Q: Can I travel abroad without my physical green card?
I am currently in the United States and have been here for two months. I have received my Social Security card but am still waiting for my physical green card. I do not have advance parole, and I need to travel out of the country in a week. Can I travel without the physical green card, and what should I do?
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
- (916) 704-3009
- View Profile
- Answered
A:
You should know that traveling abroad without your physical green card and without advance parole can create difficulties when re-entering the United States. Your physical green card is the primary document that proves your permanent resident status.
It is a good idea to contact USCIS immediately to explain your situation and urgent travel needs. They might be able to issue a temporary I-551 stamp in your passport as proof of your status while you wait for the physical card.
You may also want to consider postponing your travel plans if possible until your documentation is complete, as this could help you avoid complications at the border.
Justia Ask A Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get free answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask A Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.
The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between Justia and you, or between any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions and you, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask A Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.
Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises, or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.
