A green card holder must present a valid Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) to re-enter the US as proof of lawful permanent resident status. Carrying a valid passport from their country of citizenship is also required for identity verification and international travel purposes. Customs and Border Protection may request additional documentation such as a re-entry permit if the green card holder has been outside the US for an extended period.
What Documents Does a Green Card Holder Need for Re-entry into the US?
| Number | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Green Card (Permanent Resident Card, Form I-551) | Green Card holders must present their Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551) as primary identification for re-entry into the US, ensuring proof of lawful permanent resident status. Additional documents like a valid passport from the country of citizenship and, if applicable, a re-entry permit (Form I-131) may be required to facilitate smooth entry and protect residency rights. |
| 2 | Valid Passport (from country of citizenship, recommended but not always required) | Green card holders typically need their Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551) for re-entry into the US, while a valid passport from their country of citizenship is recommended to facilitate international travel and identification but not always mandatory. Airlines and border officials may still require a passport for boarding and identity verification, making it an essential document alongside the green card. |
| 3 | Reentry Permit (Form I-131, if outside the US for 1 year or more) | Green card holders re-entering the US after an absence of one year or more must present a valid Reentry Permit (Form I-131) along with their permanent resident card to establish intent to maintain residency. This document serves as legal proof for Customs and Border Protection officers that the holder has permission to re-enter without risking abandonment of lawful permanent resident status. |
| 4 | Boarding Foil (formerly Transportation Letter, if Green Card is lost or stolen abroad) | Green Card holders must present a valid Permanent Resident Card or a Boarding Foil, formerly known as a Transportation Letter, for re-entry into the US if their Green Card is lost or stolen abroad. The Boarding Foil is issued by a US embassy or consulate and serves as temporary travel authorization to facilitate lawful admission. |
| 5 | Immigrant Visa (if first-time entry after visa issuance, before receiving Green Card) | For first-time entry into the United States after Immigrant Visa issuance, a Green Card holder must present the immigrant visa packet issued by the U.S. Embassy or Consulate, valid passport, and a sealed immigrant visa foil in the passport. This documentation allows re-entry before the physical Green Card is mailed to their U.S. address. |
| 6 | Marriage Certificate (if name has changed, supporting documentation) | A green card holder re-entering the US must present their valid Permanent Resident Card along with a marriage certificate if their name has changed due to marriage, serving as official proof of the new name. Supporting documentation such as a legal name change certificate or court order may also be required to verify identity and ensure smooth border processing. |
| 7 | Advance Parole Document (Form I-512, if applicable in certain circumstances) | Green card holders typically need their Permanent Resident Card to re-enter the US; however, if they have applied for adjustment of status and left the country without their green card, an Advance Parole Document (Form I-512) is required to lawfully re-enter. This document grants permission to re-enter the US while an immigration application is pending and must be carried alongside a valid passport. |
| 8 | Government-issued Photo ID (secondary identification, if requested) | Green card holders must present their Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551) for re-entry into the US, with a government-issued photo ID such as a passport or driver's license serving as secondary identification if requested by immigration officials. This secondary ID verifies the holder's identity, complementing the green card to streamline the re-entry process and meet U.S. Customs and Border Protection requirements. |
| 9 | Proof of Travel Dates (such as airline tickets, proof of residence for lengthy absences) | Green card holders must present proof of travel dates, including airline tickets and boarding passes, to confirm their entry and exit timelines. Documentation like utility bills or lease agreements serves as evidence of continuous residence during lengthy absences, ensuring compliance with re-entry requirements. |
| 10 | Supporting Documents (such as tax returns, pay stubs, lease agreements for residency ties, if requested) | Green card holders re-entering the US may need supporting documents like recent tax returns, pay stubs, and lease agreements to demonstrate strong residency ties if requested by immigration officials. These documents help verify continuous residence and intent to maintain permanent residency during border inspections. |
Introduction to Re-entry Requirements for Green Card Holders
Green card holders must carry specific documents to ensure smooth re-entry into the United States. Understanding these re-entry requirements is crucial for lawful permanent residents traveling abroad.
- Valid Green Card - Proof of lawful permanent resident status required for re-entry.
- Valid Passport - A passport from the country of citizenship is necessary for international travel.
- Re-entry Permit (if applicable) - Required for green card holders who have been outside the US for extended periods.
Having the correct documentation helps avoid delays or denial of entry at the U.S. border.
Importance of Proper Identification Documents
Proper identification documents are essential for a green card holder to re-enter the United States without complications. These documents verify lawful permanent resident status and facilitate smooth immigration processing.
- Valid Green Card (Form I-551) - The Permanent Resident Card serves as primary proof of your lawful permanent resident status in the U.S.
- Valid Passport from Country of Citizenship - A passport confirms your nationality and identity alongside your green card during re-entry.
- Re-entry Permit (if applicable) - This document is necessary if you have been outside the U.S. for an extended period to maintain permanent resident status.
Permanent Resident Card (Green Card): Key Information
| Document | Description |
|---|---|
| Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) | The essential identification document for lawful permanent residents when re-entering the United States. It proves your permanent resident status and allows entry after travel abroad. |
| Valid Passport | A passport from your country of citizenship is required to verify your identity and nationality during international travel. |
| Travel Documents (If Needed) | Documents such as a re-entry permit or Refugee Travel Document may be necessary if your absence from the U.S. exceeds one year or if you have specific travel restrictions. |
| I-551 Stamp (Temporary Proof) | A temporary stamp placed in a valid passport or travel document that serves as proof of permanent residency when the physical green card is unavailable. |
Valid Passport: A Crucial Travel Document
A valid passport is a crucial travel document for green card holders re-entering the United States. The passport from your country of citizenship must be current and unexpired to allow smooth entry through U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Presenting a valid passport alongside the green card ensures compliance with U.S. immigration regulations and facilitates verified identification at the port of entry.
Understanding Re-entry Permits
Green card holders must carry their Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551) for re-entry into the United States. This card serves as proof of lawful permanent resident status and is essential for admission at U.S. ports of entry.
Understanding re-entry permits is crucial for green card holders who plan to travel abroad for extended periods. A re-entry permit (Form I-131) allows a permanent resident to maintain status while outside the U.S. for up to two years without losing residency. It acts as a travel document and helps demonstrate the intent to return to the U.S.
Special Considerations for Expired or Lost Green Cards
Green card holders must carry valid identification for re-entry into the US. Special attention is required if your green card has expired or is lost.
- Valid Green Card - A valid, unexpired green card is the primary document required for re-entry into the United States.
- Expired Green Card - If your green card has expired, you should obtain a temporary travel document or re-entry permit before travel.
- Lost Green Card - In case of a lost green card, filing Form I-90 for replacement and carrying proof of the application can facilitate re-entry.
Additional Supporting Identification (State ID, Driver’s License)
Green card holders re-entering the US must present their Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551) as primary identification. Additional supporting identification, such as a state-issued ID or driver's license, helps verify identity and expedite the re-entry process. These documents provide supplementary proof of residence and identity alongside the green card during customs and immigration inspections.
Entry Requirements for Dependents and Family Members
Green card holders must carry their Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551) to re-enter the United States. Dependents and family members need valid travel documentation specific to their status, such as visas or refugee travel documents.
Entry requirements for dependents vary based on their immigration category and nationality. Your family members should verify visa validity and carry any necessary supporting documents to ensure smooth re-entry.
Procedures at U.S. Ports of Entry
A green card holder must present their Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551) when re-entering the United States. U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers use this card to verify lawful permanent resident status at ports of entry.
Additional identification, such as a valid passport from the country of citizenship, may be required to confirm identity and travel history. Biometrics and questioning about the purpose of travel ensure compliance with re-entry regulations during inspection.
What Documents Does a Green Card Holder Need for Re-entry into the US? Infographic
