?

A: No, there is no COVID testing requirement to enter the United States via land POE or ferry terminals. In this respect, the requirement for entering by a land POE or ferry terminal differs from arrival via air, where there is a requirement to have a negative test result before departure.

Processing Changes Announced on January 22, 2022 

Q: new changes were recently announced. what changed on january 22.

A:  Since January 22, 2022, non-citizens who are not U.S. nationals or Lawful Permanent Residents have been required to be vaccinated against COVID-19 to enter the United States at land ports of entry and ferry terminals, whether for essential or nonessential purposes. Previously, DHS required that non-U.S. persons be vaccinated against COVID-19 to enter the United States for nonessential purposes.  Effective January 22, all non-U.S. individuals, to include essential travelers, must be prepared to attest to vaccination status and present proof of vaccination to a CBP officer upon request. DHS announced an extension of this policy on April 21, 2022.

Q: Who is affected by the changes announced on January 22?

A: This requirement does not apply to U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, or U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents. It applies to other noncitizens, such as a citizen of Mexico, Canada, or any other country seeking to enter the United States through a land port of entry or ferry terminal.

Q: Do U.S. citizens need proof of vaccination to return to the United States via land port of entry or ferry terminals?

A: Vaccination requirements do not apply to U.S. Citizens, U.S. nationals or U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents. Travelers that exhibit signs or symptoms of illness will be referred to CDC for additional medical evaluation. 

Q: What is essential travel?

A:  Under the prior policy, there was an exception from temporary travel restrictions for “essential travel.” Essential travel included travel to attend educational institutions, travel to work in the United States, travel for emergency response and public health purposes, and travel for lawful cross-border trade (e.g., commercial truckers). Under current policy, there is no exception for essential travel.

Q: Will there be any exemptions? 

A: While most non-U.S. individuals seeking to enter the United States will need to be vaccinated, there is a narrow list of exemptions consistent with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Order in the air travel context.

• Certain categories of individuals on diplomatic or official foreign government travel as specified in the CDC Order
• Children under 18 years of age;
• Certain participants in certain COVID-19 vaccine trials as specified in the CDC Order;   
• Individuals with medical contraindications to receiving a COVID-19 vaccine as specified in the CDC Order;
• Individuals issued a humanitarian or emergency exception by the Secretary of Homeland Security;
• Individuals with valid nonimmigrant visas (excluding B-1 [business] or B-2 [tourism] visas) who are citizens of a country with limited COVID-19 vaccine availability, as specified in the CDC Order
• Members of the U.S. Armed Forces or their spouses or children (under 18 years of age) as specified in the CDC Order; and
• Individuals whose entry would be in the U.S. national interest, as determined by the Secretary of Homeland Security.

Q: What documentation will be required to show vaccination status?

A:  Non-U.S. individuals are required to be prepared to attest to vaccination status and present proof of vaccination to a CBP officer upon request regardless of the purpose of travel.

The current documentation requirement remains the same and is available on the CDC website . Documentation requirements for entry at land ports of entry and ferry terminals mirror those for entry by air.

Q: What happens if someone doesn’t have proof of vaccine status?

A: If non-U.S. individuals cannot present proof of vaccination upon request, they will not be admitted into the United States and will either be subject to removal or be allowed to withdraw their application for entry.

Q: Will incoming travelers be required to present COVID-19 test results?

A: There is no COVID-19 testing requirement for travelers at land border ports of entry, including ferry terminals.

Q: What does this mean for those who can't be vaccinated, either due to age or other health considerations? 

A: See CDC guidance for additional information on this topic. Note that the vaccine requirement does not apply to children under 18 years of age.

Q: Does this requirement apply to amateur and professional athletes?

A: Yes, unless they qualify for one of the narrow CDC exemptions.

Q: Are commercial truckers required to be vaccinated?

A: Yes, unless they qualify for one of the narrow CDC exemptions. These requirements also apply to bus drivers as well as rail and ferry operators.

Q. Do you expect border wait times to increase?

A:  As travelers navigate these new travel requirements, wait times may increase. Travelers should account for the possibility of longer than normal wait times and lines at U.S. land border crossings when planning their trip and are kindly encouraged to exercise patience.

To help reduce wait times and long lines, travelers can take advantage of innovative technology, such as facial biometrics and the CBP OneTM mobile application, which serves as a single portal for individuals to access CBP mobile applications and services.

Q: How is Customs and Border Protection staffing the ports of entry? 

A: CBP’s current staffing levels at ports of entry throughout the United States are commensurate with pre-pandemic levels. CBP has continued to hire and train new employees throughout the pandemic. CBP expects some travelers to be non-compliant with the proof of vaccination requirements, which may at times lead to an increase in border wait times. Although trade and travel facilitation remain a priority, we cannot compromise national security, which is our primary mission. CBP Office of Field Operations will continue to dedicate its finite resources to the processing of arriving traffic with emphasis on trade facilitation to ensure economic recovery.

Q: What happens if a vaccinated individual is traveling with an unvaccinated individual?  

A:  The unvaccinated individual (if 18 or over) would not be eligible for admission.

Q: If I am traveling for an essential reason but am not vaccinated can I still enter?

A:  No, if you are a non-U.S. individual. The policy announced on January 22, 2022 applies to both essential and non-essential travel by non-U.S. individual travelers. Since January 22, DHS has required that all inbound non-U.S. individuals crossing U.S. land or ferry POEs – whether for essential or non-essential reasons – be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 and provide related proof of vaccination upon request.

Q: Are sea crew members on vessels required to have a COVID vaccine to disembark?

A:  Sea crew members traveling pursuant to a C-1 or D nonimmigrant visa are not excepted from COVID-19 vaccine requirements at the land border. This is a difference from the international air transportation context.

Entering the U.S. via Air Travel

Q: what are the covid vaccination requirements for air passengers to the united states  .

A:  According to CDC requirements [www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/noncitizens-US-air-travel.html | Link no longer valid], most noncitizens who are visiting the United States temporarily must be fully vaccinated prior to boarding a flight to the United States. These travelers are required to show proof of vaccination. A list of covered individuals is available on the CDC website.  

Q: What are the COVID testing requirements for air passengers to the United States?  

A:  Effective Sunday, June 12 at 12:01 a.m. ET, CDC will no longer require pre-departure COVID-19 testing for U.S.-bound air travelers.

• Border Security
• Transportation Security
• Airport Security
• Coronavirus (COVID-19)
• Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
• Transportation Security Administration (TSA)

How to Travel with a Green Card

A green card comes with several distinct benefits and rights as you settle into the United States as your long-term home. After all, your permanent legal resident status allows you to live and work in the US, not to mention enjoy full protection under the laws of the nation.

But while these benefits are clear, something that remains unclear to many is whether or not you can travel with a green card and if so, what kinds of green card rules and limitations apply to travel. And if you’ve been wondering the same thing, you’ve landed on the right article.

At SimpleCitizen, our mission is to simplify every aspect of the green card process, including how to use your green card once you have it. In this article, we’ll discuss traveling outside the US with a green card, the documentation you will need, and how traveling abroad will affect your chances at naturalization. Let’s get started!

Can I Travel With a Green Card?

Of course you can! However, traveling with a green card requires certain documents and steps you must take to ensure you can return once your travels are complete.

There are two primary documents you will need to travel abroad:

1. Your Green Card and;

2. A passport from your country of citizenship or your refugee travel document permitting travel to the foreign country. Sometimes, countries require visas and as such, you must have this in hand as well for entry/exit purposes.

When you’re ready to return to the United States, you only need to present your valid green card, Form I-551, at the port of entry. Sometimes, officials will request to see your passport or other identifying documentation to grant you reentry into the country.

3. With COVID-19 still in full swing certain countries may have travel restrictions and COVID-19 vaccination requirements or require a negative COVID-19 test result. Be sure that you check the travel rules as you plan your trips to ensure you don’t run into any issues getting in or out of the country. 

What Steps Do I Need to Take Before Traveling?

If you’re planning on traveling abroad for less than one year, there are no additional steps you must take in preparation for your trip. In fact, all you need are the documents mentioned above to ensure you can leave and return to the US.

If you’re planning on traveling for more than one year, there are additional steps you must take before leaving the country. This is because you must demonstrate that you aren’t abandoning your permanent resident status and are planning to return to reside in the United States once again.

For Trips More Than One Year in Length

Should your trip be more than one year, it’s beneficial to file Form I-131 , Application for Travel Document, prior to leaving. This Form allows a permanent resident to apply for a Reentry Permit for admission to the United States after returning from abroad. Doing so eliminates the need for a returning resident visa from a U.S. embassy or consulate and clarifies your intention to return to America after your travels.

Obtaining a Reentry Permit costs $360 plus a biometrics service fee of $85 if you are between the ages of 14 and 79, making the total fee $445. Please note that the Reentry Permit doesn’t guarantee your admittance to the country. While it will help, officials will also consider factors such as:

• Have you maintained family and community ties in the U.S. while abroad?
• Have you filed your U.S. income taxes as a resident?
• Have you maintained a U.S. mailing address?
• Do you have a valid driver’s license in the U.S.?
• Do you own property or run your own business in the U.S.?
• Have you applied for U.S. Citizenship?

Questions like these directly affect your chances of being allowed back into the country after a year abroad. Immigration officials are simply looking to see whether or not you still have the intention of living in the United States permanently.

For Trips More Than Two Years in Length

If you’re planning on remaining outside of the United States for more than two years, a Reentry Permit granted before your departure will no longer be valid when you return (these Permits are only valid for two years). As such, you should apply for a Returning Resident Visa, SB-1, at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

You should apply for this Visa at least three months in advance of your travel (or as soon as possible) to ensure it can be processed in time. To apply for the Visa, you will need:

• A completed Form DS-117, Application to Determine Returning Resident Status;
• Form I-551, Your Permanent Resident Card (green card);
• Your Reentry Permit (if you have obtained one);
• Dates of travel outside the US (airline tickets, passport stamps, etc.);
• Proof of ties to the United States (like those indicated in the section above); and
• Proof that your stay outside of the United States is for reasons beyond your control (medical reasons, employment with a U.S. company, etc.).

Obtaining this Visa will ensure that you can return to the United States after an extended stay abroad. While it is optional, you should consider it a necessity if you’re going to travel for more than two years.

Please note that there are exceptions for Visas and other documentation needs if you’re moving abroad with a spouse for a government job or military involvement.

Does Traveling Affect the Naturalization Process?

If you’re going to be outside of the United States for more than six months, you may affect requirements necessary for naturalization. In fact, there are green card rules for travel abroad. For example, you may not be allowed to travel abroad if you haven’t been physically present in the country for at least 30 months out of the previous five years. This is an example of continuous residency requirements.

Should you not meet requirements like this, you may still be eligible for naturalization. You will need to take additional steps to prove that abandonment wasn’t an abandonment of your resident status to ensure you can remain on the path to citizenship.

If your trip must be more than six months, you may choose to file Form N-470, Application to Preserve Residence for Naturalization Purposes. This is only available to legal permanent residents looking to leave the United States for employment purposes. The Form costs $330 to file. If you’re unable to pay this fee, you may submit Form I-912 with your application for a fee waiver request.

Simplify Your Travel Abroad With SimpleCitizen

The team at SimpleCitizen believes that your experience living in the United States shouldn’t be complicated. Likewise, you should be able to travel abroad while retaining your legal permanent status. For that reason, we hope you find this article helpful with the information you need to travel with peace of mind.

Want to Learn More About Traveling Abroad?

If you’re looking to learn more about international travel with a green card, check out the links below!

USCIS: International Travel as a Permanent Resident

USCIS: Maintaining Permanent Residency

Form I-131, Application for Travel Document

Form N-470, Application to Preserve Residence for Naturalization Purposes

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Green Card Rules Travel is specific and should be followed closely and any investor can apply for a conditional green card which lasts for two years. 8 min read updated on February 01, 2023

Green Card Rules Travel

Green Card Rules Travel are specific and should be followed closely. A foreign investor can apply for a conditional green card . It lasts for two years. Investors that plan to stay in the U.S. must petition the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) three months before the green card expires.

The foreign investor must prove to the USCIS:   

• Their investment in the company was not a way to evade proper U.S. immigration procedure.      
• They have invested the required amount of capital to lift green card restrictions.
• They will be actively involved in the operations of the business.
• The business should be large enough to sustain the employment of 10 United States workers.

Conditional resident status should be taken very seriously by applicants. They should complete the petition by entrepreneur to remove conditions on USCIS Form-I829.

Entrepreneurs risk deportation if they do not fulfill the requirements of the conditional green card before the deadline. The USCIS also reserves the right to hold the restrictions on the green card and refuse permanent residency.

The investor should seek the counsel of immigration lawyer if problems arise. The lawyer can help the investor prove there was good cause or extenuating circumstances surrounding the green card application process.

Removing Conditional Resident Status Based on Marriage

Immigrants are automatically given a conditional green card if they have married a U.S. citizen within two years of receiving US residency or an immigrant visa from the USCIS.

Officials give an immigrant a conditional visa to monitor their relationship. The USCIS wants to ensure the relationship is real. After they grant the visitor a two-year visa they are also required to:

• Return to the consulate for an interview. The department will use the interview to determine if the relationship is real.
• Provide documentation supporting the validity of the marriage. The documentation should show the immigrant, and the citizen got married for the right reasons and not to obtain citizenship.
• Complete the I-751 form at least 90 days before the conditional green card expires.

The immigrant is granted permanent residency if the petition is approved.

If the green cardholder does not file the petition, they will be held in court and possibly deported. They will also lose their conditional visa status.

Again, if the applicant misses the petition deadline they must seek the aid of an immigration lawyer If the lawyer can prove, with good cause, extenuating circumstances delayed the application then the applicant may be able to keep their conditional visa status.

What Happens After You File for Removal of the Conditions

Once an applicant has filed for removal of conditions and it has been approved, they are giving clearance to apply for citizenship. Removal of conditions does not automatically make an immigrant a citizen nor does the USCIS automatically file an application for citizenship. Instead, the green card holder is granted a resident visa.

The USCIS sends the  green card holder a document stating that their petition has been approved and they are now in valid immigrant status. They are also called into the consulate for fingerprinting and an interview. The interview must take place before a final decision is granted.

Travel Tips to Avoid Re-Entry Problems and Permanent Residence Abandonment

Permanent residents are required by law to inform the USCIS if they plan to move. They must complete the AR-11 form within 10 days of the move. Permanent residents must also reapply for their visa every 10 years. The reapplication form is Form I-90.

It takes approximately three months to renew a green card. Permanent residents should apply for renewal within six months of the expiration date.

Permanent residents  are allowed to travel abroad. Foreign travel will not affect their visa unless the USCIS believes they are traveling “too much.” In that case, they will review the person’s visa status and make revoke their visa. Officials believe that any permanent resident that stays outside of the U.S. for more than six months should be monitored. There have been instances where permanent residents where denied re-entry into the states.

At the port of entry, a U.S. Customs and Border Patrol agent will ask the resident for their permanent visa card. The card should be valid and unexpired. The resident must also present other valid forms of documentation such as a passport or US driver’s license. Be advised that re-entry to the United States is left up to the discretion of border patrol. They can deny re-entry based on several factors such as a damaged or expired visa.

As a permanent resident, it is your duty to ensure that your visa is clean, valid, and free from any damage. Sometimes, a permanent resident is allowed to enter the country with an expired visa. This happens when the visa has been expired for less than a year. You will be required to pay a fine and complete the Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card (Form I-90).

These regulations do not apply to members of the armed forces or government. A U.S. government employee or spouse/child of a serviceman is not required to reapply for a visa if they have been stationed abroad. The spouse/child or employee is required to present the green card at the port of entry. They must also be traveling with the service member or en route to meet with them.

There are ways to protect your permanent residency status if you plan to spend an extended amount of time outside the U.S.:

• You should maintain all bank accounts, especially your credit cards.
• Keep in contact with friends and loved ones via phone calls and emails.
• Make sure all U.S. documents such as driver’s licenses and passports are also current.

You may be asked to provide documentation stating that you are, in fact, a resident of the United States and plan on returning to the U.S. to live. Immigration officials can ask for proof, and these records will help to corroborate your case.

Now, if your trip was due to a job assignment, you can ask your employer to sign a written letter stating that they have commissioned you to travel overseas. They must also detail the date and length of your stay. The statement must also clarify your return to the States to work for the employer or an affiliate.

There are also some other rules to keep in mind. It is not a good idea to return to the United States with guests that are not green card holders or citizens. Officials advise against using a resort area as a port of entry, meaning you must enter the country through a designated port of entry.

If you have purchased a round-trip ticket that is no longer valid once you leave the country, do not return to the U.S. using that expired ticket. It is also recommended that you refrain from using a private charter, such as a jet, to re-enter the country after an extended stay.

Permanent residents  that can provide adequate documentation or justification will be granted a re-entry permit by the USCIS.

However, the USCIS reserves the right to deny re-entry if the resident is frequently traveling overseas and applying for a permit. They can assume that the person does not formally or permanently live in the United States.

Understand Continuous Residence

The USCIS looks very closely at a green cardholder’s “continuous residency” when determining to grant a permanent visa. If the green cardholder leaves the U.S. for more than six months, that can raise the eyebrows of USCIS officials.

Permanent residents seeking citizenship must complete the Application of Naturalization (Form N-400). One of the requirements for naturalization is continuous residency for five years. If a person spends over six months in a foreign country, that can affect the approval of their application. To improve their chances of naturalization, permanent residents shouldn’t stay longer than six months in a foreign country.

Abandonment of Permanent Resident Status

Abandonment of permanent residency is a serious matter. Permanent residents that leave the U.S. for more than a year can be accused of forfeiting their permanent resident status.

The criteria for abandoning permanent residency is broad. It can take two years or even a day for officials to determine that a resident has abandoned their residency. If the resident spends more time traveling outside of the U.S. than living here, it can be presumed that they have abandoned their residency. Residents that travel to another country with the intention to live there are also presumed to be abandoning their residency.

Residents who fail to file income tax while outside of the country or claims ‘nonresident’ on their taxes can be subject to forfeiture.

Upon re-entry, it is up to Customs and Border Protection to determine if the resident is, in fact, a lawful resident of the United States. Residents can provide proof by sharing mortgage/lease documents, employment records, or tax documents.

Once Customs and Border Protection has established residency, the permanent resident must complete the re-entry form (Form I-131). The form asks specific questions such as the length and purpose of the trip. Once the form is completed, the resident will have to schedule an appointment for fingerprints with the USCIS.

The permit (Form I-131) does allow the resident to leave the country again, but they must be fingerprinted and processed before their departure. Permanent residents that remain overseas for two years or more will have to apply for a Returning resident visa.

Lost or Stolen Green Card

If a green cardholder loses their green card while they are in the United States, they should go to a nearby police station and file a police report. If the card gets lost overseas, the cardholder should contact the U.S. Embassy or consulate. They will provide a boarding foil that allows the cardholder to travel.

A boarding foil is a transportation letter that grants a permanent resident permission to re-enter the country after traveling for less than a year. The resident is required to replace the lost/stolen green card by completing Form I-90.

If you are a green cardholder that has been denied re-entry by a customs agent or border patrol, you can appeal the decision in a court of law.

Immigration courts are designed to handle immigration and naturalization disputes. The judge will make the final decisions. A permanent resident should contact an immigration attorney if they have been denied access to the country. They can also contact the Green Card Center to obtain more information.

Avoid the Hassles – Apply for U.S. Citizenship

Being a U.S. citizen makes travel easier and can even be less expensive. When you are a U.S. citizen, you will be granted a U.S. passport that allows you to travel to anywhere in the world. You will not have the same travel limits or regulations that green card holders have.

Citizenship allows you to re-enter the country without providing documentation that you are a permanent resident or applying for a re-entry permit.

Documents to Bring When Traveling

It is a good idea to bring your foreign passport even when you become a U.S. citizen. A green card also known as Permanent Resident card (Form I-551) is good for entry into the United States, but it does not work in other countries.

However, permanent residents can travel with an I-551 stamp in their passport. Persons with expired conditional green cards must bring the expired visa and the documents that show they have applied for removal of conditions to the border and customs agents.

Persons  seeking asylum  in the U.S. that have a pending application will need to provide an Advanced Parole Document to travel outside of the country. Persons with specialty visas such as an H-1 or H-4 are not required to have an advanced parole document so long as they have already submitted their application for approval.

Green cardholder’s should always keep these important documents on hand:

• High school diploma
• College degree
• Marriage/birth certificate

If you need help with obtaining a green card, you can  post your legal need  on UpCounsel’s marketplace. UpCounsel accepts only the top 5 percent of lawyers to its site. Lawyers on UpCounsel come from law schools such as Harvard Law and Yale Law and average 14 years of legal experience, including work with or on behalf of companies like Google, Menlo Ventures, and Airbnb.

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International Travel as a US Permanent Resident

What documents do I need to travel outside the United States? In general, you will need to present a passport from your country of citizenship or your refugee travel document to travel to a foreign country. In addition, the foreign country may have additional entry/exit requirements (such as a visa). For information on foreign entry and exit requirements, see the Department of State’s webpage at   www.travel.state.gov . What documents do I need to present to reenter the United States? If seeking to enter the United States after temporary travel abroad, you will need to present a valid, unexpired “green card” (Form I-551, Permanent Resident Card). When arriving at a port of entry, a U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officer will review your permanent resident card and any other identity documents you present, such as a passport, foreign national I.D. card or U.S. Driver’s License, and determine if you can enter the United States. For information pertaining to entry into the United States, see U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s webpage at   www.cbp.gov . Does travel outside the United States affect my permanent resident status? Permanent residents are free to travel outside the United States, and temporary or brief travel usually does not affect your permanent resident status. If it is determined, however, that you did not intend to make the United States your permanent home, you will be found to have abandoned your permanent resident status. A general guide used is whether you have been absent from the United States for more than a year. Abandonment may be found to occur in trips of less than a year where it is believed you did not intend to make the United States your permanent residence. While brief trips abroad generally are not problematic, the officer may consider criteria such as whether your intention was to visit abroad only temporarily, whether you maintained U.S. family and community ties, maintained U.S employment, filed U.S. income taxes as a resident, or otherwise established your intention to return to the United States as your permanent home. Other factors that may be considered include whether you maintained a U.S. mailing address, kept U.S. bank accounts and a valid U.S. driver’s license, own property or run a business in the United States, or any other evidence that supports the temporary nature of your absence. What if my trip abroad will last longer than 1 year? If you plan on being absent from the United States for longer than a year, it is advisable to first apply for a reentry permit on Form I-131. Obtaining a reentry permit prior to leaving the United States allows a permanent or conditional permanent resident to apply for admission into the United States during the permit’s validity without the need to obtain a returning resident visa from a U.S. Embassy or Consulate abroad. Please note that it does not guarantee entry into the United States upon your return as you must first be determined to be admissible; however, it will assist you in establishing your intention to permanently reside in the United States. For more information, see the   USCIS Travel Documents   page. If you remain outside of the United States for more than 2 years, any reentry permit granted before your departure from the United States will have expired. In this case, it is advisable to consider applying for a returning resident visa (SB-1) at the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. An SB-1 applicant will be required to establish eligibility for an immigrant visa and will need a medical exam. There is an exception to this process for the spouse or child of either a member of the U.S. Armed Forces or civilian employee of the U.S. Government stationed abroad on official orders. For more information on obtaining a returning resident visa, see the Department of State’s webpage on returning resident visas at   www.travel.state.gov . Additionally, absences from the United States of six months or more may disrupt the continuous residency required for naturalization. If your absence is one year or longer and you wish to preserve your continuous residency in the United States for naturalization purposes, you may file an Application to Preserve Residence for Naturalization Purposes on Form N-470.

Edited November 16, 2019 by Captain Ewok

NOTE: The above information does not address the specific requirements for any given case and is not a substitute for the advice of an attorney.

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An official website of the United States government

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Travel documents for foreign citizens returning to the U.S.

If you are a citizen of another country and have been living in the U.S., you may need special documents if you leave the U.S. and then return.

Travel documents for permanent and conditional permanent residents

If you are outside the u.s. for less than one year.

If you are a permanent or conditional permanent resident who has been away from the U.S. for less than one year, you will only need to show your Green Card upon re-entry to the U.S.

If you are outside the U.S. for one year or longer

If you are a permanent or conditional permanent resident who has been outside the U.S. for one year or longer, apply for a re-entry permit before you travel. Use Form I-131 - Application for Travel Document .

• For permanent residents, the re-entry permit is valid for two years from the date of issue.
• For conditional permanent residents, the re-entry permit is valid for two years after the date of issue. Or it is valid up until the date you must apply for removal of the conditions on your status , whichever date comes first.

Travel documents for other foreign citizens living in the U.S.

If you are a foreign citizen re-entering the U.S., the documentation you need may depend on your immigration status:

• Advance parole - You may use advance parole to re-enter the U.S. without applying for a visa. It is commonly used for re-entry by people in the process of applying for permanent residence, applying for a status adjustment, or applying for asylum.
• Refugee travel document - You may be able to use this document to re-enter the U.S. if you have refugee or asylum status.

If you need help, contact U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) .

LAST UPDATED: May 22, 2024

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Visa Traveler

Exploring the world one country at a time

48 VISA-FREE Countries for US Green Card Holders [2024 Edition]

Updated: February 3, 2024 8 Comments

A US green card not only lets you reside in the US but also offers you visa-free access to many countries and territories. As of 2024, there are about 48 visa-free countries for US green card holders. 

A US green card is a pathway to a US passport. While you wait for your US passport, your US green card is already making your current passport strong . Not as strong as a US passport but quite strong. You already have visa-free access to 48 additional countries.

Table of Contents

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER Visa requirements change constantly but we make every effort to keep the information accurate and up to date. We provide links to official sources wherever necessary, so you can conduct your own due diligence to verify the visa requirements before planning your trip. We shall not be held liable for any damages incurred as a result of using the information in this article. Refer to our full disclaimer for more information.

Why are there VISA-FREE countries for US green card holders?

US passport (and US citizenship) is considered one of the strongest in the world. A US green card is a pathway to US citizenship. Many countries believe that someone with a US green card will not jeopardize their chances of becoming a US citizen by remaining illegally in another country. 

Working towards acquiring a US green card requires remaining several years in the US or investing enormous amounts of cash or building very strong family ties with the US. It’s silly for someone to let go of years of valuable time and millions of dollars of investments just to stay illegally in another country. Therefore, countries trust US green card holders as genuine travelers and treat them almost like someone with a strong passport. So, these countries offer visa-free access to US green card holders. 

How many countries can you visit with a US green card?

As of 2024, there are 48 countries and territories that you can visit with a US green card. This list of countries for US green card holders includes visa-free, visa on arrival and e-visa countries. Japan is the new addition to the list with the option to apply for e-visa without needing to go to the embassy.

Let’s look at what these countries are in detail.

Where can green card holders travel without a visa?

As of 2024, these are the 48 countries where green card holders can travel without a visa.

• Anguilla (British Territory)
• Antigua and Barbuda
• Bermuda (British Territory)
• Bonaire (Dutch Territory)
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• British Virgin Islands (British Territory)
• Cayman Islands (British Territory)
• Dominican Republic
• El Salvador
• Philippines
• Saudi Arabia
• Sint Maarten
• South Korea
• Turks and Caicos (British Territory)
• United Arab Emirates
• United Kingdom
• US territories

Let’s look into the entry requirements of each of these countries in detail.

RELATED: 53 countries you can visit VISA-FREE with US visa in 2024

North America

• Eligible nationalities: All nationalities
• Entry granted: 180 days
• Entry rule: Entry into Canada is only allowed if you present a valid passport from the country of nationality along with a green card.
• Official source: Government of Canada Immigration and Citizenship

Read more about traveling to Canada with US green card . This article will guide you through the requirements and border procedure when entering Canada with your US green card.

• Entry granted: Varies depending on the itinerary
• Entry rule: Green card must be valid for the entire stay in Mexico
• Official source: National Institute of Migration, Mexico

Read more about traveling to Mexico with a US green card . This article will help you understand the requirements and entry procedures at the airport when traveling to Mexico with your US green card.

03. United States Territories

• Includes the US territories: US Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Northern Mariana Islands, and Guam
• Excludes the US territories: American Samoa (American Samoa has its own immigration rules and does not honor US tourist visa )
• Official source: American Samoa Visitors Bureau   and Department of Legal Affairs  

RELATED: 38 countries you can visit VISA-FREE with Canada visa in 2023

Central America

• Entry granted: 30 days
• Official source: Embassy of Belize in Washington DC, USA

05. Costa Rica

• Entry rule: US green card must be valid for at least 3 months from the day of arrival
• Official source: Embassy of Costa Rica in Washington DC, USA

06. El Salvador

• Burkina Faso
• Central African Republic
• Côte d’Ivoire
• Equatorial Guinea
• Guinea-Bissau
• Papua New Guinea
• Turkmenistan
• Entry granted: 90 days
• If entering by air, a fee of $12 USD will be charged for a tourist card
• If you have already entered Guatemala or Honduras, you can enter El Salvador from Guatemala or Honduras by land without any additional visa requirements as per CA-4 Border Control Agreement
• Official source: IATA Travel Centre

07. Guatemala

• Côte d´Ivoire
• Entry rule: If you have already entered Honduras or El Salvador, you can enter Guatemala from Honduras or El Salvador by land without any additional visa requirements as per CA-4 Border Control Agreement.
• Official source: Consulate of Guatemala in New York, USA

08. Honduras

• Cote d’Ivoire
• South Sudan
• Entry rule: If you have already entered Guatemala or El Salvador, you can enter Honduras from Guatemala or El Salvador by land without any additional visa requirements as per CA-4 Border Control Agreement.

09. Nicaragua

• Afghanistan
• Congo, Dem Rep of
• Congo, Rep of
• Sierra Leone
• Timor-Leste
• Visa is NOT EXEMPT, but are eligible to obtain Visa ON ARRIVAL
• VOA fee is 50 USD, payable in USD, valid for 30 days, single-entry only
• Besides VOA fee, there is 10 USD tourist card fee, 2 USD land border migration fee (for land border only) and 1 USD municipality tax (for land border only) (payable in USD only)
• Green card must be valid for at least 6 months from the day of arrival
• Must show proof of economic solvency for a minimum of 500 USD
• Official source: Embassy of Panama in the USA

RELATED: 40 countries you can travel VISA-FREE with UK visa in 2023

11. Anguilla (British Territory)

• Official source: Anguilla Tourist Board, entry requirements

12. Antigua and Barbuda

• Visa is NOT EXEMPT, but green card holders are eligible to obtain a Visa ON ARRIVAL (VOA)
• VOA fee is $100 USD, valid for 30 days, single-entry only
• Official source: Consulate General of Antigua and Barbuda in NYC, USA
• Official source: Netherlands Worldwide

14. Bahamas

• Official source: Bahamas Ministry of Tourism

15. Bermuda (British Territory)

• Entry rule: Green card must be valid for a minimum of 45 days beyond the date of departure from Bermuda
• Official source: Government of Bermuda

16. Bonaire (Dutch Territory)

17. british virgin islands (british territory).

• Entry rule: Must arrive directly from the US
• Official source: Government of Virgin Islands (British)

18. Cayman Islands (British Territory)

• Entry rule: Must present a return ticket back to the US on arrival
• Official source: Cayman Islands Customs and Border Controls

19. Curaçao

20. dominican republic.

• Entry rule: If arriving by land or sea, must purchase a Tourist Card on arrival for 20 USD. If arriving by air, the tourist card is included in the airfare.
• Official source: Embassy of the Dominican Republic in the US

21. Sint Maarten

22. turks and caicos (british territory).

• Official source: Ministry of Border Control of Turks and Caicos

RELATED: 51 non-Schengen countries you can travel VISA-FREE with Schengen visa in 2023

South America

24. Colombia

• Official source : Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Colombia
• Official source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Peru

RELATED: How to book flight tickets with 24 hour FREE cancellation on Expedia – A step-by-step guide

26. Albania

• Eligible Nationalities: All nationalities
• Official source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Albania

27. Armenia

• Marshall Islands
• Saint Kitts and Nevis
• Saint Lucia
• Solomon Islands
• Trinidad and Tobago
• Entry granted: 21 or 120 days
• Visa is NOT EXEMPT, but green card holders are eligible to obtain Visa ON ARRIVAL
• VOA fee is 3,000 AMD, valid for 21 days, single-entry (OR) 15,000 AMD, valid for 120 days, single-entry
• Official source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia

28. Bosnia and Herzegovina

• Eligible nationalities: All nationalities, except Kosovo
• Official source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina

29. Georgia

• Entry rule: The total duration of consecutive stays must not exceed 90 days in any 180-day period
• Official source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia

30. Moldova

• São Tomé and Príncipe
• South Africa
• Official source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Moldova

31. Montenegro

• Official source: Government of Montenegro
• Official source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Serbia
• Algeria (those aged 15-18 and 35-65)
• North Korea
• Visa is NOT EXEMPT, but green card holders are eligible to apply for Turkey e-Visa online
• E-Visa fee is $43 USD, validity is 180 days, and single-entry only
• Official source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkey

If you hold a US green card and are eligible to apply for a Turkey e-Visa, read this step-by-step guide to  apply for Turkey e-Visa . This step-by-step guide has instructions and screenshots to guide you in filling out the application and downloading your approved e-Visa.

34. United Kingdom

• Entry granted: 24 hours only (Transit Without Visa)
• Visa is NOT EXEMPT, but green card holders are eligible to request a 24-hour entry at London (LHR) or Manchester (MAN) airports
• Must be traveling to or from the US only
• Must arrive and depart by air only
• Must hold the boarding pass for the onward flight
• Onward flight must be within 24 hours (on the same day or the next day before midnight)
• Granting 24-hour entry into the UK with a green card is at the sole discretion of the immigration officer
• Official source: GOV.UK

RELATED: How to turn your weak passport into a strong passport (with examples)

Middle East

35. Bahrain

• Entry granted: 14 days or 30 days
• Visa is NOT EXEMPT, but are eligible to obtain Visa ON ARRIVAL or Bahrain eVisa
• Single-entry VOA fee is 5 BD, valid for 14 days, entry up to 14 days
• Single-entry eVisa fee is 9 BD, valid for 14 days, entry up to 14 days
• Multiple-entry VOA fee is 12 BD, valid for 3 months, entry up to 30 days
• Multiple-entry eVisa fee is 16 BD, valid for 1 month, entry up to 14 days
• For VOA, the green card must be valid for the entire stay in Bahrain
• For eVisa, the green card must be valid for at least 6 months from the day of arrival
• Official source: Bahrain eVisa Portal
• Congo, Dem. Rep. of
• Guinea Bissau
• Visa is NOT EXEMPT, but green card holders are eligible for Jordan e-Visa
• Official source: Jordan E-Visa
• Entry granted: 10 or 30 days
• Visa is NOT EXEMPT, but green card holders are eligible to obtain Oman 26M or 26N Tourist Visa online
• 26M eVIsa fee is 20 OMR, valid for 30 days, single-entry only
• 26N eVIsa fee is 5 OMR, valid for 10 days, single-entry only
• Official source: Sultanate of Oman, Royal Oman Police
• Visa is NOT EXEMPT, but are eligible to apply for A3 Visa online on the Hayya Portal
• A3 Visa fee is QAR 100, valid for 30 days, single-entry only
• Must provide hotel booking for the entire stay reserved through the Discover Qatar website
• Green card must be valid on the day of A3 Visa application
• Official source: Qatar Tourism Board

39. Saudi Arabia

• Visa is NOT EXEMPT, but are eligible to obtain Visa ON ARRIVAL or Saudi Arabia eVisa
• VOA or eVisa fee is 300 SAR, valid for 1 year, multiple-entry (plus service fee and insurance fee)
• Official source: Saudi Arabia Tourism Authority

40. United Arab Emirates

• Eligible Nationalities: India passport holders only
• Entry granted: 14 days
• Visa is NOT EXEMPT, but green card holders are eligible to obtain Visa ON ARRIVAL at UAE airports
• VOA fee is 100 AED, valid for 14 days, single-entry only
• Official source: UAE Government Portal

RELATED: 5 ways to get proof of onward travel for your next trip

41. Morocco

• Visa is NOT EXEMPT, but green card holders are eligible to apply for Morocco e-Visa online
• E-Visa fee is 770 MAD, valid for 180 days, single-entry only
• Green card must be valid for at least 90 days from the day of arrival
• Official source: Morocco E-Visa Portal

• Visa is NOT EXEMPT, but green card holders are eligible to apply for Japan eVisa
• E-Visa fee is JPY 3,000, valid for 90 days, single-entry only
• Must submit proof of residence to prove that you reside in those countries
• Must show the visa issuance confirmation via the eVisa website on your phone at the immigration (Prints and PDFs are not accepted)
• Must enter Japan by flight only
• Official source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan

43. Malaysia (Currently suspended)

• Entry granted: 120 hours (5 days)
• Visa is NOT EXEMPT but green card holders are eligible to obtain Transit Without Visa (TWOA) at the VOA counter
• TWOA is free of charge, valid for 120 hours (5 days), single-entry only
• TWOA is available at Kuala Lumpur Airport (KLIA1 and KLIA2 terminals) only
• Issuing of TWOA is at the discretion of the immigration offices at Kuala Lumpur Airport
• Official source: High Commission of Malaysia in New Delhi, India

44. Philippines

• Green card must be valid for the entire duration of the stay
• Passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of departure
• Official source: Embassy of the Philippines in India

45. Singapore

• Entry granted: 96 hours (4 days)
• Visa is NOT EXEMPT but are eligible to obtain Visa Free Transit Facility (VFTF) upon arrival
• Must be traveling to or from the country of passport. Example: Must be traveling to a third country from India via Singapore or traveling to India from a third country via Singapore. An example itinerary would be India-Singapore-Bali or Bali-Singapore-India.
• Both arriving and departing flights in Singapore must be on the same itinerary
• Green card must be valid for at least 1 month at the time of arrival
• Official source: Singapore Immigration & Checkpoints Authority

46. South Korea

• Eligible nationalities: All nationalities (except these 23 countries – Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Cameron, Cuba, Egypt, Gambia, Ghana, Iran, Iraq, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan, Myanmar, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Palestine, Senegal, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syria, Uzbekistan and Yemen)
• Entry rule: Must be traveling to/from the US through South Korea (OR)
• Official source: South Korea Embassy in Washington DC, USA
• Visa is NOT EXEMPT but are eligible to apply for ROC Travel Authorization Certificate online
• ROC Travel Authorization Certificate is free of charge, valid for 90 days, multiple-entry
• If using an EXPIRED US green card, the green card must have expired in the last 10 years only
• Official source: Bureau of Consular Affairs of Republic of China (Taiwan)

48. Thailand

• Entry granted: 60 days
• Visa is NOT EXEMPT, but are eligible to apply for Thailand e-Visa online
• E-Visa fee is 40 USD, valid for 90 days or 180 days, single or multiple-entry
• Official source: Thailand e-Visa Portal

There are about 48 countries green card holders can travel without visa. US green card holders had to invest enormous amounts of money and time to acquire the green card, which will eventually lead to US citizenship. Therefore, countries believe that US green card holders will not jeopardize their chances of becoming US citizens by remaining illegally in another country. They consider green holders as genuine travelers and provide them with VISA-FREE access.

There you go, guys! Those are the 48 countries you can visit with a green card without a visa. If you know any country that I haven’t listed, let me know in the comments below.

Change history: For those who are interested, here are the changes to this list.

03 Feb 2024

• Added:  El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, British Virgin Islands, Colombia, Moldova, Saudi Arabia

WRITTEN BY THIRUMAL MOTATI

Thirumal Motati is an expert in tourist visa matters. He has been traveling the world on tourist visas for more than a decade. With his expertise, he has obtained several tourist visas, including the most strenuous ones such as the US, UK, Canada, and Schengen, some of which were granted multiple times. He has also set foot inside US consulates on numerous occasions. Mr. Motati has uncovered the secrets to successful visa applications. His guidance has enabled countless individuals to obtain their visas and fulfill their travel dreams. His statements have been mentioned in publications like Yahoo, BBC, The Hindu, and Travel Zoo.

PLAN YOUR TRAVEL WITH VISA TRAVELER

I highly recommend using these websites to plan your trip. I use these websites myself to apply for my visas, book my flights and hotels and purchase my travel insurance.

01. Apply for your visa

Get a verifiable flight itinerary for your visa application from DummyTicket247 . DummyTicket247 is a flight search engine to search and book flight itineraries for visas instantly. These flight itineraries are guaranteed to be valid for 2 weeks and work for all visa applications.

02. Book your fight

Find the cheapest flight tickets using Skyscanner . Skyscanner includes all budget airlines and you are guaranteed to find the cheapest flight to your destination.

03. Book your hotel

Book your hotel from Booking.com . Booking.com has pretty much every hotel, hostel and guesthouse from every destination.

04. Get your onward ticket

If traveling on a one-way ticket, use BestOnwardTicket to get proof of onward ticket for just $12, valid for 48 hours.

05. Purchase your insurance

Purchase travel medical insurance for your trip from SafetyWing . Insurance from SafetyWing covers COVID-19 and also comes with a visa letter which you can use for your visas.

Need more? Check out my travel resources page  for the best websites to plan your trip.

LEGAL DISCLAIMER We are not affiliated with immigration, embassies or governments of any country. The content in this article is for educational and general informational purposes only, and shall not be understood or construed as, visa, immigration or legal advice. Your use of information provided in this article is solely at your own risk and you expressly agree not to rely upon any information contained in this article as a substitute for professional visa or immigration advice. Under no circumstance shall be held liable or responsible for any errors or omissions in this article or for any damage you may suffer in respect to any actions taken or not taken based on any or all of the information in this article. Please refer to our full disclaimer for further information.

AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. Please refer to our full disclosure for further information.

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International travel

Prepare for your trip

International travel doesn’t have to be tricky – just follow these steps to help you prepare for your trip.

We recommend you:

• Check if your destination has travel restrictions and entry requirements
• Come prepared with travel documents and required paperwork
• Arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before your scheduled departure time
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Travel and health restrictions by destination Opens another site in a new window that may not meet accessibility guidelines

Travel often?

If you travel often, skip the paperwork and lines with:

• Global Entry
• TSA PreCheck
• Mobile Passport Control Opens another site in a new window that may not meet accessibility guidelines

Travel documents and requirements

You’re responsible to make sure you have the correct documents to enter and pass through any countries during your trip, and then make your way back home. If you don’t have the required documentation and identification, you will not be allowed to board the plane and would be responsible for any resulting costs.

Keep in mind:

• Everyone traveling, regardless of age, needs their own set of travel documents.
• Always use the information exactly as it appears on your passport (to book and fill out any documents).
• Check with the consulate of every country you’re entering (or passing through) to make sure you meet all travel requirements.
• Some countries require proof of return or onward travel, a visiting address and sufficient funds for your stay.

All children, regardless of age, must have a passport and any travel documents required by the countries visited. If you’re traveling internationally with anyone under 18, you may be required to show documentary evidence of your relationship and a Letter of Consent or permission for the child's travel from the parent(s) or legal guardian not present.

Traveling with children

A passport is required for all international travel. If you're traveling anywhere overseas, you need a passport to board an international flight and to enter the country. Passport cards will not be accepted as form of I.D. for international air travel.

• Some countries require your passport to be issued at least 6 months before the day you arrive. Check your destination’s requirements if you’re unsure.
• Passports must be kept in good condition, free of any damage beyond normal wear and tear, and material alterations. You may be denied boarding if you travel with a passport that appears damaged or altered.

U.S. citizens can use any government-issued form of identification to travel between the U.S., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

More information on U.S. passports Opens another site in a new window that may not meet accessibility guidelines

In addition to a passport, some countries require a visa to enter. If you’re traveling to the U.S. for a stay less than 90 days, the Department of Homeland Security requires eligible travelers to use the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), as part of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). You must submit your application no later than 72 hours before departing for the U.S., but we suggest you apply for authorization when you start planning your trip. You will be denied boarding if you arrive at the airport without an approved ESTA.

An approved ESTA travel authorization is:

• Valid for up to 2 years or your passport expires, whichever comes first
• Valid for multiple entries into the U.S.
• Not a guarantee of admissibility to the U.S., approval only authorizes you to board a carrier for travel to the U.S.

To enter the U.S. under the VWP, each passenger must have a machine-readable passport. If you don’t have a machine-readable zone, a valid visa is required.

Each passenger traveling to the U.S. under the VWP must have a:

• Valid electronic (e-Passport) with this symbol on the passport cover

If you present a non-electronic passport, a valid U.S. visa will be required or you’ll be denied boarding and entry into the U.S.

Apply for the Visa Waiver Program Opens another site in a new window that may not meet accessibility guidelines

Contact tracing for flights to the U.S.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) requires all passengers flying to the United States to provide their contact information within 72 hours of departure. This information may be used by public health officials to follow up with passengers who may have been exposed to a contagious disease during travel.

• Read more information about the CDC contact tracing requirement Opens another site in a new window that may not meet accessibility guidelines.
• Submit your contact tracing information

Additional requirements

Some countries have additional requirements for travel, so we recommend that you check the U.S. Department of State website for the latest information and sign up for their Smart Traveler Enrollment Program.

U.S. Department of State Opens another site in a new window that may not meet accessibility guidelines

Travelers flying to Australia from certain countries, including the U.S., will need to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) for entry.

Apply for Australia ETA Opens another site in a new window that may not meet accessibility guidelines

Brazil has postponed requiring an eVisa for U.S., Canadian and Australian citizens until April 2025.

All visa-exempt foreign travelers who fly to, or transit through Canada now need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). The authorization is electronically linked to the traveler’s passport and is valid for 5 years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first.

U.S. citizens and travelers with a valid Canadian visa are exempt from this eTA requirement.

Learn how to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization Opens another site in a new window that may not meet accessibility guidelines

Under the VWP, Nationals of Chile traveling to the U.S. are required to have an E-passport in addition to a machine-readable passport.

All travelers entering Cuba will need to prepare additional information including a visa and health insurance.

Travel to Cuba

Travelers flying to Curaçao will need to complete a digital embarkation/disembarkation card (ED Card) prior to their trip.

Complete digital ED Card Opens another site in a new window that may not meet accessibility guidelines

If you are a permanent resident of Australia or travelling on a passport from a visa waiver country, you'll need an New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA). Some visitors and transit passengers can travel to New Zealand without a visa if they get an NZeTA before their trip.

Request an NZeTA Opens another site in a new window that may not meet accessibility guidelines

Customers traveling to or from Peru with amounts of cash exceeding $10,000 USD or its equivalent in local or foreign currency are legally responsible for declaring such amount at airport controls to avoid sanctions and up to the confiscation of the undeclared amount, as per Article 4 of Supreme Decree 195-2013-EF.

Additionally, it is prohibited entering or leaving the country with amounts over $30,000 USD or its equivalent in local or foreign currency.

Health and testing requirements

To travel, vaccinations may be required depending on where you’re traveling to and from.

Travel information from the CDC Opens another site in a new window that may not meet accessibility guidelines

• You must declare all personal medication on your arrival card.
• You must carry medical documentation to defend use of the medication.
• If you need to use syringe during your flight, you will also need a doctor's letter proving there's a medical reason to use it onboard.
• If you don't have proper documentation the medications may be confiscated.

When traveling to Nicaragua, a Yellow Fever shot will be required if you departed from or connected through any of these countries in the last 30 days:

• French Guiana
• Any country in Africa

Chemical sprays on international flights

Flights to and from certain countries require insecticide treatment (a process known as disinsection) inside the cabin for insect and disease control. The U.S. Department of Transportation provides full information about the spray and the countries required to use it.

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Your checked and carry-on bags may be sprayed or misted with a solution upon arrival due to local health protocols for virus and disease control. This action is performed by local authorities and not American Airlines.

Tax exemptions

You may be entitled to a refund of some taxes included in the price of your ticket if you meet the applicable criteria for exemptions and your itinerary involves:

• Travel between the U.S. and Mexico (including travel between Canada and Mexico via the U.S.)
• International travel departing Belize, Colombia or Trinidad and Tobago
• International travel arriving into Colombia

U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Learn about regulations and procedures that apply to all travelers that enter or depart the United States.

Travel tips Opens another site in a new window that may not meet accessibility guidelines

To enhance border security, passenger information will be passed through the Advanced Passenger Information (API) system and sent to U.S. Customs and Border Protection to review passenger information before the flight arrives.

• All international flights arriving and departing the U.S. are required by law to provide API data.
• API data for American Airlines/American Eagle flights is also transmitted to Customs and Immigration agencies in other countries where required by law.
• The information sharing is mandatory as part of the U.S. Aviation and Transportation Security Act.

All visitors to the U.S., except nationals of Canada, will have their photograph and fingerprints taken, and will automatically be registered under the Visit the U.S. program when they pass through Customs and Border Protection.

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Secure Flight Passenger Data is basic personal information the TSA requires for you to travel. The information is collected during booking or ticketing.

TSA Secure Flight

Flying on one of our partners?

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First-Time Traveling with a Green Card? Here’s What You Need to

Introduction, applying for a green card, the process of getting a green card, what to expect after getting a green card, traveling on a green card, tips for traveling with a green card, renewing your green card, frequently asked questions about traveling with a green card.

First-time traveling with a Green Card? Here’s what you need to know about the process and what documents you need to bring with you.

Checkout this video:

Watch this video on YouTube

As a legal permanent resident of the United States, you have many rights and responsibilities. One of the most important things you can do is travel. If you plan on traveling outside of the country there are a few things you need to know in order to re-enter the United States.

First, you will need to have your green card with you when you travel. Without it, you may not be able to re-enter the country. Additionally, it is a good idea to carry other forms of identification with you, such as a passport from your home country.

Second, you will need to make sure that your green card is still valid. If it has expired, you will need to renew it before traveling. You can do this by going to your local USCIS office or by mail.

Third, if you are traveling for more than six months, you will need to get a reentry permit. This permit allows you to stay outside of the United States for up to two years without losing your status as a permanent resident. Without a reentry permit, any time spent outside of the country could jeopardize your ability to return.

Finally, it is important to keep in mind that while your green card gives you many rights in the United States, it does not make you a U.S. citizen. If you want to become a U.S. citizen, you will need to go through the naturalization process.

Applying for a Green Card can be a complicated and time-consuming process. If you’re a first-time applicant, there are a few things you need to know before you begin.

The first thing you’ll need to do is fill out an application form. You can find the form online or at your local post office. Once you’ve completed the form, you’ll need to submit it to the USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services) with the appropriate fee.

Once your application has been received, you’ll be scheduled for an interview with a USCIS officer. During the interview, you’ll be asked questions about your background and why you want to immigrate to the United States. Be prepared to answer these questions truthfully and completely – remember, this is your chance to make a good impression!

After your interview, the USCIS will make a decision on your application. If everything goes well, you should receive your Green Card in the mail within a few weeks. Congratulations – you’re on your way to becoming a permanent resident of the United States!

The process of getting a Green Card can be long and arduous, but it is worth it in the end. There are a few steps that you need to take in order to get your Green Card, and the first one is to apply for a visa. You can do this by going to your local consulate or embassy, and they will help you with the process. Once you have your visa, you will need to come to the United States and fill out an application for a Green Card. This can be done online, or through the mail. Once you have fill out the application, you will need to send it in along with any other required documents. These might include your birth certificate, passport, and other proof of identity. Once your application has been processed, you will receive your Green Card in the mail. Congratulations! You are now ready to live and work in the United States!

After you receive your green card, you will be able to live and work permanently in the United States. You will also be able to travel in and out of the country with your green card. However, there are a few things that you should keep in mind when traveling with a green card.

First, it is important to note that you will need to carry your green card with you whenever you travel outside of the United States. Without it, you may not be able to board your flight back into the country. Additionally, it is a good idea to make copies of your green card in case it is lost or stolen while you are traveling.

Second, you will need to apply for a new Green card if you plan on staying outside of the United States for more than one year. If you do not apply for a new green card, your current one will expire and you will not be able to re-enter the country.

Finally, keep in mind that although having a green card allows you to live and work permanently in the United States, it does not give you automatic citizenship. If you want to become a U.S. citizen, you will need to go through the naturalization process.

If you are a legal permanent resident of the United States (holder of a green card), you are allowed to travel outside of the United States and return, as long as you follow certain guidelines.

Before leaving, it is important to make sure that your green card is still valid and will not expire while you are gone. If it will expire, you need to apply for a new one. You should also carry with you any other documents that prove your status as a legal permanent resident, such as a passport from your home country or an I-94 Arrival/Departure Record.

When returning to the United States, you must use either a passport with a valid green card or a passport from your home country. If you are using a passport from your home country, you must also present the I-94 Arrival/Departure Record mentioned above. If your green card is expired or damaged, you should apply for a new one at a U.S. consulate before leaving the United States.

It is important to note that even if you are legally allowed to travel on your green card, you may still be subject to additional scrutiny by border officials when entering or exiting the United States. Be prepared to answer questions about your trip and have all relevant documentation ready to present if requested.

If you’re a permanent resident of the United States with a green card, congratulations! You now have the right to live and work in the US indefinitely. But what if you want to travel outside of the country?

If you’re planning on taking a trip outside of the US, there are a few things you need to know before you go. First and foremost, you’ll need to make sure you have a valid passport from your country of citizenship. You’ll also need to bring your green card with you, as well as any other documents that prove your status as a permanent resident.

When you return to the US, you’ll need to show your passport and green card to Customs and Border Protection. You may also be asked to fill out a form called an I-94 Arrival/Departure Record.

If you have any questions about traveling with a green card, be sure to speak with an experienced immigration attorney before you go. With their help, you can ensure that your trip goes off without a hitch!

If you are a legal permanent resident of the United States, you will be issued a green card. This card is your proof that you are allowed to live and work in the U.S. indefinitely. However, your green card will expire after 10 years. You will need to renew it before it expires if you want to maintain your status as a legal permanent resident.

The process of renewing your green card is similar to the process of applying for a green card for the first time. You will need to fill out an application and submit it to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). You will also need to provide evidence that you are still eligible for a green card, such as proof that you have not abandoned your residency in the United States or committed any crimes since you were last issued a green card.

If you are renewing your green card from outside of the United States, you will need to go through the consular processing path. This means that you will need to schedule an appointment at a U.S. consulate or embassy in your home country in order to submit your application and supporting documents. Once your application has been reviewed and approved, you will be issued a new green card which will be valid for another 10 years.

If you’re a permanent resident of the United States with a green card, you may be wondering what your rights are when it comes to travel. Can you leave the country and come back? How often do you need to renew your green card? Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about traveling with a green card.

When can I travel outside the United States with my green card? You can travel outside the United States at any time with your green card. However, if you are planning to be away for more than six months, you should get a reentry permit before you leave. A reentry permit allows you to stay outside the United States for up to two years without losing your permanent resident status.

Do I need to renew my green card if I plan to travel outside the United States? No, you do not need to renew your green card if you plan to travel outside the United States. However, if your green card expires while you are abroad, you will need to get a new one before returning to the United States.

What if my green card is lost or stolen while I am traveling abroad? If your green card is lost or stolen while you are abroad, you should report it immediately to the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. You will need to get a new green card before returning to the United States.

Do I need a visa to visit another country if I have a green card? Permanent residents of the United States do not need a visa to visit most countries. However, there are some countries that require all visitors, including permanent residents, to have a visa.Be sure to check with the embassy of the country you are planning to visit before you travel.

Closing thoughts Now that you know the basics of what a Green Card is and how to travel with one, you should be all set for your next trip! Remember to keep your Green Card with you at all times and to carry copies of important documents like your passport and driver’s license. And if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask a Customs and Border Protection officer for help.

There are a lot of resources available to help you plan your trip, including the U.S. Department of State’s website and the Travel State Gov website. The Department of State has a page specifically for first-time travelers that includes helpful information on what to do before you leave, what to expect when you arrive, and how to get help if you need it. The Travel State Gov website has a similar page for first-time travelers that includes information on travel documents, entry requirements, and customs regulations.

Both websites also have pages with general information on traveling to the United States that can be helpful for first-time travelers. The Department of State website includes information on things like visas, passport requirements, and travel advisories. The Travel State Gov website includes information on topics like entry requirements, customs regulations, and travel warnings.

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If You Test Positive for Covid, Can You Still Travel?

With coronavirus cases on the rise, summer travelers are once again facing difficult questions. Here’s the latest travel guidance from health experts.

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By Shannon Sims

As new coronavirus variants gain traction across the United States, summer travelers are facing a familiar and tiresome question: How will the ever-mutating virus affect travel plans?

In light of updated guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , the answers may be slightly different from those in previous years.

Here’s what to know about traveling this summer if you’re worried about — or think you might have — Covid-19.

What’s going on with Covid?

Recent C.D.C. data show that Covid infections are rising or most likely rising in more than 40 states. Hospitalization rates and deaths, while low compared with the peaks seen in previous years, are also on the rise.

The uptick is tied to a handful of variants — named KP.2, KP.3 and LB.1 — that now account for a majority of new cases .

At the same time, record numbers of people are traveling by car and plane.

I’d planned to travel, but I’m sick with Covid. What should I do?

In short: You should probably delay or cancel your trip.

If you tested positive or are experiencing Covid symptoms, which include fever, chills, fatigue, a cough, a runny nose, body aches and a headache, the C.D.C. recommends that you stay home and keep away from others.

According to its latest guidelines, the agency advises waiting until at least 24 hours after you are fever-free and your overall symptoms are improving before going back to normal activities, including travel.

What are the isolation rules?

New C.D.C. guidelines issued in March made significant changes to the recommended isolation period for people with Covid.

The agency now says that you can resume daily activities if you meet two requirements : You have been fever-free for at least 24 hours (without the use of fever-reducing medications) and your symptoms are improving overall. Previously, the agency recommended isolating for at least five days, plus a period of post-isolation precautions.

Even after your isolation period, you may still be able to spread the virus to others, which is why the C.D.C. encourages you to continue to take precautions for the next five days: Use masks, wash your hands frequently, practice physical distancing, clean your air by opening windows or purifying it, and continue testing yourself before gathering around others.

Are there any lingering testing or vaccine requirements?

Travelers no longer need to show proof of being vaccinated against Covid or take a Covid test to enter the U.S. (This applies to both U.S. citizens and noncitizens.)

The same is true in Europe and most other countries.

How can I prepare before traveling?

First, make sure you stay up-to-date with Covid vaccines .

Next, plan to bring any items that would be helpful should you become sick while traveling.

“Make sure to take a good first aid or medication kit with you,” said Vicki Sowards, the director of nursing resources for Passport Health , which provides travel medical services. Ms. Sowards recommended that your kit include medications that you usually take when you are ill, as well as Covid tests.

You may want to consider packing medications that can help alleviate the symptoms of Covid, like painkillers, cold and flu medicines, and fever reducers. Bringing along some electrolyte tablets (or powdered Gatorade) can also help if you get sick.

Ms. Sowards also suggested speaking with your physician before traveling, particularly if you’re in a vulnerable or high-risk group. Some doctors might prescribe the antiviral Paxlovid as a precautionary measure, she said, to be taken in the event of a Covid infection.

How can I stay safe while traveling?

Wearing a mask on a plane or in crowded areas is still a good idea, said Ms. Sowards. Covid is spread through airborne particles and droplets, “so protecting yourself is paramount, especially if you are immunocompromised or have chronic health conditions.”

If you do get sick, start wearing a mask and using over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen for fever or joint aches, Ms. Sowards advised.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

Biden's executive order will benefit 500K undocumented immigrants. Here's how

Corrections & Clarifications: A previous version of this story incorrectly listed the requirements for eligibility under the new executive order.

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On Tuesday, President Joe Biden signed an executive order that would allow over half a million undocumented immigrants in the U.S. to obtain their permanent residency status without having to leave the country. This action, however, will benefit only a fraction of the estimated 11 million migrants living in the U.S. without authorization.

As immigration reform remains a debated topic in Congress, Biden's administration has taken action similar to what former President Barack Obama did in 2012 with the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, or DACA , which grants legal stay and work permits for young immigrants, commonly known as "Dreamers".

The "parole in place" executive order, implemented to “keep families together," came on the heels of another signed in early June that limits the number of political asylum cases processed at the U.S.-Mexico border .

Initial green card processes are notorious for lengthy delays, often adhered to a 10-year parole period that applicants must serve outside of the U.S. Biden's order changes that, and the impact will be exponential with over 500,000 possibly impacted.

Here's what to know.

What is Biden's new immigration executive order?

The "parole in place" executive order protects spouses and children of U.S. citizens who have yet to obtain legal status in the United States, granting permanent residency to them in an accelerated manner and without having to leave the country to serve parole.

The order also helps expedite work visas for Dreamers who have graduated college and been offered roles in U.S.-based companies.

Under the new executive order, immigrants who have crossed the border through illegal means and are married to a U.S. citizen, or are under the age of 21 whose parent is a U.S. citizen, will be eligible for the accelerated permanent residency benefit as long as they have been living in the country continuously for at least 10 years. Before this, undocumented immigrants seeking permanent residency would have to risk being sent back to their country for up to 10 years. 

Applicants of the new program will be offered a three-year period, where they can apply for permanent residency and work during that time.

Who qualifies for Biden's immigration executive order?

The order addresses the status of three groups of nonresident immigrants:

• Spouses of U.S. citizens.
• Children of U.S. citizens.
• DACA recipients.

Spouses married to U.S. citizens would have to have been residing in the U.S. for at least 10 years and married as of June 17, meaning unmarried mixed-status couples will not be able to apply even if they get married after this date.

Those who qualify on average have been married for 23 years, making about 500,000 spouses and 55,000 children eligible.

Dreamers who want to apply for expedited work visas must have received an academic degree from a U.S. institution and been offered a job position that matches their degree from a U.S.-based company.

Does this executive order change who qualifies for a green card?

No. Spouses and nonmarried children of U.S. citizens are already eligible to apply for permanent residency .

Under current immigration law , to apply, many noncitizens must first depart the United States and wait to be processed abroad, often in their native country, "resulting in a prolonged, potentially indefinite, period of separation from their U.S. citizen family members and causing tremendous hardship to all concerned," according to the Department of Homeland Security.

Biden's executive action speeds up the process and allows applicants to legally remain in the U.S. as they await a response on the green card application.

How do you apply for the new immigration benefit?

The program should be in place by the end of the summer, Biden said on Tuesday, but additional guidelines on how the program will work and how to apply have yet to be disclosed by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services.

Because of this, immigration experts have asked potential beneficiaries to be cautious when seeking help.

Immigration attorney Emilia Pañuelos warned undocumented immigrants seeking to apply to be weary of scams from people and services promising a secured spot in the new program in exchange for a down payment.

“There's always fraud. Fraud on behalf of the people who pay thousands of money when sometimes it's not even in effect yet," Pañuelos said.

She said the best thing to do is check with multiple immigration attorneys on what the new process is and who qualifies before actually applying.

Immigration resources in Arizona

While Biden's new plan will likely take months before eligible undocumented immigrants can apply, many organizations in Arizona currently offer services that can assist immigrant community members.

Poder Latinx hosts workshops throughout the year that help immigrants apply for residency and become naturalized citizens. Find them at: 1616 E. Indian School Road, Suite 480, Phoenix, [email protected], https://poderlatinx.org/ .

Latinos United for Change in Arizona offers help with DACA applications, residency renewals and the naturalization process. Find them at: 5716 N. 19th Ave., Phoenix, 602-388-9745, https://www.luchaaz.org/ .

Phoenix Legal Action Network offers legal support for non-detained immigrants in Arizona by representing them before court in immigration cases. Find them at: 602-730-1726, [email protected], https://planphx.org/ .

The Florence Project offers legal representation for detained immigrants and education services related to immigration processes in Arizona. Find them at: Phoenix line 602-307-1008, Tucson line 520-777-5600, [email protected], https://firrp.org/ .

Reach La Voz reporter Erick Treviño at [email protected] .

Understanding retirement needs

• How much do you need to retire comfortably?
• How much to save based on age

Building your retirement savings

Adjusting for inflation, lifestyle, and healthcare costs.

• General rules of thumb
• Seeking professional advice

How Much Do I Need to Retire? A Complete Guide to Retirement Planning

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• Target savings will vary for each future retiree, depending on one's expenses and current salary.
• Many advisors recommend saving 15% of your earnings annually or even more if you are getting a late start.
• Multiple income streams and a conservative withdrawal rate ensure you don't run out of money.

Acquiring adequate retirement savings doesn't happen overnight. For most people, saving enough for retirement requires decades of dedication and strategic financial planning . But how much do you actually need to save to ensure a comfortable retirement? 

Here are the best retirement plans , calculators, investment strategies, and tips you can use to ensure your retirement savings plan is on track. 

Assessing your retirement needs

Unfortunately, there's no general number to aim for when saving toward retirement. Your target retirement savings goal will differ greatly from your siblings', neighbors', and even your coworkers' goals since the amount you'll need largely depends on personal factors.

However, one rule of thumb applies to everyone: The sooner you start saving, the less effort you'll need to put in to reach your goal, and the better-positioned you'll be later in life. 

According to the 2024 MassMutual Retirement Happiness Study , the average age for retirees in the U.S. is 62. If you were to live to 85, this means you'd need enough money to cover all your expenses (and retirement goals) for at least 22 years. Economic factors like inflation will also certainly impact your savings over time.

Estimating your retirement expenses

Understanding what you expect retirement to look like will help determine how much you'll need to fund that lifestyle. If you plan to travel the world in luxury, your budget will differ from someone wanting to bird watch from the backyard each morning.

In retirement, your savings will cover many of the same expenses you had pre-retirement. This includes costs like food, housing, transportation, clothes, gifts, utilities, insurance (including a health plan), and travel.

In most cases, these expenses won't change much from pre- to post-retirement, which makes creating a budget easier. But if you have big plans for your retirement years (moving to a new state or country, buying a bigger home, increasing travel, etc.), you must calculate how much your new standard of living will cost. 

How much do you need to retire comfortably? 

The first step to adequately saving for retirement is to determine how much you'll need. This means analyzing current and future expenses and deciding how much you can afford to put away each month. You may also want to use a number of different savings and investment vehicles or passive income streams.

Financial advisors suggest saving around 10 times your current salary by the time you reach retirement age. Before you retire, you should aim to reduce your annual expenses as much as possible, including paying off existing debt. This can help stretch your retirement savings for even longer. 

As always, it's wise to consult with a trusted financial planner to help you determine your unique needs and retirement savings strategy.

How much to save for retirement based on your age

One way to see if you're on track to reach a comfortable retirement savings is to aim for a multiple of your current annual earnings. This serves as a rough estimate so you can get a better sense of your situation. Remember that the amount of savings required to ensure a comfortable retirement varies according to your projected retirement costs and even the specific investments you choose for your retirement portfolio.

According to Fidelity , here's how much you should have saved up each decade to meet your retirement goals:

Financial advisors recommend dedicating 15% of your annual income toward retirement. However, depending on your retirement goals, financial obligations, and current assets, you may need to save even more.

Types of retirement accounts (401(k), IRA, etc.)

There are multiple savings vehicles and income streams to consider for building your nest egg. These can affect how much you need to save today, depending on which sources of income are available to you.

Some of the most popular types of retirement accounts include: 

• 401(k) plans: Employer-sponsored investment vehicles with compounding power and tax advantages to help you grow your nest egg steadily over time. Money in a 401(k) can be invested in various securities, and your contributions may even be matched by your employer, amplifying your efforts. Funds can be distributed without penalty beginning at age 59 ½, or earlier with certain exceptions.
• IRAs: IRAs are retirement accounts individuals open through major banks, credit unions, and other financial institutions. The best IRA accounts include traditional, Roth, SEP, and SIMPLE IRAs. IRAs have the same tax advantages as 401(k)s but offer more flexibility over how your funds are allocated.
• Traditional pension plans: Traditional pensions are another employer-sponsored investment vehicle certain businesses offer. With a pension, your employer is responsible for contributing and investing the funds in your account. The amount contributed is determined by employee earnings and years at the business. 

Outside of savings accounts, other ways to generate income during retirement include:

• Social Security benefits: Social Security is a government program that provides individuals with monthly retirement and disability benefits. You can opt-in to start receiving Social Security benefits as early as age 62, but you'll receive lower payments. Financial experts recommend delaying Social Security until you reach full retirement age (age 70). 
• Annuities: Annuities are another retirement income source to consider. They're offered by insurance companies and act as a long-term investment vehicle. After purchasing an annuity — either with a lump sum or periodic purchase payments — you will receive regular payments over the course of your retirement.

Planning for inflation in retirement

Remember to consider inflation and its impact on your savings. For instance, in 2024, there have been inflation rates of 3%, following the 3.3% increase in 2023 and the high 6.5% rate in 2022. Generally, you should account for inflation of approximately 2% per year.

However, certain economic, political, or natural disasters can cause unexpected spikes in inflation. In those cases, you may experience significant financial losses that require you to permanently or temporarily adjust your lifestyle and budget. One of the best ways to hedge against inflation and market downturns is by continuing to invest after retirement . 

Healthcare costs and long-term care planning

Try to account for potential unexpected expenses, such as medical care for you and your spouse or even financially helping a child or grandchild.

"The most common expense that a retiree can ignore (or forget to budget for) is end-of-life expectancy expenses," says Jim Ludwick, a CFP and member at Garrett Planning Network . "This includes caregivers coming to your house, going into assisted living, or skilled nursing. Those are very expensive parts of people's lives. And a lot of times that can eat up quite a bit of savings if it goes on for an extended period of time."

Downsizing and lifestyle adjustments

When planning your retirement lifestyle, consider where you want to live. You may want to downsize depending on your preferred lifestyle, savings amount, and priorities. That said, your priorities may be buying your dream retirement home or moving to a certain location. In this case, be sure that you factor those larger expenses into your budget.

Retirement planning general rules of thumb

While everyone's situation and needs will differ, there are a few primary rules of thumb that most financial advisors follow, which you should consider when determining how much to save for retirement.

Retirement income as a percentage of pre-retirement income

Many financial professionals recommend that you account for between 70% and 80% of your pre-retirement income each year in retirement. This means that if you currently earn $60,000 per year, you should plan to spend between $42,000 to $48,000 annually once you retire. 

This isn't a set rule for everyone, and you may need to even account for more savings. "Many people need to have income streams (or savings and investments) cover 80%, 90%, or even 100% of their pre-retirement budget," Ludwick says. It all depends on your specific expenses now and in retirement.

Saving 15% of your earnings every year

If you start saving for retirement early enough, an annual savings rate of 15% may be sufficient to meet your goals. If you're off to a late start, you may need to save a lot more each year to catch up. 

"As you get older, the amount needed for savings to reach the same end goal roughly doubles every 10 years," says Tolen Teigen, chief investment officer for FinDec . "So, if someone waits ten years to start saving, instead of 30, they are now 40. Instead of 8% to 10% annually, they are now looking at 16% to 20% saved to reach the same end number."

Saving 10 times your income by retirement age

As mentioned above, many financial advisors and firms like Fidelity recommend having approximately 10 times your annual salary saved by the time you reach retirement age. While this may not be exactly what you need, it's a good target to keep in mind as you go. You can always adjust it depending on your projected needs in retirement.

The 4% withdrawal rule 

Many retirees are concerned about running out of money once they reach retirement. The 4% rule may be a good guideline to avoid this. While many factors can affect the actual drawdown process, the 4% rule can be a good place to start if you want to avoid running out of money.

This rule states that retirees can withdraw up to 4% of their retirement savings in year one of retirement. So, if you have $2,000,000 in retirement savings, you would withdraw $80,000 that first year. In year two, you would adjust that $80,000 for inflation and withdraw that amount from your savings.

Keep in mind that while the 4% rule is standard, some financial advisors say your actual withdrawal percentage could be anywhere from 3% to 5%.

Seeking professional advice when retirement planning

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to saving for retirement. Everyone's needs will be different, and so will their approach to saving, including when they start and how much they can set aside each year. Consulting with a certified financial planner or other retirement expert is the best way to understand your unique needs.

"Planning ahead and checking in on your efforts" is key to saving enough for the retirement years, Ludwick says."It's dangerous when you're 75 and realize you're running out of money and you have to move in with a younger sibling or something." 

His advice? "If you want to stay independent, do your homework ahead of time. Think about all those things that could possibly happen. If they don't happen, you're lucky … and your kids and grandkids can have a nice gift that you leave behind."

You can calculate how much you need to retire by assessing your expected expenses, considering your desired lifestyle, current expenses, projected inflation, and healthcare costs. Business Insider's free retirement calculator can help you see if you're on track to secure a comfortable retirement. You can also use other rules of thumb, such as having an annual savings rate of 15%.

The 4% rule in retirement planning suggests withdrawing 4% of your retirement savings each year to prevent you from prematurely running out of money for at least 30 years. It's a general guideline to help estimate how much you need to save. However, some advisors recommend more or less than that rate.

You can maximize your retirement savings by regularly contributing to tax-advantaged retirement accounts like 401(k)s and IRAs to maximize employer matching contributions, investment opportunities, and compound interest. Generally, it's best practice to max out your retirement accounts first. Also, adopt a diversified investment strategy for greater portfolio growth and risk management.

The sooner you start planning for retirement, the easier it will be to compound your savings and reach your goals. Starting in your 20s and 30s allows more time for your investments to grow. It's still possible to catch up if you start in your 40s or 50s by saving more aggressively and adjusting your strategy, but it will be generally more stressful. 

Common mistakes to avoid in retirement planning include underestimating expenses, waiting to start saving, relying too heavily on Social Security, failing to diversify investments, spending too quickly, and not accounting for healthcare costs and inflation. The best way to avoid these common mistakes is by creating a thorough financial plan and consulting a financial advisor.

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Checked Bag Fees: Airline-by-Airline Guide for US Travel in 2024

C hecking a bag is something frequent flyers try mightily to avoid. It adds time, extra logistics, and cost to air travel. When little ones come along, however, packing light just isn’t always possible. Flying with a baby or toddler requires gear! The time comes for traveling parents to face the reality of needing to check a bag…or two.

So just how much will checked bags set you back? Checked bag fees vary from airline to airline. It is important to know what the airlines charge before booking your flight. You need to consider the costs as you are comparing ticket prices between different carriers to get the best overall deal. This is especially true for families, because bag fees can add up quickly with multiple people. And with many major airlines increasing checked bag fees again in early 2024, the costs grow ever higher.

Last updated : March 6, 2024. (Updated to include increased bag fees on Delta Airlines. Note that American, United, and Alaska all increased their fees in 2024 a few weeks prior. Those increased fees are reflected below.)

Checked Bag Fees on Every U.S. Airline

So just how much do airlines within the United States charge for checked bag fees?

The only major US airline that doesn’t charge checked baggage fees at all is Southwest Airlines . All of the legacy carriers ( United , American, Delta, Alaska, etc.) tend to charge right about the same for their checked bags – approximately $35 for the first bag as of March 2024.

The ultra-low cost carriers (Frontier, Allegiant, Spirit, etc.) have pricier bag fees that are more opaque. Most of these airlines charge based on variables like flight distance or how early you pre-pay for a bag. Some of these airlines have bag fee check tools on their website, so I highly recommend going there first for an estimate before you waste time going through multiple steps in the booking process.

Related: What are the Best Airlines to Fly with Kids in the USA?

Here’s a chart showing the current bag check fees for domestic travel on all the major US carriers.

Note that most airlines classify a standard checked bag as one weighing up to 50 lbs. The standard dimensions for checked bags on most airlines are normally 62 inches maximum, which is total length + width + depth, allowing for multiple bag shapes. A few airlines, however, have even more restrictive weights and dimensions, so I’ve noted those rules below.

Special Checked Bag Fee Rules To Watch Out For

As the chart makes clear, there are lots of asterisks and fine print in the world of checked bag fees. Here are some special bag check situations and rules to look out for so you aren’t surprised and what may cost you more (or conversely, what you might not expect to be free!).

• Pre-Purchased Bags : Quite a few airlines (in particular low cost carriers) charge you more based on when you pay for your checked bag. If you book a checked bag when you purchase a ticket, you’ll often pay quite a bit less. Sometimes there is an intermediate price if you add a bag after you’ve book, such as at online check-in. Whatever you do, never ever wait to pay until you get to the airport ticket counter. That is when prices are highest – sometimes several times more!
• Car Seats and Strollers : Believe it or not, US domestic carriers do not charge anything for checking a stroller and/or car seat . That’s a nice and rare break for traveling parents. Note though that at least one airline doesn’t allow you to gate check strollers that are either non-folding or that exceed 20 pounds (see tips for flying American Airlines with a stroller ).
• Overweight/oversize bags : Oversized or overweight bags or special equipment like skis or golf clubs can really cost you. Most airlines consider any bag over 50 pounds to be overweight (and >62 inches in total dimension to be oversized). But there are a couple of tricky airlines that set the maximum at 40 pounds (ahem, Frontier & Spirit). This maximum is easy to exceed packing a standard sized suitcase with a reasonable amount in it. What airlines charge for oversize bags varies wildly – even more than regular checked bag fees. So check the fine print closely. The chart below summarizes the major overweight/oversize fee rules for each airline.

Ways to Avoid Checked Bag Fees

Although most airlines charge checked bag fees these days, there are increasingly a number of ways to avoid them or at least minimize them. Here are all the strategies my family and I have used to control our bag check costs over the last decade and a half of flying with kids.

Related: 7 Ways to Avoid Airline Fees

Elite Status

If you have elite status on an airline, you probably get at least one free bag (or more), usually for each person traveling on the same reservation with the elite member. Double check the program benefits for the airline you are flying on, however, because airlines offer different benefits at each elite status level and are constantly tweaking these rules in small ways.

Airline Co-Branded Credit Card

If you have one of the airlines’ credit cards, you (and others booked under the same reservation) usually get a free bag if you have booked your tickets with that credit card. Many of these airline credit cards have annual fees of about $100 a year, so if your family checks two bags on a roundtrip vacation on that airline once a year, you’ll at least break even on the fees.

Credit Card Airline Fee Credit

Some credit cards (especially those with higher annual fees targeted at a traveling demographic) come with perks like an airline fee credit. You may be able to charge bag fees to that card and have some or all of the fees refunded. My husband and I have had several cards the past few years that have this benefit that we’ve used to cover fees on airlines we don’t fly as often. These cards aren’t affiliated with a particular airline program but you may have to select your preferred airline (often once a year in January) in order to access the credit.

Fare Types that Include Free Checked Bags

A number of airlines have fare types or bundles that come with one or more extras. One of the included perks may be a checked bag or two. You’ll of course pay more for these fare types than the cheapest economy ticket, but there may be savings in the overall bundling, especially if you need some of the other perks too like seat assignments or a larger carry on bag.

Premium Cabins

If you are lucky enough to be traveling on a business class or first class ticket, you usually will not have to worry with bag fees. If you are booking these kinds of fares with cash though, you’ll nearly always be paying much more for these cabins, so the “savings” aren’t necessarily savings. Often first and business class passengers are able to check bags that weigh more than the standard sizes (sometimes 70 pounds instead of a 50 pound maximum).

Last but certainly not least, families can often save on bag fees just by packing strategically. Don’t underestimate the savings to be had just by sharing bags or smartly distributing your packed items between and among checked vs. carry on bags, based upon what the airline charges for each.

For example, some legacy carriers like American or Delta don’t charge for carry ons, even for passengers purchasing basic economy tickets. Families may want to carry on more bags when flying those airlines to save on checked bag fees.

Conversely, some ultra low cost carriers charge more for a roll-aboard carry on than a larger checked bag. Families may save more packing clothes for everyone in one or two checked bags instead of bringing larger carry ons at all.

The post Checked Bag Fees: Airline-by-Airline Guide for US Travel in 2024 appeared first on Trips With Tykes .

Is the Amex Green Card worth the annual fee?

Typically, when credit cards undergo changes, those changes come with an annual fee.

However, that's not the case for the American Express® Green Card . While the card has experienced multiple updates in recent years, its reasonable $150 annual fee (see rates and fees ) has remained the same.

But what do you get for that $150? Let's break down the card's benefits to help you decide if it's worth adding to your wallet.

The information for the Amex Green Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Welcome offer

Currently, new Amex Green applicants can earn 40,000 bonus Membership Rewards points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. TPG's July 2024 valuations peg Membership Rewards points at 2 cents each, making this bonus worth $800.

You have a wide range of options when you're ready to redeem your Membership Rewards points, including cashing out your points (not the best value) or redeeming with hotel and airline partners ( can provide incredible value , depending on the partner).

Excellent uses of Membership Rewards points include domestic flights on Delta Air Lines , flights to South America with LATAM and flights to Japan on Virgin Atlantic for redemptions with ANA .

Related: The ultimate guide to Amex Membership Rewards

Clear Plus credit

Clear is a security program that can help you speed through airport and sporting event security checkpoints by using biometrics to prove your identity.

Membership costs $189 per year, which you can get reimbursed for in full by paying for your Clear Plus membership with your Amex Green card (subject to auto-renewal). There's no prior enrollment required with Amex to use this benefit, but you will need to register with Clear Plus and complete your enrollment to use Clear security lanes at a growing number of venues and airports.

Even better, select Delta SkyMiles and United MileagePlus cobranded credit cardholders can get a Clear Plus membership at a reduced price of $149. Since your annual benefit maximum on the Amex Green Card is $189, that's enough to cover this reduced price and some of the cost of adding a loved one.

If you don't already have a Clear Plus membership, this perk alone will more than make up the $150 annual fee cost (see rates and fees ).

Related: Why your family may want to get Clear Plus before your next flight

LoungeBuddy credits

LoungeBuddy is a lounge network of more than 200 lounges around the world. You can book a lounge visit in advance, a great feature to beat long lines at overcrowded lounges .

Use your Amex Green to pay for LoungeBuddy visits, and you'll receive up to $100 in statement credits to offset these purchases each calendar year. There's no need to enroll for this benefit in advance with Amex, though you do need to enroll with LoungeBuddy for a membership.

While this feature doesn't provide the complimentary unlimited access you get with a Priority Pass Select membership offered on other credit cards , it's a great way to dip your toes into the world of airport lounges before committing to a card with a higher annual fee that offers for extensive perks.

Related: Maximizing LoungeBuddy passes with the Amex Green

Earning rates

One of the best features of the Amex Green Card may be its earning structure.

Cardmembers earn 3 points per dollar at restaurants worldwide, 3 points per dollar on takeout and delivery services in the U.S., 3 points per dollar on transit (including trains, buses, ferries and subways), 3 points per dollar on travel and 1 point per dollar on other purchases.

With broad travel and transit categories, this is one of the best cards for travel purchases and dining expenses . Since TPG values Amex Membership Rewards points at 2 cents apiece, this is an effective 6% return on spending for your travel, commuting and dining expenses.

While the Amex Green Card earns less at restaurants than the 4 points per dollar provided by the American Express® Gold Card and doesn't offer bonus points at U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per year in purchases, 1 point per dollar thereafter) as the Gold Card does, the Green Card provides much better earning rates for commuting and travel.

Related: Card showdown: Amex Gold vs. Amex Green

Additional benefits

Cardmembers also have access to Amex Offers , which can provide rebates or bonus points on your upcoming purchases through targeted promotions.

The card also comes with built-in shopping and travel protections that can provide both peace of mind and security during mishaps at home and abroad.

Related: Everything you need to know about credit card merchant offers

Bottom line

As cardmember benefits have improved on the Amex Green in the past few years, the annual fee has remained steady at a moderate $150 (see rates and fees ). If you can use the Clear Plus benefit and LoungeBuddy passes each year, you can easily offset the annual fee.

However, you might not use these perks if you already have another credit card that provides lounge access and/or a card that reimburses your Clear Plus membership . The question at that point would be whether the earning structure on the Green Card provides enough extra Membership Rewards points each year to make keeping the card worthwhile.

Learn more in our full review of the Amex Green card .

Related: Who should (and who shouldn't) get the Amex Green card?

For rates and fees of the Amex Green, click here .

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Maintaining Permanent Residence

Once you become a lawful permanent resident (Green Card holder), you maintain permanent resident status until you:

• Apply for and complete the naturalization process; or
• Lose or abandon your status.

There are several ways that you can lose your status as a lawful permanent resident.

Section 216 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) allows you to become a lawful permanent resident on a conditional basis, based on marriage.

Section 216A allows you to become a lawful permanent resident on a conditional basis, based on a qualifying investment.

Both sections allow us to terminate your conditional status as provided by the law (in the event of fraud, for example).

You will lose your permanent resident status if an immigration judge issues a final removal order against you.

INA sections 212 and 237 describe the grounds on which you may be ordered removed from the United States.

We may place you into rescission proceedings at any time during the first five years after you became a lawful permanent resident (Green Card holder) if:

• We determine you were not eligible to obtain a Green Card at the time we approved your adjustment of status (Green Card) application; and
• You would not have been eligible for a Green Card under any other provision of law.

If your lawful permanent residence is rescinded, you will no longer be a Green Card holder and may be placed in removal proceedings.

You may also lose your permanent resident status by intentionally abandoning it, including but not limited to:

• Moving to another country and intending to live there permanently;
• Declaring yourself a “nonimmigrant” on your U.S. tax returns; or
• The reason for your trip;
• How long you planned to be absent from the United States;
• Any other circumstances of your absence; and
• Any events that may have prolonged your absence.
• Note: Obtaining a re-entry permit from USCIS before you leave, or a returning resident visa (SB-1) from a U.S. consulate while abroad, may help show that you planned for this to be a temporary absence.

Internal Revenue Code  section 6039G(d)(3) requires the Department of Homeland Security to inform the Internal Revenue Service if you lose permanent resident status because you:

• Have been ordered removed from the United States; or
• Chose to abandon your status and surrender your Green Card.
• Welcome to the United States: A Guide for New Immigrants (PDF, 3.57 MB)
• How Do I Get a Reentry Permit? (PDF, 667.32 KB)
• I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card

Other USCIS Links

• Settling in the U.S.
• How Do I Help My Relative Become a Lawful Permanent Resident? (PDF, 577.38 KB)
• How Do I Renew or Replace My Permanent Resident Card? (PDF, 550.19 KB)
• "How Do I" Guides for Permanent Residents