Returning to the US with an expired Green Card?
Dec 18th 2019, 10:04 pm
#1
Forum Regular
Thread Starter
Joined: Oct 2009
Location: San Diego, USA
Posts: 41
Returning to the US with an expired Green Card?
Hi,
My Green Card expires Jan 6, 2020.
I'm trying to decide between renewing it (total cost $540) and applying for US Citizenship (total cost $725).
But I will need to return to the UK in a few months, before I become a US citizen.
When I return to the US, my Green Card will have expired.
Will I still be able to get back into the US with the proof of the N-400 application?
Thank you
My Green Card expires Jan 6, 2020.
I'm trying to decide between renewing it (total cost $540) and applying for US Citizenship (total cost $725).
But I will need to return to the UK in a few months, before I become a US citizen.
When I return to the US, my Green Card will have expired.
Will I still be able to get back into the US with the proof of the N-400 application?
Thank you
Dec 19th 2019, 12:51 pm
#2
Often not so civil...
Joined: Apr 2010
Location: The Boonies, GA
Posts: 9,561
Re: Returning to the US with an expired Green Card?
Will I still be able to get back into the US with the proof of the N-400 application?
I'd be expecting a lecture from CBP though - and you might have some trouble with the airline being allowed to board in the UK without any obvious valid current document stating your status as an LPR.
Dec 19th 2019, 6:27 pm
#3
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Mar 2015
Location: Virginia
Posts: 352
Re: Returning to the US with an expired Green Card?
Hi,
My Green Card expires Jan 6, 2020.
I'm trying to decide between renewing it (total cost $540) and applying for US Citizenship (total cost $725).
But I will need to return to the UK in a few months, before I become a US citizen.
When I return to the US, my Green Card will have expired.
Will I still be able to get back into the US with the proof of the N-400 application?
Thank you
My Green Card expires Jan 6, 2020.
I'm trying to decide between renewing it (total cost $540) and applying for US Citizenship (total cost $725).
But I will need to return to the UK in a few months, before I become a US citizen.
When I return to the US, my Green Card will have expired.
Will I still be able to get back into the US with the proof of the N-400 application?
Thank you
Dec 19th 2019, 6:42 pm
#4
Turning into a PA gal!
Joined: Feb 2013
Location: State College PA, finally!
Posts: 3,563
Re: Returning to the US with an expired Green Card?
From the Special Instructions section of this page:https://www.uscis.gov/n-400
So it looks like you will need to renew your green card anyway before you can file N-400 as you are outside the six month period.
Lost or Expiring Permanent Resident Card: If you lost your Permanent Resident Card or your card expired, you generally must still file Form I-90 even if you have applied for naturalization. However, if you properly file Form I-90 or you filed your Form N-400 at least six months before your Permanent Resident Card expired, we may issue you an Alien Documentation, Identification & Telecommunications (ADIT) stamp as temporary proof of your lawful permanent resident status.
Dec 19th 2019, 8:08 pm
#5
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2015
Location: New Jersey, USA
Posts: 565
Re: Returning to the US with an expired Green Card?
An airline will accept an expired 10 year green card to board a flight to the USA but you'll probably get grilled by CBP when you arrive, they will let you back in though.
The more concerning thing is what lizzyq posted above. It's a shame you didn't file for citizenship a few months earlier
The more concerning thing is what lizzyq posted above. It's a shame you didn't file for citizenship a few months earlier
Dec 19th 2019, 10:01 pm
#6
Forum Regular
Thread Starter
Joined: Oct 2009
Location: San Diego, USA
Posts: 41
Re: Returning to the US with an expired Green Card?
Many thanks for the replies!
Sounds like the best thing is to renew the Green Card (and consider Citizenship later, maybe)...
Hopefully I can get a stamp in my passport or something to allow me to leave and return to the US while the Green Card is being processed?
Sounds like the best thing is to renew the Green Card (and consider Citizenship later, maybe)...
Hopefully I can get a stamp in my passport or something to allow me to leave and return to the US while the Green Card is being processed?
Dec 24th 2019, 1:02 am
#7
Austin. TX.
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 5,930
Re: Returning to the US with an expired Green Card?
also covers recently expired green cards...
https://uk.usembassy.gov/lost-or-stolen-green-cards/
I would apply for your replacement green card before you leave since you're going to need that for naturalisation anyway and hopefully this will mean CBP give you less grief when you arrive.
https://uk.usembassy.gov/lost-or-stolen-green-cards/
Although regulations generally require an LPR to travel with a valid Green Card, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) policy permits a transportation carrier bound for the United States to board an LPR without carrier documentation if you:
- Are an LPR who has an expired Green Card that was issued with a 10-year expiration date, or,
- Are an LPR with an expired Green Card with a two-year expiration date AND you also have a Form I-797, Notice of Action, for Form I-751 or Form I-829 to remove the conditions on your permanent resident status. The Notice of Action extends the validity of the Green Card for a specified length of time, generally one year.
Dec 28th 2019, 8:06 pm
#8
Forum Regular
Thread Starter
Joined: Oct 2009
Location: San Diego, USA
Posts: 41
Re: Returning to the US with an expired Green Card?
Thanks for your reply, much appreciated!
