2 Yr Green Card Visiting Other Countries

[harvardiv 5]

Got a question.  My wife got her greencard last year.  Are there any restrictions to travel for its 2 years of use?  Do we need a special travel form along with it?  How about w/ the regular 10 yr greencard?  during the time we are waiting to get approved for the 10 year Greencard are there any travel restrictions in the mean time?  Do we need a special travel form in addition?  

 

 

Thanks,

 

Chris

[Scandi 3,970]

With a greencard you can travel and work just like anybody else (apart from jobs that require citizenship, of course). Doesn't matter if it's a 2 year or 10 year greencard, it's the same. A valid greencard is all you need.

 

When you file for the 10 year greencard you will be given an extension letter. It extends the legal permanent status with 18 months from the expiration date of the 2 year greencard. You can travel with this extension letter AND the expired greencard, together they're valid for entering the US again after being abroad.

Edited July 29, 2019 by Scandi

[gregcrs2 1,777]

Only restrictions would be based on any visa requirements for Ukrainian passport holders (Canada being the exception as green card holders can travel to Canada).  

[NigeriaorBust 4,087]

  As stated your spouse will need whatever visa that was needed before the green card. However US residency tends to reduce the rejection rate when applying.

[Just Paul 4,591]

Agree with above.   

 

If her passport is in her maiden name carry a copy of the marriage certificate.

[Ksenia_O 695]

16 hours ago, gregcrs2 said:

Only restrictions would be based on any visa requirements for Ukrainian passport holders (Canada being the exception as green card holders can travel to Canada).  

The only thing - an eTA would be needed if travel to/through Canada by air. Takes 5 minutes to apply, costs $7 (Canadian dollars) and valid for 5 years.

 

https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/eta/eligibility.html

Edited July 29, 2019 by Ksenia_O

[Mollie09 1,543]

There are restrictions on how long a green card holder can spend outside the US - whether it be a 2-year or 10-year card.

[IsabelleFredrick 6]

8 hours ago, Mollie09 said:

There are restrictions on how long a green card holder can spend outside the US - whether it be a 2-year or 10-year card.

What restrictions? 

[Mollie09 1,543]

7 hours ago, IsabelleFredrick said:

What restrictions? 

USCIS considers "extended periods" outside the US to be abandonment of your status. That can be anything from 6 months to more than a year, depending on other circumstances.

Basically being outside the country for more than 6 months can cause suspicion of abandonment. More than a year is considered abandonment.

[Ontarkie 13,917]

~~Moved to Working and Traveling, from AOS Family - THe OP is past AOS and asking about traveling before ROC.~~