Travel Guide for Green Card Holders
Our Guide to Green Cards
A Green Card, or Permanent Resident Card, lets you live and work in the United States indefinitely. If you hold one, travelling in and out of the country comes with specific rules. Understanding these can protect your permanent resident status and make your journeys smoother.
This guide covers essential travel info for Green Card holders, helping you avoid common pitfalls and stay compliant with US regulations. Whether it’s a quick trip or an extended stay abroad, knowing what’s expected keeps your path to citizenship clear and your travels worry-free.
What is a Green Card?
A Green Card, officially called a Permanent Resident Card, is a government-issued ID that lets non-US citizens live and work permanently in the United States. The name comes from the card’s old green colour, though the current design is mostly white and blue.
Why it matters 🎯
Holding a Green Card means you’re a Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR). This gives you the right to live anywhere in the US without time limits. You can work freely for most employers or be self-employed, without needing extra permission. Plus, you get legal protections under US law, just like citizens.
Travel and citizenship 🌍
Green Card holders can travel abroad but should avoid being away for more than six months at a time to keep their status safe. After living in the US for a few years (usually five, or three if married to a US citizen), you can apply to become a US citizen through naturalisation.
Rights and responsibilities ⚖️
Having a Green Card comes with rights but also rules. You must obey US laws, file taxes, and males aged 18-25 need to register for Selective Service. While you can’t vote in elections, you do get access to benefits like healthcare and education support.
Types of Green Cards
Green Cards open the door to living and working in the US long-term. But how you get there depends on your situation. Here's a breakdown of the main routes.
Family-Sponsored Green Cards 👨🏾👩🏻👧🏽👦🏽
Family reunification is a big part of US immigration. If you’ve got close ties to a US citizen or permanent resident, this may be the path for you.
- Immediate Relatives - This is the fast lane. Spouses, unmarried children under 21 and parents of US citizens (if the citizen is 21+) can apply without yearly caps.
- Family Preference Categories - These include adult children and siblings of US citizens, and spouses or children of permanent residents. They’re subject to annual limits, so expect longer waits.
Employment-Based Green Cards 💼
Your job might get you in. These are split into five preference levels:
- EB-1: For standout workers like Nobel winners or senior execs.
- EB-2: If you’ve got an advanced degree or top-level talent in your field.
- EB-3: Skilled workers and professionals, including some entry-level roles.
- EB-4: For special groups like religious workers or certain foreign nationals who’ve helped the US.
- EB-5: If you have $1 million to invest (or $500K in a high-need area), this one’s for you.
Diversity Lottery 🎯
The DV Lottery hands out up to 55,000 visas each year to people from countries with low US immigration numbers. You’ll need a high school education (or qualifying work experience) and a bit of luck.
Other paths 💡
There are extra routes too, like applying as a refugee, asylum seeker or survivor of abuse. Even people who’ve lived in the US since before 1972 might be eligible under special rules.
Rights and Responsibilities of Green Card Holders
Your rights as a Green Card Holder ✅
As a lawful permanent resident, your green card lets you live and work in the US indefinitely. You’re protected by US laws, both federal and local, just like any citizen. Traveling abroad is your choice, but keep in mind long absences can affect your status. You can also sponsor certain family members, like spouses and unmarried children, to join you in the US. And when you’re ready, you can apply to become a US citizen through naturalisation.
Your responsibilities ⚠️
Carrying your green card with you at all times is a must - immigration or law enforcement can ask to see it. You need to obey all laws, file income taxes properly, and report any address changes to USCIS within 10 days. If you’re a man aged 18 to 25, you must register with the Selective Service. Finally, make the US your permanent home and avoid extended stays abroad that might risk your residency.
Keep in mind 📌
Maintaining your permanent resident status depends on following these rules. Ignoring them can lead to losing your green card and possible deportation. So, stay informed and keep your travel plans and paperwork in check to enjoy your freedom to live, work and explore.
Travelling as a Green Card Holder
As a US Green Card holder, you must travel prepared. Always carry your valid passport from your country of citizenship and your Green Card. If you expect to be away for a long time, consider applying for a re-entry permit before you leave. This lets you return without risking your permanent resident status.
How long can you stay outside the US? 🤔
Staying less than 6 months usually poses no problem. Between 6 months and 1 year, you might face questions about your intention to keep US residence. If you plan to stay away for over 1 year, a re-entry permit is a must. To apply, file Form I-131, attend a biometrics appointment, and allow enough time for processing. The permit typically lasts up to 2 years.
⚠️ Be careful - extended absences without the right documents can make Customs question your status and even risk losing it. Also, long absences may affect your eligibility for US citizenship.
Returning to the US 🛬
When you arrive back, show your Green Card, passport and re-entry permit (if you have one). Be ready to prove your ties to the US, like a job or property. Keep filing US taxes, and maintain a US address and bank accounts to avoid losing your permanent resident status.
Visa-Free Travel for US Green Card Holders
Holding a US Green Card means you’ve got more than just permanent residency - you’ve got travel perks too. While your passport still decides where you can go, your Green Card can open extra doors.
Some countries let Green Card holders in without a visa, making short trips easier. But here’s the deal: always double-check with the local embassy before you fly - things can change fast.
North America
- Canada - No visa needed, but you’ll need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) for air travel. Your Green Card must be valid for at least 6 months after your trip.
- Mexico - Visa-free entry. You’ll need a Tourist Card (FMM), which you can get online or at the border.
- US Territories - No visa required.
Central America
- Belize - Visa-free for Green Card holders. Some nationalities may need prior approval.
- Costa Rica - Stay up to 30 days without a visa. Green Card must be valid for at least 6 months beyond arrival.
- Panama - Visa-free for up to 30 days if you have a valid multiple-entry visa or residence permit from the US, UK, Canada, Australia or EU, with at least one year left on it.
South America
- Chile - Visa-free for up to 90 days.
- Peru - Visa-free for up to 180 days (for Indian and Chinese nationals with a US Green Card).
Europe (Non-Schengen)
- Albania - Up to 90 days in a 180-day period.
- Armenia - Up to 180 days.
- Bosnia and Herzegovina - Up to 90 days in a 180-day period.
- Georgia - Up to 90 days in a 180-day period.
- Montenegro - Up to 30 days.
- Serbia - Up to 90 days in a 180-day period.
- Turkey - Up to 90 days in a 180-day period.
Asia
- India - Visa-on-arrival for up to 30 days.
- Malaysia - Visa-free for up to 30 days.
- Philippines - Visa-free for up to 30 days.
- Singapore - Visa-free for up to 30 days.
- South Korea - Visa-free for up to 90 days.
- Taiwan - Visa-free for up to 90 days.
- Thailand - Visa-free for up to 30 days.
Middle East
- Bahrain - Visa-free for up to 14 days.
- Jordan - Visa-on-arrival for up to 30 days.
- Oman - Visa-free for up to 14 days.
- Qatar - Visa-free for up to 30 days.
- UAE - Visa-free for up to 14 days.
Africa
- Morocco - Visa-free for up to 90 days.
Caribbean
- Anguilla - Up to 90 days.
- Antigua and Barbuda - Up to 30 days.
- Aruba - Up to 30 days.
- Bahamas - Up to 90 days.
- Bermuda - Up to 180 days.
- Bonaire - Up to 90 days.
- Cayman Islands - Up to 30 days.
- Curaçao - Up to 30 days.
- Dominican Republic - Up to 30 days.
- Sint Maarten - Up to 30 days.
- Turks and Caicos - Up to 90 days.
What Green Card Holders Need to Know About Schengen Visas
Having a US Green Card doesn’t mean you can skip the visa line for Europe. Your nationality, not your US residency, determines whether you need a Schengen visa.
If you’re from countries like Canada, Australia or Japan, you can travel to the Schengen Area visa-free for up to 90 days. But if you’re from India, China, Nigeria, or similar countries, you’ll need to apply for a visa before you go. To check your visa status, head to the European Commission's official list.
Any exceptions or additional requirements 💡
Some exceptions apply. If you're a family member of an EU/EEA citizen and have the right residence card, you might skip the visa when travelling with them. If you already have a valid Schengen residence permit, that covers short stays in other Schengen countries too.
Green Card holders may also be exempt from needing an Airport Transit Visa, even when changing planes in Europe.
And from 2026, travelers from visa-free countries will need ETIAS authorisation before entry. It’s not a visa, but you’ll still need to apply online and pay a small fee.
💡To find out more, read our complete guide on applying for a Schengen visa from the USA.
Applying for Visas as a Green Card Holder
Start with the basics 🔍
- Check visa requirements. Head to the official website of the consulate or immigration office for your destination. Look out for visa exemptions or visa-on-arrival options for US green card holders - some countries do offer them.
- Know your passport’s power. Your green card is handy, but your nationality still matters. Make sure you check if your passport comes with any extra visa requirements.
Get your documents in order 📄
Most visa applications ask for:
- A passport valid for at least six more months
- Your green card
- Completed visa application form
- Passport-sized photos
- Travel plans (like your flights and accommodation)
- Proof of funds
- Employer letter (if you're working)
- Invitation letter (if you’re visiting someone)
Send it off and wait 📬
Depending on the country, you’ll either apply online or visit a consulate. Pay the visa fee, schedule any interviews needed and keep an eye on your application status. Once it’s approved, double-check the visa details, and you’re good to go!
💡Quick tip: If you’re leaving the US for a while, make sure your green card is valid for re-entry. You might need a re-entry permit (Form I-131) if you’ll be gone long-term.
Green Card Expired? Here's What to Do:
If your Green Card runs out while you’re outside the US, don’t panic. What you do next depends on how long you’ve been away and the paperwork you have with you. Here's how to handle each situation.
You've been abroad for less than a year ✈️
- Expired 10-Year Green Card - You may still be allowed back into the US, but it’s up to the airline and the CBP officer at the port of entry. Some airlines will let you board with an expired card - just make sure you check with them first.
- Expired 2-Year Conditional Green Card - If you’ve filed Form I-751 to extend your stay, your Form I-797 receipt notice works as proof of status. Bring both the expired card and the receipt. But be aware - not all airlines will accept this combo.
- Lost or stolen card? You’ll need a boarding foil to get home. Apply at the nearest US embassy or consulate using Form I-131A. Processing can take a while, so act fast.
You've been abroad for over a year 🕐
You might be seen as having given up your residency. To return, you’ll need to apply for an SB-1 Returning Resident Visa. You’ll need to show your stay abroad was out of your control and that you kept strong ties to the US.
Once you're back 📬
File Form I-90 to replace your Green Card. You can do this online or by mail. Before you fly, always check airline rules and speak with an immigration expert if things are unclear.
Travelling with Family Members
If you’re a Green Card holder heading abroad with family members, it’s important to know the rules, especially if they don’t yet have permanent resident status.
Spouses and children without Green Cards will need the right visa to enter the US. Even if you’ve filed a petition (Form I-130) for them, they can’t just skip through border control. There are wait times involved, particularly under the F2A category for spouses and unmarried children under 21. While waiting, they might be able to visit on a tourist visa (B-2), but they’ll need to show strong reasons they’re not planning to stay long-term.
Rules for dependents and spouses 👨🏾👩🏻👧🏽👦🏽
You can sponsor your spouse, unmarried children under 21 (F2A), and older unmarried children (F2B). It starts with Form I-130, and then it’s a waiting game, based on visa availability and priority dates. Once a visa’s available, your family will either go through consular processing abroad or adjust their status in the US.
If you’ve been married less than two years when your spouse gets their Green Card, they’ll receive conditional residency. You’ll both need to file Form I-751 together before it expires.
🤔 Still unsure? Speak to an immigration lawyer - they can help you plan with confidence.
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FAQs
How do I get a green card?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but there are a few main ways to get a green card (also known as permanent residency) in the US. The most common paths are through family, employment or refugee/asylee status.
- If you’ve got a close family member who’s a US citizen or green card holder, they might be able to sponsor you.
- Employers can also petition for you if you’ve got a job offer lined up.
- Other routes include the Diversity Visa Lottery or applying as a refugee or asylum seeker.
Each option has its own process, paperwork and wait times, so it’s important to check which one fits your situation best. The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website is the best place to start.
How long do green cards last?
Most green cards are valid for 10 years. If yours is based on marriage and you’ve had it for less than two years, it’s likely a conditional green card, which lasts for 2 years.
Either way, it’s important to keep an eye on your expiry date. You’ll need to renew your 10-year green card before it runs out, ideally within 6 months of the expiry. For conditional cards, you’ll need to apply to remove the conditions before it expires.
Your permanent resident status doesn’t vanish when the card expires, but you could run into travel or job issues if it’s not current.
💡Need help with travel while renewing your card? We’ve got you. Find flexible flights and pay over time to keep things simple.
How many green cards are issued per year?
Each year, the US issues around 1 million green cards. These are split into different categories like family-based, employment-based and humanitarian programs. A large chunk goes to immediate relatives of US citizens - there's no limit on those. But other categories, like work visas or diversity lottery winners, have annual caps.
While a million sounds like a lot, not every path has the same availability or wait time. Some people might wait years, depending on their country of origin or visa category.
If you already have your green card - great news! You’ve cleared a major hurdle. And now that you're free to live and work in the US, you also have more freedom when it comes to travel. Our guides and booking options are here to help you make the most of it.
What are the benefits of a green card?
With a green card, you can:
- Live and work in the US permanently
- Apply for most jobs, including government roles, without sponsorship
- Travel in and out of the US more freely (but keep an eye on the time spent abroad)
- Sponsor close family members to join you in the US
- Access certain public benefits and legal protections
- Become eligible to apply for US citizenship after a few years
- Enjoy more freedom, flexibility and peace of mind compared to a visa
A green card opens the door to long-term stability in the US and more flexibility when planning trips, too.
Who issues green cards?
Green cards are issued by US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), a part of the Department of Homeland Security. They’re officially called Permanent Resident Cards and prove your legal right to live and work in the United States permanently. Most people get their green card through family, employment or refugee/asylum status.
USCIS handles the application process from start to finish - whether you're applying for the first time, renewing or replacing a lost card. If you’re already in the US, you’ll usually go through an 'adjustment of status' process. If you're applying from outside the US, you’ll go through consular processing at a US embassy or consulate.
Once approved, you’ll get your green card in the post. It’s your ticket to staying in the US and it opens doors to easier travel, work options and, later down the line, possible US citizenship.
💡Keep it safe and always check the expiry date.
How much does a green card cost?
Getting a Green Card isn’t cheap and the costs can add up quickly if you're not prepared.
- For most applicants, the filing fee for Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status) is around $1,140, plus an $85 fee for biometrics. That’s $1,225 in total.
- If you’re applying from outside the US, the process is a little different and costs around $1,200-$1,400, depending on your case.
There might be other costs too, like medical exams, legal help or extra forms if your case is a bit more complex. If you're renewing or replacing your Green Card, that’s usually $540.
It’s a big financial step, but it leads to a lot more freedom, including easier international travel. And when you’re ready to take that trip, we’ve got over 40 ways to pay, including options that let you spread the cost.
How much is a green card renewal?
Renewing your green card costs $540 - that includes a $455 filing fee and an $85 biometric services fee (that’s for things like fingerprints and a photo). You’ll need to file Form I-90 with US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to kick things off.
You can pay online when you apply through the USCIS website, and they accept most standard payment methods. It’s worth double-checking that you’re eligible before applying. The process is for green cards that are expired or about to expire, not lost or stolen ones (that’s a different form).
If you're flying soon and your green card’s cutting it close, don't panic. You might be able to get proof of permanent residency while your renewal’s being processed.
The History of the Green Card
US green card rules haven’t stayed still. They've evolved with the times - shaped by politics, world events and shifting public opinions.
From quotas to fairer access 🏛️
The Immigration Act of 1924 set strict national origin quotas, favouring Europeans and limiting everyone else. Things started to shift in 1952 with the McCarran-Walter Act, which added a focus on skilled workers and family ties, but kept the quotas.
The game really changed in 1965. The Hart–Celler Act scrapped the quota system altogether, opening doors for more diverse immigration from Asia, Africa and Latin America. Around the same time, the Cuban Adjustment Act of 1966 gave Cubans a unique path to permanent residency, fueled by Cold War politics.
More visas, more security 💼
The Immigration Act of 1990 bumped up visa numbers, introduced the Diversity Visa Lottery and created new job-based categories for skilled workers and investors. The LIFE Act of 2000 made it easier for some undocumented immigrants to stay legally.
After 9/11, things tightened. Security got tougher, with deeper background checks and biometrics becoming the norm.
Green Card policy today 🔄
In recent years, we’ve seen back-and-forth changes. The Public Charge Rule (2019) made it harder for green card hopefuls who used public benefits, until it was reversed in 2021. And most recently, 2025 brought stricter checks for marriage-based green cards.
Bottom line? The US green card policy continues to change, so staying informed matters more than ever. Find out more about the Green Card here.