Traveling abroad as a U.S. Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) involves specific rules and responsibilities, according to the latest guidance from the U.S. Embassy in Guyana’s monthly “Ask the Consul” column.
Green Card holders are generally permitted to travel outside the United States for brief or temporary periods without affecting their status. However, if U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) determines that an individual no longer intends to make the United States their permanent home, they may lose their permanent resident status. The embassy notes that absences of more than one year may lead to a finding of abandonment, but even shorter trips could raise concerns if there is evidence of intent not to return.
To demonstrate continued intent to reside in the United States, LPRs are advised to maintain ties such as family connections, employment, a U.S. mailing address, active bank accounts, property ownership, and by filing income tax returns as a resident.
Those planning trips abroad lasting more than one year should apply for a reentry permit using USCIS Form I-131 before departure. A reentry permit allows for return within its two-year validity period without needing a returning resident visa.
If an LPR remains outside the United States for over one year without an approved reentry permit, they can apply for a returning resident visa (SB-1) at their nearest U.S. Embassy. To qualify, applicants must prove they were lawful residents at departure, intended to return, and that circumstances beyond their control caused the extended stay.
For those who lose their Green Card while traveling in Guyana and have been away less than 12 months, it is possible to apply for a Boarding Foil at the embassy for reentry into the United States. Once back in the country, they must then apply through USCIS for a replacement Green Card. The current processing fee for a Boarding Foil is $575 and must be paid online before scheduling an appointment with the embassy.
The embassy also clarified that it does not process Green Card renewals; these must be handled directly through USCIS in the United States. If an expired Green Card had 10-year validity, airlines may allow travel with it provided other requirements are met.
Conditional Residents—those who received two-year green cards based on recent marriages—must ensure timely filing of Form I-751 before expiration if planning international travel. If this petition is pending and their card has expired, carrying the receipt notice from USCIS will extend its validity during travel.
Certain criminal convictions can result in deportation or loss of LPR status regardless of whether offenses occur inside or outside the United States.
“Ask the Consul” serves as a monthly resource addressing questions about immigration law and consular topics from American citizens and visa applicants in Guyana. Information about visas can be found at https://gy.usembassy.gov/, https://ais.usvisa-info.com/, and https://travel.state.gov/. Details on American Citizen Services are available at https://gy.usembassy.gov/services/.
Applicants are urged to prepare documents themselves rather than relying on third-party advisors due to frequent changes in consular processes and risks of inaccurate information from non-government sources. For general visa inquiries, contact details are available at https://ais.usvisa-info.com/en-gy/niv/information/contact_us.