Travel Documents

My fiance entered the U.S. on a K1 visa and then left without obtaining a green card, can she return to the U.S.?

Posted Mon, 03/01/2010 - 22:33 by Phil

The K1 fiance visa is a single entry visa which means that it can only be used once to enter the United States. Thus, if the K1 visa holder is to return to the U.S. he or she will need some other sort of document or visa to return to the U.S. If the K1 visa holder leaves the U.S. without an Advanced Parole document or green card, he or she will not be able to return without obtaining a visa.

This is why it is critical that K1 visa holders do not depart the U.S. without either a travel document or green card in hand.

Entry documents for LPRs

Posted Sat, 02/28/2009 - 19:27 by Phil

I just returned from a trip to Mexico with my family. My wife is a lawful permanent resident. I have written several articles before on issues related to foreign travel and LPRs and the requirements for reentry. Although technically, one only needs a valid and unexpired lawful permanent resident card to return to the U.S. as a lawful permanent resident, on this trip the immigration officer requested to see my wife's passport.

So, for those of you LPR's traveling abroad its probably a good idea to make sure you have a valid passport to take along with you as well.

Lawful permanent residents and travel abroad

Posted Wed, 12/17/2008 - 13:33 by Phil

Lawful permanent residents of the U.S. are allowed to travel abroad and reenter the U.S. as a lawful permanent resident upon presentation of their "green card" and a valid passport. However, some LPRs can run into trouble if their trip abroad exceeds 12 months or if other evidence suggests that the LPR may have abandoned his or her residency.

If you are an LPR and plan to be abroad for more than 12 months it is critical that you apply for advanced permission to return to the U.S. If you fail to do this before you depart you may find yourself in removal proceedings the next time you return.

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