Green card holders must carry their valid Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) to re-enter the US, ensuring proof of their lawful permanent resident status. A valid passport from their country of citizenship is also required for international travel, serving as primary identification. Depending on the travel destination and duration, a re-entry permit or travel document may be necessary to maintain permanent resident status during extended absences.
What Documents Does a Green Card Holder Need to Re-enter the US?
| Number | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Permanent Resident Card (Green Card, Form I-551) | Green Card holders must present their Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551) when re-entering the US to verify their legal status as lawful permanent residents. U.S. Customs and Border Protection requires this document to facilitate smooth entry and confirm identity and residency rights. |
| 2 | Valid Passport (Home Country) | Green card holders must carry a valid passport from their home country to re-enter the US, as it serves as the primary identification document alongside the green card. Airlines and US Customs and Border Protection require this passport to verify identity and citizenship status during international travel. |
| 3 | Reentry Permit (Form I-327), if applicable | Green Card holders traveling abroad and planning extended stays should secure a Reentry Permit (Form I-327) to maintain permanent resident status upon return to the US, especially if their absence exceeds one year. This document serves as proof of intent to retain US residency and prevents complications at reentry, facilitating smooth passage through customs and immigration checkpoints. |
| 4 | Advance Parole Document (Form I-512), if applicable | Green card holders generally need their valid Permanent Resident Card to re-enter the US, but if they have been outside the country for an extended period or face travel restrictions, an Advance Parole Document (Form I-512) may be required to ensure re-entry permission. This document allows travelers without a valid green card to return legally while their status is pending or when the green card is lost or expired. |
| 5 | Expired Green Card with I-797 Receipt Notice (for pending renewal or replacement) | Green card holders with an expired card and an I-797 receipt notice for pending renewal or replacement must carry both documents to re-enter the U.S., as the I-797 serves as temporary evidence of valid permanent resident status. Airlines and U.S. Customs and Border Protection recognize this combination to allow boarding and admission despite the expired green card. |
| 6 | COVID-19 Vaccination Proof (if required) | Green Card holders re-entering the US must carry a valid Permanent Resident Card and, if applicable, proof of COVID-19 vaccination in accordance with current CDC and US Travel regulations. Travelers should verify the latest entry requirements on official government websites as vaccination mandates and documentation standards may change. |
| 7 | Travel History Documents (e.g., previous entry stamps, boarding passes) | Green card holders should carry travel history documents such as previous entry stamps and boarding passes to support their re-entry into the US, as these records verify their travel patterns and comply with immigration requirements. Maintaining a detailed travel history helps demonstrate continuous residence and lawful travel activity, which can be crucial during customs and border inspections. |
| 8 | Identification Documents (Driver’s License, State ID) | Green Card holders must present their Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551) along with a valid government-issued identification such as a Driver's License or State ID to re-enter the US. These identification documents verify identity and residency status, facilitating smooth entry through customs and immigration checks. |
| 9 | Supporting Letters or Evidence (if requested by CBP) | Green card holders may be required by CBP to present supporting letters or evidence such as employment verification, proof of residence, or documentation of family ties to demonstrate intent to maintain permanent residency when re-entering the US. Providing these documents helps establish continuous residence and supports admissibility during secondary inspection or any additional questioning by immigration officers. |
| 10 | Visa (if traveling through a country requiring it for transit) | Green card holders must carry their Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551) and a valid passport from their country of citizenship when re-entering the U.S.; if traveling through a country requiring a transit visa, they must obtain this visa beforehand to ensure smooth transit. Failure to have the necessary transit visa can result in denied boarding or entry at the transit country, impacting travel plans. |
Overview of Travel Documentation for Green Card Holders
Green card holders must carry specific travel documents to re-enter the United States successfully. The key document required is the valid Permanent Resident Card, commonly known as a green card.
Alongside the green card, a valid passport from the holder's country of citizenship is essential for international travel. For extended stays abroad, additional documents such as a re-entry permit may be necessary to maintain permanent resident status.
Essential Documents for Re-Entry to the US
Green Card holders must carry their Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551) to re-enter the US. A valid passport from their country of citizenship is also required for international travel. In some cases, a re-entry permit may be necessary if the absence from the US exceeds one year.
Validity and Renewal of Green Cards Before Travel
Green card holders must ensure their Permanent Resident Card is valid before traveling internationally to avoid re-entry issues. Renewing an expired or soon-to-expire green card is essential for smooth re-entry into the United States.
- Valid Green Card Required - A valid green card is mandatory for lawful permanent residents to re-enter the U.S. without additional documentation.
- Renewal Process Timing - It is recommended to apply for renewal at least six months before the green card's expiration date to prevent travel disruptions.
- Travel with Expired Cards Risks - Traveling with an expired green card may result in delays, secondary inspections, or denial of re-entry at the U.S. border.
Maintaining an up-to-date green card ensures seamless travel and compliance with U.S. immigration requirements.
Passport Requirements for Permanent Residents
What documents are required for a green card holder to re-enter the US? A valid, unexpired green card must be carried to prove permanent resident status. A passport from your country of citizenship is also necessary for international travel and re-entry to the United States.
Re-entry Permit: When and Why It’s Needed
A Green Card holder must present a valid Permanent Resident Card to re-enter the US. A Re-entry Permit is required if you plan to stay outside the United States for more than one year but less than two years. This document helps maintain permanent resident status during extended travel or temporary relocation abroad.
Required Documentation at US Ports of Entry
Green card holders must present specific documents when re-entering the US to ensure smooth border processing. Proper documentation helps verify your lawful permanent resident status at US ports of entry.
- Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) - Essential proof of your status as a lawful permanent resident required at the border.
- Valid Passport from Country of Citizenship - Confirms your identity and nationality when combined with your green card.
- Travel Documents for Re-entry Permit - Needed if you plan extended stays outside the US to maintain residency requirements.
Special Considerations for Expired or Lost Green Cards
Green card holders must present a valid Permanent Resident Card to re-enter the US. This document serves as proof of lawful permanent resident status.
Special considerations apply if the green card is expired or lost. An expired green card requires a valid re-entry permit or a valid immigrant visa to return. If the green card is lost, holders should carry a Form I-90 receipt notice or obtain a boarding foil from a US consulate before travel.
Impact of Extended Travel on Permanent Residency Status
Green Card holders must carry a valid Permanent Resident Card and a valid passport from their country of citizenship to re-enter the United States. A re-entry permit may be required if the travel exceeds one year.
Extended travel outside the US can impact permanent residency status by suggesting abandonment of residence. US Customs and Border Protection officers assess the intent to maintain residency based on the length and purpose of the trip.
Customs and Border Protection Interview Process
Re-entering the US as a green card holder requires presenting specific documents to Customs and Border Protection (CBP). The CBP interview process verifies your identity and immigration status to ensure lawful entry.
- Valid Green Card (Permanent Resident Card) - This primary document proves lawful permanent resident status and is mandatory for re-entry.
- Valid Passport from Your Country of Citizenship - This confirms your identity and nationality during the CBP interview process.
- CBP Officer Interview - Officers ask questions about your travel purpose, duration abroad, and intent to reside permanently in the US to assess eligibility for re-entry.
What Documents Does a Green Card Holder Need to Re-enter the US? Infographic
