Can You Travel Internationally While Your Green Card Renewal Is Pending?

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Key Takeaways

• USCIS extends green card validity 36 months after Form I-90 filing starting September 10, 2024.
• Travel and re-entry allowed with expired green card plus Form I-797C receipt notice for three years.
• Expired green card and I-90 receipt must be carried to avoid border issues and prove status.

Traveling Internationally While Your Green Card Renewal Is Pending: What Lawful Permanent Residents Need to Know in 2025

Lawful permanent residents (LPRs) of the United States 🇺🇸 often need to travel internationally for family, work, or emergencies. But what happens if your green card is expiring or has already expired, and you are still waiting for your new card? As of June 2025, the United States 🇺🇸 government has clear rules and updated policies that make this situation easier to handle. Here’s what you need to know about traveling while your green card renewal is pending, how the process works, and what steps you should take to avoid problems at the border.

Can You Travel Internationally While Your Green Card Renewal Is Pending?

Who is affected?
Any lawful permanent resident whose green card is expiring or has expired and who has filed Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card, with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

What’s new?
USCIS now gives a 36-month automatic extension of green card validity for travel and employment after you file Form I-90. This means you can travel and return to the United States 🇺🇸 with your expired green card and the receipt notice for up to three years while waiting for your new card.

When did this start?
The 36-month extension began on September 10, 2024, and remains in effect as of June 2025.

Where does this apply?
This policy applies to all lawful permanent residents of the United States 🇺🇸 who have filed for green card renewal.

Why is this important?
Green card processing times have grown longer, and many people need to travel before their new card arrives. The longer extension helps LPRs avoid travel problems and keeps families and businesses running smoothly.

How does it work?
You must file Form I-90, keep your expired green card, and carry the official receipt notice (Form I-797C) when you travel. These two documents together prove your status and allow you to re-enter the United States 🇺🇸.

Let’s break down the details, step by step, and look at what this means for you and your family.

The Green Card Renewal Process and Travel Validity

Filing Form I-90: The First Step

If your green card is about to expire or has already expired, you need to file Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card. This is the official form used to renew your green card. You can find the latest version and instructions on the USCIS Form I-90 page.

Key steps:
– File Form I-90 online or by mail as soon as possible, ideally before your card expires.
– Pay the required fee and submit all supporting documents.
– Wait for USCIS to send you a receipt notice (Form I-797C).

The 36-Month Extension: What It Means

After you file Form I-90, USCIS will send you Form I-797C, Notice of Action. This notice confirms that your green card renewal is pending. As of September 10, 2024, this receipt notice automatically extends your green card’s validity for 36 months (three years) from the date you filed Form I-90.

What does this extension cover?
– Travel: You can leave and return to the United States 🇺🇸 using your expired green card and the I-90 receipt notice.
– Employment: You can continue to work and show these documents as proof of your status.
– Proof of Status: These documents together prove you are still a lawful permanent resident.

This change is important because, before September 2024, the extension was only 12 months. Many people found that their green card renewal took longer than a year, which caused problems for travel and work. The new 36-month extension matches current USCIS processing times and gives you more peace of mind.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Travel While Your Green Card Renewal Is Pending

Traveling internationally while your green card renewal is pending is possible, but you must follow the correct steps to avoid problems when you return.

1. File Form I-90

Start the process as soon as you know your green card will expire.
Use the official USCIS Form I-90 page to get the latest form and instructions.
Submit your application online or by mail, and pay the required fee.

2. Receive Form I-797C, Notice of Action

After you file, USCIS will send you a receipt notice (Form I-797C).
This notice is very important. It proves your renewal is pending and gives you the 36-month extension.

3. Prepare for Travel

Before you leave the United States 🇺🇸, make sure you have:
– Your expired (or soon-to-expire) green card.
– Your Form I-797C receipt notice for your I-90 application.

Do not travel without both documents.
If you lose either one, you may have trouble returning to the United States 🇺🇸.

4. Re-entering the United States 🇺🇸

When you return, present both your expired green card and the I-90 receipt notice to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the port of entry. The officers will check your documents and, if everything is in order, admit you as a lawful permanent resident.

Important:
– The 36-month extension only applies if you filed Form I-90 and have the receipt notice.
– If your green card has been expired for a long time before you filed, or if you have other issues (like criminal history or long absences), you may face extra questions or delays.

5. Wait for Your New Green Card

After you return, USCIS will continue to process your renewal.
Your new green card will be mailed to your address when it is ready.

What If You Need to Travel for an Emergency?

Sometimes, emergencies happen, and you need to travel before you receive your new green card or even before you get your receipt notice. In these cases:
– Try to file Form I-90 as soon as possible.
– If you must leave before getting your receipt notice, you may have trouble re-entering the United States 🇺🇸.
– In rare cases, you might need to visit a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad to get a boarding foil (a special travel document) if you cannot show proof of your status. This process can be slow and stressful, so it’s best to avoid it by planning ahead.

Policy Implications: Why the 36-Month Extension Matters

The change from a 12-month to a 36-month extension is a big improvement for lawful permanent residents. Here’s why:

Longer Processing Times: USCIS green card renewal can now take more than a year. The longer extension means you won’t be left without valid proof of your status while waiting.
Less Stress for Travelers: You don’t need to worry about getting extra documents or facing problems at the border if your green card is expired.
No Need for Extra Travel Documents: Most people will not need a boarding foil or advance parole for routine travel during renewal.
Better for Employers: Employers can accept the expired green card and receipt notice as proof of work authorization, making it easier for you to keep your job.

As reported by VisaVerge.com, immigration attorneys and advocacy groups have welcomed this change, saying it matches real-world processing times and reduces the risk of travel disruptions for families and workers.

What Are the Risks and Limitations?

While the 36-month extension helps most people, there are still some risks and things to watch out for:

CBP Discretion: Customs and Border Protection officers have the final say at the border. If they have concerns about your status, criminal history, or long absences, they can ask more questions or even deny entry.
Lost Documents: If you lose your expired green card or receipt notice while abroad, you may face delays returning to the United States 🇺🇸.
Complex Cases: If you have been outside the United States 🇺🇸 for more than six months, or if you have legal problems, you should talk to an immigration attorney before traveling.
No Guarantee for All Situations: The extension does not cover people who have abandoned their permanent resident status or who are otherwise inadmissible.

Historical Context: How Policy Has Changed

In the past, lawful permanent residents whose green cards expired while waiting for renewal only got a 12-month extension. This often wasn’t enough, as USCIS processing times grew longer. People sometimes needed to get extra documents or faced long delays at the border.

The move to a 36-month extension in September 2024 was a direct response to these problems. USCIS recognized that longer processing times were causing real hardship for families, workers, and employers. The new policy aims to make life easier for everyone involved.

What’s Next? Future Outlook and Possible Changes

As of June 2025, there are no announced changes that would shorten or lengthen the 36-month extension. USCIS continues to watch processing times and may adjust policies if needed.

Some experts believe that future changes could include:
– Digital Green Cards: Moving to digital cards or online proof of status could make travel and renewal even easier.
– Biometric Updates: New technology could speed up processing and reduce the need for paper documents.

For now, the 36-month extension is the standard, and no new changes have been announced in the past week.

Practical Tips for Travelers

If you are a lawful permanent resident planning to travel while your green card renewal is pending, follow these tips:

File Early: Don’t wait until your green card expires. File Form I-90 as soon as you can.
Keep Documents Safe: Always carry your expired green card and the I-90 receipt notice when traveling.
Check Your Status: Make sure your address is up to date with USCIS so you receive your new card.
Know the Rules: Read the official USCIS green card renewal page for the latest information.
Consult an Attorney: If you have a complicated case (long absences, criminal history, etc.), talk to an immigration lawyer before traveling.

Official Resources

For more information and the latest updates, visit these official government pages:

These resources provide step-by-step instructions, answers to common questions, and contact information if you need help.

Summary and Takeaways

You can travel internationally while your green card renewal is pending if you have filed Form I-90 and have the receipt notice.
Your expired green card, combined with the I-90 receipt, is valid for travel and re-entry for up to 36 months as of September 2024.
Always carry both documents when traveling and be ready to show them to CBP officers when you return.
No recent changes in the last week have affected this policy.
Consult official USCIS resources or an immigration attorney if your situation is complex or if you have questions.

By following these steps and staying informed, lawful permanent residents can travel with confidence, knowing their status is protected while their green card renewal is pending. The 36-month extension is a welcome change that reflects the realities of today’s immigration system and helps keep families, workers, and communities connected.

For the most up-to-date information, always check the official USCIS website before making travel plans.

Learn Today

Form I-90 → Application form to replace or renew a U.S. permanent resident card (green card).
Form I-797C → Receipt notice from USCIS confirming a pending application or petition, such as green card renewal.
USCIS → U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the government agency handling immigration benefits and applications.
Green Card → Permanent resident card allowing a foreign national to live and work permanently in the United States.
Boarding Foil → Special travel document issued by a U.S. consulate for re-entry if green card documents are unavailable.

This Article in a Nutshell

In 2025, lawful permanent residents can travel internationally using their expired green card with the 36-month extension after filing Form I-90, easing travel during lengthy renewals.
— By VisaVerge.com