Can I travel to Mexico while waiting for green card?

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) does provide that immigrants may travel abroad while waiting on their Green Card, officially known as a Permanent Resident Card. In order to obtain Advance Parole, you must complete Form I-131—Application for Travel Document.

What happens after my immigrant visa is approved?

Once you have received your immigrant visa, you must enter the United States within the visa validity period to obtain an alien registration receipt or “green” card (Form I-151 or I-551) that will allow you to live and work in the United States. You will receive your visa and a sealed packet from the courier service.

Can I travel outside the US with an immigrant visa?

The holder of a USCIS re-entry permit may remain outside of the United States during validity period of re-entry permit normally up to 24 months. A U.S. relative (spouse, parent, offspring or sibling) or U.S. employer may file an immigrant petition on behalf of the former immigrant in the normal manner.

How long does it take to get your Green Card after approval?

After you receive the welcome notice, you should receive your Green Card in the mail sometime in the next 30 days. Altogether, that means you should receive your Green Card within 60 days of your approval for permanent resident status.

How long do you have to stay in the US after getting a Green Card?

1 year
If you are a lawful permanent resident (green card holder), you may leave the U.S. multiple times and reenter, as long as you do not intend to stay outside the U.S. for 1 year or more. This 1-year rule creates a rebuttable presumption that you intended to abandon your residency.

Do immigrant visas expire?

A visa must be valid at the time a traveler seeks admission to the United States, but the expiration date of the visa (validity period/length of time the visa can be used) has no relation to the length of time a temporary visitor may be authorized by the Department of Homeland Security to remain in the United States.

Can I travel to us while waiting for my green card?

The question that you have is will you be able to travel back home to visit family while you wait. If you submit the Form I-131 with your green card application and it is approved by the USCIS you are essentially authorized to travel in and out of the US while your green card is being processed.

How do I get a green card with an immigrant visa?

Once you have received your immigrant visa, you must enter the United States within the visa validity period to obtain an alien registration receipt or “green” card (Form I-151 or I-551) that will allow you to live and work in the United States.

Can a family preference immigrant apply for a green card?

If you are currently outside the United States, see Consular Processing for information about how to apply for a Green Card as a family preference immigrant. An immigrant visa is immediately available to you at the time you file your Form I-485 and at the time USCIS makes a final decision on your application.

Do you have to pay for a green card before entering?

You must pay the fee prior to departing for the United States. USCIS will not issue your green card until USCIS receives payment. However, even if you have not paid the fee, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers will admit you, as long as you are otherwise eligible to enter.

What to expect after your visa is approved and issued?

What to Expect After Your Visa is Approved and Issued. Once you have received your immigrant visa, you must enter the United States within the visa validity period to obtain an alien registration receipt or “green” card (Form I-151 or I-551) that will allow you to live and work in the United States.