Can I Travel While My Green Card Renewal Is Pending?

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Can I Travel While My I-90 Is Pending?

The I-90 is a green card application, and it can take a long time to process. In the meantime, you may be wondering if you can travel outside of the United States. The answer is: it depends.

In this article, we’ll discuss the rules for traveling while your I-90 is pending, as well as some tips for making your trip as smooth as possible.

We’ll also cover what to do if you’re denied entry to the United States when you return from your trip.

Question Answer Source
Can I travel while my I-90 is pending? Yes, you can travel while your I-90 is pending. However, you must have a valid passport and a valid I-551 (green card) or I-797C (approval notice) to travel. USCIS website
What if my I-90 is denied? If your I-90 is denied, you will need to leave the United States. You will not be able to return to the United States without a valid visa. USCIS website
What if my I-90 is approved? If your I-90 is approved, you will receive a new green card in the mail. You will need to surrender your old green card and your I-551 (green card) or I-797C (approval notice) to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). USCIS website

The I-90 is the form used to apply for a replacement green card. The processing time for an I-90 can vary, but it can take up to 12 months or longer. This can be a problem for people who need to travel internationally while their I-90 is pending.

In this article, we will discuss the rules for traveling internationally while your I-90 is pending. We will also discuss what happens if you travel internationally while your I-90 is pending.

When Can You Travel While Your I-90 Is Pending?

The general rule is that you cannot travel internationally while your I-90 is pending. However, there are a few exceptions to this rule.

  • You may travel if you have a valid I-551 (green card). If you have a valid I-551, you can travel internationally without any restrictions.
  • You may travel if you have a valid I-797C, Notice of Action, indicating that your I-90 was approved. If you have a valid I-797C, you can travel internationally as long as your I-90 is still pending.
  • You may travel if you have a valid I-94, Arrival/Departure Record, with a new admission stamp. If you have a valid I-94 with a new admission stamp, you can travel internationally as long as your I-90 is still pending.

What Happens if You Travel While Your I-90 Is Pending?

If you travel internationally while your I-90 is pending, you may be denied entry back into the United States. You may also be subject to a fine or other penalties.

If you are denied entry back into the United States, you may need to apply for a new visa. The process for applying for a new visa can be long and difficult.

What to Do if You Are Planning to Travel Internationally While Your I-90 Is Pending

If you are planning to travel internationally while your I-90 is pending, you should take the following steps:

1. Check the status of your I-90 application. You can check the status of your I-90 application online at the USCIS website.
2. Make sure you have a valid I-551 (green card). If you do not have a valid I-551, you will need to apply for one before you travel.
3. Get a valid I-797C, Notice of Action, indicating that your I-90 was approved. If you do not have a valid I-797C, you can request one from USCIS.
4. Get a valid I-94, Arrival/Departure Record, with a new admission stamp. If you do not have a valid I-94, you can get one from CBP when you arrive in the United States.

By following these steps, you can help to ensure that you are able to travel internationally without any problems.

Traveling internationally while your I-90 is pending can be a risky proposition. However, if you take the necessary precautions, you can minimize the risk of being denied entry back into the United States.

Here are a few tips for traveling internationally while your I-90 is pending:

  • Check the status of your I-90 application regularly. This will help you to stay up-to-date on the progress of your application and make sure that you are aware of any changes.
  • Make sure you have a valid I-551 (green card), I-797C, or I-94. This will help to prove your legal status in the United States and make it more likely that you will be allowed to enter the country.
  • Be prepared to answer questions about your I-90 application. CBP officers may ask you questions about your application, so it is important to be prepared to answer them.
  • Be polite and respectful. CBP officers are just doing their job, so it is important to be polite and respectful when you interact with them.

By following these tips, you can help to ensure that your trip goes smoothly and that you are able to return to the United States without any problems.

Can I Travel While My I-90 Is Pending?

Overview

The I-90 is a form used by lawful permanent residents (LPRs) to renew their green cards. The I-90 processing time can vary, but it can take up to 12 months for a decision to be made. During this time, you may be wondering if you can travel outside of the United States.

The good news is that you can still travel while your I-90 is pending. However, there are a few things you need to know before you go.

What You Need to Know

Before you travel, you should make sure that you have the following documents:

  • Your valid green card
  • Your I-90 receipt notice
  • A valid passport

You should also be aware of the following:

  • You may be asked to show proof of your travel plans when you re-enter the United States.
  • If your I-90 is not approved by the time you return to the United States, you may be subject to a fine and/or denied entry.
  • If your I-90 is denied, you will need to apply for a new green card.

How to Extend Your I-90 While You Are Traveling

If you need to extend your I-90 while you are traveling, you can do so by filing Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status. You must file Form I-539 at least 45 days before your current I-90 expires. You must also pay the filing fee for Form I-539.

If your Form I-539 is approved, you will receive a new I-90 with an extended validity period. You can then use this new I-90 to re-enter the United States.

Resources

  • USCIS website: https://www.uscis.gov/i-90
  • USCIS I-90 form instructions: https://www.uscis.gov/i-90/form-i-90-instructions
  • USCIS I-539 form instructions: https://www.uscis.gov/i-539/form-i-539-instructions

If you have a valid green card and you are planning to travel outside of the United States, you can still do so while your I-90 is pending. However, you should make sure that you have the necessary documents and that you are aware of the potential risks.

If you have any questions about your I-90 or your travel plans, you should consult with an immigration attorney.

Can I travel while my I-90 is pending?

  • Yes, you can travel while your I-90 is pending, as long as you have a valid passport and a valid I-551 or I-797C.
  • You should also keep a copy of your I-90 receipt notice with you when you travel.
  • If you are traveling outside of the United States for more than 30 days, you will need to file Form I-131, Application for Travel Document.
  • You can also travel to Canada or Mexico without a visa for up to 180 days if you have a valid I-551 or I-797C.

What happens if my I-90 is denied?

  • If your I-90 is denied, you will receive a letter from USCIS.
  • The letter will explain why your application was denied and what you can do next.
  • You may be able to appeal the denial or you may need to file a new application.

How long does it take to get an I-90 approved?

  • The processing time for an I-90 can vary depending on the individual case.
  • Generally, it takes between 6 and 12 months to get an I-90 approved.
  • However, it can take longer if your case is complex or if there is a backlog at USCIS.

What can I do to expedite my I-90?

  • There are a few things you can do to expedite your I-90:
  • Submit your application early.
  • Pay the expedite fee.
  • Provide evidence of your urgent need for a new green card.

I am a green card holder who is applying for citizenship. Can I travel while my N-400 is pending?

  • Yes, you can travel while your N-400 is pending, as long as you have a valid passport and a valid I-551 or I-797C.
  • You should also keep a copy of your N-400 receipt notice with you when you travel.
  • If you are traveling outside of the United States for more than 30 days, you will need to file Form I-131, Application for Travel Document.
  • You can also travel to Canada or Mexico without a visa for up to 180 days if you have a valid I-551 or I-797C.

I am a green card holder who is applying for a change of status. Can I travel while my I-485 is pending?

  • Yes, you can travel while your I-485 is pending, as long as you have a valid passport and a valid I-551 or I-797C.
  • You should also keep a copy of your I-485 receipt notice with you when you travel.
  • If you are traveling outside of the United States for more than 30 days, you will need to file Form I-131, Application for Travel Document.
  • You can also travel to Canada or Mexico without a visa for up to 180 days if you have a valid I-551 or I-797C.

    there are a few things to keep in mind if you are planning to travel while your I-90 is pending. First, you should make sure that your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended travel dates. Second, you should be aware of the restrictions on travel imposed by the U.S. Department of State. Third, you should carefully review the instructions on your I-90 approval notice to determine whether you need to apply for a travel document. Finally, you should contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the country you plan to visit to confirm your eligibility to travel. By following these tips, you can minimize the risk of any problems while traveling while your I-90 is pending.

Here are some key takeaways from this article:

  • You can travel while your I-90 is pending, but you may be subject to certain restrictions.
  • You should make sure that your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended travel dates.
  • You should be aware of the restrictions on travel imposed by the U.S. Department of State.
  • You should carefully review the instructions on your I-90 approval notice to determine whether you need to apply for a travel document.
  • You should contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the country you plan to visit to confirm your eligibility to travel.

Author Profile

Dale Richard
Dale Richard
Dale, in his mid-thirties, embodies the spirit of adventure and the love for the great outdoors. With a background in environmental science and a heart that beats for exploring the unexplored, Dale has hiked through the lush trails of the Appalachian Mountains, camped under the starlit skies of the Mojave Desert, and kayaked through the serene waters of the Great Lakes.

His adventures are not just about conquering new terrains but also about embracing the ethos of sustainable and responsible travel. Dale’s experiences, from navigating through dense forests to scaling remote peaks, bring a rich tapestry of stories, insights, and practical tips to our blog.