U.S. permanent residents must carry a valid Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) to re-enter the country after traveling abroad. A valid passport from the resident's country of citizenship is also essential for international travel and airline check-in. In some cases, a re-entry permit may be required if the absence from the U.S. exceeds one year to maintain permanent resident status.
What Documents Does a U.S. Permanent Resident Need to Re-enter the Country?
| Number | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Permanent Resident Card (Green Card, Form I-551) | A U.S. Permanent Resident must present a valid Permanent Resident Card (Green Card, Form I-551) to re-enter the country, serving as proof of their lawful status and authorization to live and work permanently in the United States. Travelers should ensure the Green Card is not expired and carry a valid passport from their country of citizenship for international travel. |
| 2 | Valid Passport from Country of Citizenship | U.S. permanent residents must present a valid passport from their country of citizenship along with their Green Card to re-enter the United States. The passport verifies identity and nationality, while the Green Card proves lawful permanent resident status. |
| 3 | Reentry Permit (Form I-327), if applicable | U.S. permanent residents re-entering the country after extended travel abroad should carry their green card and a valid Reentry Permit (Form I-327) if their absence exceeds one year. The Reentry Permit helps maintain permanent resident status and facilitates smooth reentry by proving intent to return to the U.S. |
| 4 | Refugee Travel Document (Form I-571), if applicable | A U.S. permanent resident with refugee or asylum status must present a valid Refugee Travel Document (Form I-571) to re-enter the United States, as it serves as proof of identity and authorization to travel outside the country. This document is essential for international travel since a permanent resident card (Green Card) alone may not grant reentry for refugees or asylees. |
| 5 | U.S. Visa (if Green Card lost/stolen and using SB-1 Returning Resident Visa) | U.S. permanent residents who lose or have their Green Card stolen must obtain an SB-1 Returning Resident Visa from a U.S. consulate or embassy to re-enter the country, proving their intent to maintain permanent residence. This visa requires submitting a valid passport, evidence of ties to the U.S., and proof that temporary residence abroad was due to circumstances beyond their control. |
| 6 | Boarding Foil (Temporary I-551) from U.S. Consulate, if applicable | U.S. permanent residents traveling abroad must present a valid Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) or, if expired or unavailable, a Boarding Foil (Temporary I-551) issued by a U.S. consulate to re-enter the country. The Boarding Foil serves as a temporary travel document, typically valid for up to one year, facilitating re-entry while the permanent resident awaits a replacement Green Card. |
| 7 | Advance Parole Document, if applicable | U.S. permanent residents typically need a valid Green Card and a passport from their country of citizenship to re-enter the United States, but those who have applied for or received an Advance Parole document must present it alongside their passport to ensure smooth re-entry, especially if they have pending applications for adjustment of status. The Advance Parole document acts as a travel permit allowing entry without a visa, which is critical for individuals who have not yet received their permanent resident status or who are traveling outside the U.S. while their immigration cases are being processed. |
| 8 | Expired Green Card with Notice of Extension (Form I-797), if applicable | U.S. permanent residents with an expired green card can re-enter the country using a valid Form I-797, Notice of Action, which serves as an official extension of the green card's validity for travel purposes. This document must accompany the expired green card and a valid passport to ensure smooth re-entry into the United States. |
Essential Travel Documents for U.S. Permanent Residents
U.S. permanent residents require specific documents to re-enter the country after international travel. Proper documentation ensures smooth processing at customs and border security checkpoints.
- Valid Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) - This card serves as proof of lawful permanent resident status and must be current and physically in your possession when re-entering the U.S.
- Valid Passport from Country of Citizenship - A passport is necessary for international travel and serves as your primary identification document abroad.
- Re-entry Permit (if applicable) - A re-entry permit is essential for permanent residents planning to stay outside the U.S. for an extended period, preventing potential abandonment of residency.
Valid Green Card Requirements for Re-entry
U.S. permanent residents must carry a valid Green Card (Form I-551) to re-enter the country. The Green Card must not be expired and should be in good condition to ensure smooth re-entry. Airlines and U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers require this document as proof of permanent resident status during travel.
Passport Guidelines for Lawful Permanent Residents
U.S. Permanent Residents must carry specific documents to re-enter the country smoothly. Passport guidelines are crucial for lawful permanent residents returning from international travel.
- Valid Foreign Passport - A permanent resident must have a valid passport from their country of citizenship to enter the U.S.
- Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) - This card proves your lawful permanent resident status and is mandatory for re-entry.
- Re-entry Permit (if applicable) - For absences longer than one year, a re-entry permit helps maintain permanent resident status during travel.
Reentry Permit: When and Why It’s Needed
A U.S. permanent resident must carry specific documents to re-enter the country, including their Green Card. A Reentry Permit is required if you plan to stay outside the U.S. for an extended period, usually more than one year but less than two years.
The Reentry Permit serves as proof that you did not intend to abandon your permanent resident status. It helps avoid potential issues with Customs and Border Protection when returning to the U.S. after a lengthy absence.
Travel Outside the U.S.: Duration and Implications
When traveling outside the U.S., a permanent resident must carry a valid Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) to re-enter without issues. Trips longer than six months may trigger additional scrutiny from Customs and Border Protection, requiring proof of intent to maintain U.S. residency. Extended absence could lead to questions about abandonment of permanent resident status, so planning travel duration carefully is crucial.
Entry Procedures at U.S. Ports of Entry
| Document | Description | Purpose at Entry |
|---|---|---|
| Green Card (Form I-551) | Official U.S. Permanent Resident Card proving lawful permanent residency. | Primary identification and proof of permanent resident status for re-entry. |
| Valid Passport from Country of Citizenship | Government-issued passport valid for international travel. | Establishes identity and nationality to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers. |
| Advance Parole Document (if applicable) | Travel document issued to permanent residents without a valid Green Card. | Allows re-entry when the Green Card is lost, expired, or pending renewal. |
| Re-entry Permit (Form I-327) | Document permitting permanent residents to remain outside the U.S. for extended periods. | Demonstrates intent to maintain permanent residency when abroad for more than one year. |
| Customs Declaration | Form completed upon arrival declaring goods and items being brought into the U.S. | Ensures compliance with U.S. import laws and identification of restricted items. |
| CBP Inspection Report | Record of inspection by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers. | Final approval from immigration authorities for entry into the United States. |
Secondary Inspection: What to Expect
What should you expect during secondary inspection when re-entering the U.S. as a permanent resident? Secondary inspection involves a thorough review of your travel documents and personal information by Customs and Border Protection officers. This process ensures compliance with immigration laws and verifies your eligibility to enter the country.
Special Considerations for Extended Absences
U.S. permanent residents must carry a valid Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) to re-enter the country after international travel. For absences longer than six months, additional documentation and precautions are necessary to maintain residency status.
Extended absences over six months may trigger scrutiny regarding abandonment of permanent residency. A Reentry Permit can help preserve status during absences up to two years. Continuous ties to the U.S., such as tax filings and property ownership, support re-entry eligibility.
Traveling with Expired or Lost Green Cards
```htmlU.S. permanent residents must carry a valid green card (Form I-551) to re-enter the country after international travel. Traveling with an expired or lost green card requires additional documentation to avoid re-entry denial.
If a green card is expired, residents should obtain a boarding foil or a temporary travel document from a U.S. consulate before returning. In cases of a lost green card, filing Form I-90 to replace it and carrying proof of permanent resident status is essential for re-entry.
```What Documents Does a U.S. Permanent Resident Need to Re-enter the Country? Infographic
