Travel Issues for Lawful Permanent Residents in Pandemic Times
During the COVID-19 pandemic, travel issues for lawful permanent residents and others seeking to enter or return to the United States can occur due to change quickly changing travel restrictions. If at all possible, traveling outside the United States should be avoided except in the most urgent situations.
If you are a lawful permanent resident (LPR), you should keep the following concepts in mind when considering travel outside the United States:
You Must Maintain a Permanent U.S. Home or Risk Losing Your Status
- < 180 Days
Absence from the United States of less than 180 days = no presumption of abandonment of permanent residence. - >180 Days < 1 Year
Absence from the United States of more than 180 days, but less than one year = there is a rebuttable presumption that you may have abandoned permanent residence (meaning the government presumes you have abandoned your residence and the burden is on you to prove otherwise). - > 1 Year
Absence from the United States of more than one year = automatic loss of LPR status unless appropriate steps were taken prior to departure to preserve status.
Preserve LPR Status by Applying for a Reentry Permit
If you know or believe you will be outside the United States for more than a year, you should apply for a reentry permit with USCIS BEFORE you leave. Your immigration attorney can help you with this. You will need to be physically present in the United States when the application is filed. You will also need to be in the United States for biometrics processing, which is usually scheduled anywhere from several weeks to several months after USCIS receives the application, so plan ahead as much as possible.
Learn more about potential issues for permanent residents in pandemic times related to travel restrictions and steps you can take to preserve status by reviewing the printable flyer below.
Questions About the Effect of Travel Restrictions on Your Immigration Options?
If you or a family member have any questions about the effect of travel restrictions and the resulting travel issues for lawful permanent residents on your immigration options, it is important to speak with a qualified immigration lawyer. Request a free immigration consultation with immigration attorney Jessie M. Thomas today.
Printable Flyer on Potential Issues for Permanent Residents in Pandemic Times Related to Travel Restrictions
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