It is essential that those who have obtained a permanent residence card in the United States know the number of times they can leave the United States and return without facing any difficulties. Below are some details on this very important topic.
First of all, it is worth emphasizing that it is an identity document that is granted to those people who reside in the aforementioned country, but who do not hold American citizenship. In general, the Green Card, as it is also known, grants foreigners the right to live and enjoy employment in this nation on an indefinite basis; however, they can lose it if they commit a criminal act.
According to information provided by the United States Customs and Border Protection Office (CBP), individuals who manage to acquire the card in question have the opportunity to leave this country and return to it on several occasions, provided that their stay outside of the United States does not last a year or more.
Those interested in taking an international trip lasting one year or more must first complete the corresponding procedures with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) in order to obtain a re-entry permit.
In this regard, the CBP website states: "A reentry permit allows a lawful permanent resident or conditional permanent resident to apply for admission to the United States upon returning from abroad during the validity of the permit without the need to obtain a returning resident visa from a United States embassy or consulate."
This permit will remain valid for two years from the date it is granted. Therefore, those who do not enter the United States within this legal period run a high risk of not being allowed to do so later.
This reentry permit is requested by submitting travel document I-131 to USCIS.
In this regard, CBP clarifies: "If you applied for status to be a permanent resident, but are not yet officially a permanent resident 'green card holder' and need to leave the United States for an emergency, [you] must also apply for and receive an advance departure permit to leave the United States by filing an I-131 application with USCIS."
It is also important to note that those who have a permanent residence card or Green Card are required to carry it with them at all times, a requirement that does not affect US citizens.
