If you have ever wondered if you can re-enter the United States without a visa, now, since November 25, there is a new and clear answer from CBP. If you have a Green Card, you can return without a visa and even without a passport (as long as no more than one year has passed since you left).
You will not need to go through immigration again if you needed to return to your country, and many were afraid to leave in case, on the way back, they had to redo all the paperwork. The CBP agency has officially confirmed it and, since then, thousands of residents are breathing a little easier.
Does something change?
If you are a permanent resident and your absence is less than 12 months, your Green Card is enough to enter. No tourist visa, no ESTA, no valid passport, only your Green Card will be enough.
Only key to return
The I-551 card works as complete and sufficient proof of your legal status, it is your entry document and they do not need to ask for anything else as long as you comply with the limit, you have 365 days to be outside the country, if you take longer to return, you will have to apply for residency again.
For years, thousands of residents asked themselves the same questions: if their passports expired while they were abroad, if they had to get the B1/B2 visa just to return, and many even hesitated to go back to their home countries for fear of losing their status, but with this clarification from CBP, the answer is finally clear: you can travel abroad with your Green Card and return as if you were just another American.
Careful!
The relaxation does NOT apply to all scenarios, nor to all travelers. As we told you, if you are outside the U.S. for more than 12 months, in that case you will definitely need a reentry permit, which you must have requested before leaving the country, because without it you could lose your status or face a very uncomfortable inspection upon arrival.
If you do not have a Green Card
Then absolutely nothing changes, you still need your visa, your valid passport or, if applicable, your ESTA authorization to enter U.S. territory.
What if I lost my Green Card?
If you lost it, it got wet, it broke or you simply left it in a drawer… the exception does NOT apply, let’s be adults, please!
This means…
That for residents in our country there are fewer procedures, less paperwork and much less stress when traveling back home, and above all, a much faster entry back into the United States. You will arrive, show your Green Card, answer whatever the officer asks you, and that’s it.
Traveling for health, family or work
Many residents leave for urgent commitments, funerals, births, medical treatments, temporary jobs… and this way they can have a much more comfortable margin when traveling to their home countries.
What does NOT change
We must remember that this is not a “new immigration benefit,” it does not change any law. It does not open the door to unlimited travel and it is not a free pass for someone who stays away a long time.
Returning home and Green Card
We remind you once again, you can leave the country for whatever reasons, but you need to return to the United States before a year passes, otherwise, you will have problems with your Green Card.
But also remember that if you are not a resident, or if you plan to stay out for more than 12 months, the usual rules still apply and you will need other documents or a visa.
A small reminder to save yourself scares at the airport or arguments at the immigration window!