What Documents Prove Your Legal Stay in the U.S. Before Departure

(UNITED STATES) If you’re leaving the country and worry about proving your lawful stay when asked by airline staff, border officers, or consular staff, the answer starts with the documents you carry. This eligibility guide helps you quickly tell if you have the right proof on hand, what counts as strong evidence, what can disqualify you, and how to strengthen your file before traveling.

It focuses on three anchor records—your Green Card, Form I-94, and Form I-797—plus a short list of supporting papers.

Quick eligibility check: do you have enough proof right now?

Answer yes/no to each. If you hit “yes” for a top-tier proof and at least one support item, you’re likely prepared to show you stayed in the United States 🇺🇸 legally.

• Do you have a valid, unexpired Green Card (Form I-551)? If yes, you hold the strongest proof of permanent resident status. See the official Green Card page for what it is and how it works.
• If you’re not a resident, do you have a recent Form I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record) that matches your last entry and current status? You can view and print it from Form I-94.
• Do you have a USCIS approval notice, Form I-797, that shows your approved status or class of admission? See details at Form I-797.
• Is your passport valid and does it include a U.S. entry stamp?
• Do you have a valid visa in your passport (if your category requires a visa)?
• If you’re work-authorized but not a resident, do you hold an Employment Authorization Document (EAD, Form I-766)? This card is strong proof that USCIS recognizes your lawful presence and work eligibility.
• If you’re a permanent resident planning a long trip, do you have a Reentry Permit (Form I-327) issued after filing Form I-131?

Support items that help confirm continuous stay:
– Recent lease, utility bills, tax filings, or pay stubs
– A state ID or driver’s license if you don’t have a Green Card or EAD

If you answered “no” to all of the top-tier proofs and have only support items, you should add at least one primary document before you travel.

What counts as strong, acceptable proof

Carry originals where possible. Keep clear, secure digital copies, and consider certified copies as a backup. The most persuasive set includes:

• Green Card (Permanent Resident Card, Form I-551): The gold standard for permanent residents. A valid, unexpired card confirms lawful permanent status and past admission to the United States 🇺🇸. If you’re a returning resident, this is often enough on its own, especially with your passport.
• Form I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record): Shows your most recent lawful admission and the status given (for example, H-1B, L-1, B-2) and your “admit until” date or “D/S” (duration of status). Print the most recent record from Form I-94.
• Form I-797 (USCIS Approval Notice): Confirms USCIS approved your status. Some I-797A notices have a tear-off I-94 at the bottom; that I-94 is key proof of your current status and authorized stay. See the official description at Form I-797.
• Passport with U.S. entry stamp and valid visa (if required): The stamp confirms an inspected entry; the visa shows you were allowed to apply for that status at the border or airport.
• Employment Authorization Document (EAD, Form I-766): A current EAD shows you’re lawfully present and allowed to work. It’s widely accepted as status proof for many nonresidents.
• Reentry Permit (Form I-327): For permanent residents who plan long trips, this document helps show you didn’t abandon residence. It’s issued after filing Form I-131.

According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, carrying originals or certified copies, with secure digital backups, helps avoid last-minute issues and speeds up checks by carriers or officers.

Eligibility by common traveler profiles

• Permanent resident with a valid Green Card:
  • You meet the core proof test. Add your passport, any recent Form I-94, and travel with confidence.
  • A Reentry Permit is wise if you’ll be abroad for a long period.
• Temporary worker, student, or visitor:
  • You should have a current Form I-94, a valid visa (if your category needs one), and a matching Form I-797 if USCIS approved your status or extended it.
  • An EAD (if you have one) strengthens your file.
• Those registered as required:
  • Bring your printed Proof of Alien Registration from your online account, plus your passport and top-tier proof above.

Disqualifying factors and red flags that weaken your file

The following items can trigger extra questions, boarding delays, or refusal to board. Fix what you can before you travel.

• Expired Green Card or EAD with no other current primary proof
• Missing Form I-94 or an I-94 that does not match your current category or dates
• No passport or a passport that’s expired
• Expired visa when you need a visa for the airline to board you to the United States 🇺🇸
• No Form I-797 where USCIS approval is needed to show status (for example, after a change or extension)
• Fake or altered documents (never carry or present foreign or fake IDs)
• Gaps in proof of presence with no support items like bills, pay stubs, or tax records

If you don’t have one of the key items

• Missing Form I-94:
  • Visit Form I-94 to print your most recent record.
  • If it’s not found or is wrong, collect your entry stamp, visa page, and trip records to show lawful entry.
• No Green Card on hand:
  • If you’re a resident but your card is lost or expired, bring your passport, any copy of the card, and a recent Form I-797 that shows status.
  • Add support items like a driver’s license and tax filings.
  • Renew or replace your card as soon as you return.
• No Form I-797 when your stay is based on an approval:
  • Gather any email or mail from USCIS that shows the receipt number, plus your I-94 and entry stamp.
  • Keep pay stubs or school records that align with your status.
• No EAD, but you’re work-authorized:
  • Carry your I-94 and any Form I-797 that confirms approval of status that permits work.
  • Add pay stubs and employer letters.

How to improve your chances before you leave

• Make a slim, clean packet:
  • Put your passport, Green Card or EAD, printed Form I-94, and Form I-797 on top.
  • Keep support items behind them.
• Bring only what’s needed:
  • More is not always better. Too many papers can confuse the check.
  • Stick to clear, official records.
• Keep digital backups:
  • Store PDFs on your phone and in secure cloud storage.
  • Screenshots of I-94 and I-797 are helpful.
• Print legible copies:
  • If a barcode or number is cut off, print it again.
• Match names and dates:
  • Make sure your passport name matches your USCIS notices.
  • If there’s a mismatch, add a document that explains it (like a marriage certificate).
• Plan for longer trips:
  • Permanent residents should consider a Reentry Permit (Form I-327) for extended travel. It’s issued after filing Form I-131.

Practical examples

• A software engineer with H-1B status should carry:
  1. Passport with H-1B visa
  2. Most recent Form I-94
  3. The H-1B approval Form I-797A (with the tear-off I-94)
  4. Recent pay stubs

  Note: If the visa is expired but the I-797 and I-94 are valid, they still prove lawful stay; however, an expired visa may affect boarding for return travel.

• A permanent resident visiting parents abroad should carry:

  • Passport, Green Card, and if staying many months, a Reentry Permit (Form I-327)
  • Add a few support items like a utility bill and tax transcript to show ties
• A student with work permission should carry:
  • Passport with entry stamp
  • Latest Form I-94
  • EAD (Form I-766) if issued
  • School records such as current enrollment proof

Document care and common-sense tips

• Never carry fake or altered IDs. This can cause serious problems, including denial of boarding or worse.
• Keep documents dry, clean, and flat. Use a simple folder.
• Do not hand over originals unless asked by an officer. Show copies first to airline staff if that’s enough.
• Store a spare copy set in your checked bag or share securely with a trusted person.

Why these three records matter most

• The Green Card shows permanent status, which is the highest level of proof for residence.
• Form I-94 anchors your most recent lawful entry and the terms of your stay.
• Form I-797 connects you to an official USCIS decision, often proving an approval that explains your current status. When an I-797A includes an I-94, it becomes a two-in-one proof.

Together, they create a clear story: how you entered, what status you hold, and that the U.S. government recognizes it.

Key takeaway: Carry your top-tier proofs first (Green Card, printed Form I-94, Form I-797, or EAD), backed by a few support items — that simple packet is your best defense against travel delays.

What to do if questioned

• Stay calm and answer with short, clear facts.
• Present your passport and your top proof first: Green Card, printed Form I-94, or Form I-797.
• If the officer wants more, show your support items (bills, pay stubs, tax filings).
• If something seems off in your records, say you’ll follow up with USCIS or CBP and show your backups.

Final pre-trip checklist

• Passport valid for your full trip
• One or more of these top proofs:
  • Green Card (Form I-551)
  • Printed Form I-94 from Form I-94
  • Form I-797 approval notice from Form I-797
  • EAD (Form I-766) if you have one
• If you’re a permanent resident traveling long-term:
  • Reentry Permit (Form I-327) issued after Form I-131
• Support items: lease, utility bill, tax filing, pay stubs, and a government ID if no Green Card or EAD
• Digital and printed copies ready and easy to reach

The bottom line: if you carry your Green Card or EAD, your valid passport and visa (if needed), your most recent Form I-94, and any related Form I-797 notices, you’ll have a strong, simple package that shows lawful stay and supports smooth travel.