As long as they respect the time limitations, green card holders can travel the world freely.
A legal permanent resident, or green card holder, is not as free to engage in extended travel as is an American citizen. Green card holders are subject to length limitations and in some cases are required to obtain special documentation before lengthy travel abroad. U.S. residency status is reserved for those intending to live in the United States, not visit a few months out of the year just to maintain status. For this reason there are strict regulations set in place to ensure that the system is not abused.
Travel Lengths
Green card holders, or legal permanent residents (LPRs), are allowed to leave the United States for travel or visitation purposes for lengths of stay that are under one year. This time is measured in continuous stays, not in cumulative. There is nothing unlawful about multiple trips outside of the country per year. No special paperwork or document is needed upon re-entry for a green card holder who has been absent from the country for less than a year. Those entering the United States as LPRs enter the same way as U.S. citizens do.
Re-entry Permits
Staying outside of the U.S. for periods between one to two years requires special permission from the USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) in the form of a re-entry permit. You can file an I-131 application for re-entry permit online at the USCIS website (uscis.gov). The filing and biometrics fee total $385, as of 2010. The I-131 must be filed within the United States. You cannot leave while it is still pending, so make sure to file it before making your travel reservations.
Extended Stays Abroad
There are exceptions to the two-year rule, and that is through employment and education. LPRs are allowed to maintain their status if they are absent from the country for extended stays with proof of employment transfer or university subscription as long as there is significant proof and reason for return. Employment contracts outlining the duration and purpose of employment and university acceptance letters are required when applying for a re-entry permit.
Abandonment
LPRs who leave the country for longer than a year without obtaining a re-entry permit will likely be considered to have abandoned their status in the United States and lose their residency. In such cases they will appear in front of an immigration judge to review their case. Those who do find themselves outside of the United States for longer than one year without a permit should request a returning residence visa from the nearest U.S. consulate before returning to the United States, after which they can plead their status case.
Tags: United States, re-entry permit, card holders, green card, than year
