Linthicum Heights, MD asked in Immigration Law for Maryland

Q: Am I safe to travel with a 48-month green card extension?

I have applied for the petition to remove conditions on my green card and received a 48-month extension. I plan to travel for a week-long vacation outside the U.S. I have traveled outside the United States with an extension notice before. Is it safe for me to travel and re-enter the U.S. without issues?

Related Topics:
2 Lawyer Answers

A: Consider reviewing and modifying your social media and phone content prior to travel.

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
Answered

A: Yes, you should be able to travel with your 48-month green card extension, as long as you carry both your expired green card and the original extension notice issued by USCIS. These documents together serve as proof of your continued lawful permanent resident status. When re-entering the U.S., present them to the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer to confirm your status.

Before traveling, check that your passport is valid for the duration of your trip and review any possible entry requirements for your destination. Some countries may ask for a visa or specific documentation based on your residency status. It’s also a good idea to carry evidence of your pending I-751 case, such as a USCIS receipt notice, in case you need additional proof.

If your trip is short and you have all necessary documents, you are likely to be allowed re-entry without issues. However, delays at the border can happen, especially if your case is under review. If you plan to be outside the U.S. for an extended period, you may want to take extra precautions to avoid complications.

Symantha Rhodes agrees with this answer

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.