Are You Allowed to Travel Outside the US With a Conditional Green Card?

Published: June 11, 2025

Are you a US immigrant with a conditional resident status? If you don’t take further action, your green card will expire after its two-year validity period. Still, this conditional green card grants you similar rights and privileges as a lawful permanent resident throughout those two years. 

The freedom to travel abroad and the assurance to return to the US are among the rights of holding a green card. However, you should exercise caution when traveling outside the 

US for an extended duration. This post provides essential information about international travel with a conditional green card. 

Travel Requirements for Conditional Green Card Holders

Understanding what’s required when leaving and returning to the US on a conditional green card is vital to protect your lawful status. Here’s what you need to have in place before making international travel plans: 

When you leave the US

Ensure to bring your valid conditional green card before leaving the country. In most cases, green card holders must show a valid passport from their country of citizenship. If applicable, a refugee travel document is necessary in some cases. 

Suppose your conditional green card is close to expiring. You must consider filing a petition to remove conditions before traveling abroad. You’ll get a receipt notice upon filing, extending the validity of your green card, typically up to 48 months. You should bring it with you, along with the expired card, when traveling. 

Before traveling outside the US, consider visiting the Department of State’s webpage for essential information on international travel. 

When you return to the US

Be prepared to have both your green card and passport available when returning to the US. Having other identifying documents, such as a US driver’s license or a foreign national ID, can also be beneficial. 

The Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer will examine these documents to determine your eligibility to reenter the country. Since trips exceeding six months can be subject to further scrutiny, be ready to demonstrate strong ties to the US.

Risks of Traveling for Extended Periods on a Conditional Green Card

Traveling outside the US for extended periods can pose significant risks to your immigration status. If you’re holding a conditional green card, you must be particularly mindful of the duration and frequency of your trips abroad. 

Below are some risks you need to be aware of when traveling overseas for a longer period, specifically when it’s over six months or more than a year. 

Risk of green card abandonment

Spending too much outside the US can cause you to lose your status through unintentional green card abandonment. Your residency status can be subject to review when you return to the US after traveling abroad. 

Trips lasting over a year can raise a legal presumption that you’ve abandoned your US residence. You can lose your green card status and face denial of entry if you fail to show proof of maintained ties to the US. The best way to handle this situation is by proving that your prolonged absences resulted from factors outside of your control.

Impact on conditional green card removal

Conditional residents must file a petition to remove conditions on their green card within 90 days before the two-year validity period ends. Traveling outside the US for extended periods can complicate this process as it raises concerns about your commitment to US residency. 

Suppose your conditional residence is based on marriage. Long periods apart from your spouse can cast doubt on the legitimacy of your marriage. This can put your petition’s approval and current status in jeopardy. 

Considerations for Conditional Green Card Holders Traveling Abroad

Obtaining appropriate legal guidance is crucial to avoid jeopardizing your immigration status while enjoying the benefits of traveling abroad. The following are a few considerations you should keep in mind when traveling outside the US on a conditional green card: 

• Ensure your conditional green card remains valid when you return to the US. 
• Secure a reentry permit before leaving if you plan to travel overseas for an extended period. 
• Prepare to answer questions from CBP officers about your travel to verify that you remain compliant with residency requirements. 
• Prepare documentation demonstrating your ongoing marriage if you’re a marriage-based conditional resident. 
• Take steps to acquire proof of your continued ties to the US. 

Plan Your Travel With a Los Angeles Immigration Lawyer

Knowing your rights and being ready for customs are crucial if you’re traveling overseas with a conditional green card. Short trips are typically unchallenging. But it’s essential to be aware that you may face reentry issues after an extended trip. It may also complicate your petition to remove conditions. 

Strategizing with a Los Angeles immigration lawyer can help minimize potential issues upon reentry. Our team at ALG Lawyers is ready to assist you, whether you’re unsure about your eligibility to travel, dealing with other immigration concerns, or need help with removing conditions. We’ll walk you through the planning process and ensure your documents are ready. Initiate a consultation today for case-specific assistance. 

FAQS on Are You Allowed to Travel Outside the US With a Conditional Green Card

Can you travel abroad with an expired green card and a pending Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence?

You can travel abroad with an expired conditional green card and a pending Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence. The key is to carry the expired conditional green card and the receipt notice you receive upon filing the petition. Both can serve as proof of the extension of your continued lawful status. You must also consider returning to the US before the expiration date specified on the receipt notice to avoid unnecessary complications. 

Is it required to be physically in the US when you file a Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence? 

You don’t need to be physically in the US when filing your Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence. You can mail the form to USCIS from outside the US, provided that you send it to the correct address specified for international filings. Although physical presence isn’t necessary at the time of filing, you must be ready to attend an in-person interview or respond to USCIS’s request for evidence. 

Will traveling outside the US impact your eligibility for naturalization? 

Traveling outside the US can affect the continuous residence and physical presence requirements when applying for naturalization. For instance, your trip lasts over 180 days. USCIS may conclude that you have not continuously resided in the US, rendering you ineligible for naturalization, unless you can provide adequate evidence of maintaining ties to the US.