Can I travel while my green card is pending in San Diego?
Many people wonder, “Can I travel while my green card is pending in San Diego?” It’s a very common question for those waiting to become lawful permanent residents. Applying for a green card (also called Adjustment of Status) is a big step, but it often takes months or even more than a year to process. During that time, you might need to travel outside the United States to see family, attend emergencies, or handle personal matters.
However, traveling while your green card application is still pending can be risky if not done correctly. In this article, we’ll explain — in simple and easy English — what the rules are, what documents you need, and how to stay safe during the process.
Understanding the Green Card Process
When you apply for a green card in the U.S., you usually file Form I-485, called the Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status.
Once you submit the form, you are asking the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to change your current visa status (such as student or work visa) to permanent resident.
While your case is pending, you must stay in the U.S. until you get official permission to travel. Leaving the country without this permission can cause your case to be denied or canceled.
Why Traveling Without Permission Is Risky
If you leave the U.S. while your green card application is still pending — and without the right travel document — USCIS will consider your application abandoned.
That means your entire green card process can be canceled, and you may have to start over from the beginning, sometimes from outside the U.S.
Even if you think it’s a short trip, you should not travel without proper authorization.
The Solution: Advance Parole
The good news is that you can travel safely if you have Advance Parole.
What is Advance Parole?
Advance Parole is a special travel document that lets you leave the U.S. and return while your green card application is still pending.
You must apply for it before traveling. The form used is Form I-131, Application for Travel Document.
Once approved, you’ll receive a physical card or paper that allows you to re-enter the U.S. without losing your pending application.
When You Can Apply for Advance Parole
You can apply for Advance Parole after you file your green card application (Form I-485).
You can file both forms together — many people submit Form I-485 and Form I-131 at the same time to save time.
If you already filed your green card application, you can still file Form I-131 separately later.
It usually takes 3 to 6 months to receive your Advance Parole document.
When It’s Safe to Travel
Once you get your Advance Parole approved, you can travel outside the United States.
However, there are still a few important things to keep in mind:
- Carry your Advance Parole document when you leave and when you return.
- Do not stay outside the U.S. too long. Extended trips may cause questions about whether you plan to live permanently in the U.S.
- Make sure your visa status is valid. Some people have pending work or student visas that must remain active.
- Avoid traveling to countries with entry restrictions or conflicts.
Example: Safe Travel with Advance Parole
Maria lives in San Diego and applied for her green card in March. Her mother becomes sick in Mexico in June. She applies for Advance Parole using Form I-131 and receives approval in August.
She travels to Mexico for two weeks, carries her Advance Parole document, and re-enters the U.S. smoothly through the San Ysidro border crossing.
Because she followed the correct process, her green card case continues without problems.
Example: Traveling Without Permission
David applied for his green card while living in San Diego. Two months later, he flies to India for a family wedding without Advance Parole.
When he tries to return, he learns that his green card case was marked abandoned. He now has to start over and may need to wait outside the U.S. for several months.
This shows how important it is to never travel without permission while your case is pending.
Who Should Not Travel Even with Advance Parole
Even if you have Advance Parole, you should be careful if:
- You entered the U.S. illegally or without inspection.
- You have a criminal record or previous deportation order.
- You stayed in the U.S. unlawfully for more than 180 days before applying.
In these situations, leaving the country could make it hard or impossible to come back. Always talk to an immigration lawyer before traveling.
What to Do Before You Travel
If you’re in San Diego and your green card is pending, here’s a checklist before you plan your trip:
- ✅ File Form I-131 (Advance Parole) with USCIS.
- ✅ Wait for official approval before booking your flight.
- ✅ Keep copies of your green card receipt notice (Form I-797C).
- ✅ Carry your Advance Parole document and valid ID.
- ✅ Tell your lawyer about your travel dates.
- ✅ Avoid traveling until your biometrics appointment is done, if scheduled.
What Happens When You Return to the U.S.
When you return, you’ll go through immigration inspection at the airport or border.
You must show:
- Your passport
- Your Advance Parole document
- Proof that your green card case is still pending (Form I-485 receipt notice)
The officer may ask a few questions, but if all documents are valid, you’ll be allowed back in.
How an Immigration Lawyer Can Help
An immigration lawyer can make the process easier by:
- Reviewing your travel eligibility
- Helping you apply for Advance Parole correctly
- Avoiding mistakes that could cancel your case
- Advising you about your specific situation (especially if you have previous visa or entry issues)
In San Diego, immigration lawyers are familiar with local USCIS offices and can guide you based on the latest updates.
Local Example – San Diego Resident
A San Diego resident named Carlos applied for his green card in early 2024. He wanted to visit family in the Philippines for his sister’s wedding. His lawyer, working with experienced federal criminal defense lawyers, helped him file Form I-131 and got approval after five months. He traveled safely and returned through San Diego International Airport without any issues.
Because he planned ahead and followed the rules, his green card interview went smoothly, and he became a permanent resident the next year.
Final Thoughts
So, can I travel while my green card is pending in San Diego?
The answer is yes, but only if you have Advance Parole. Without it, traveling outside the U.S. can cancel your entire application.
Always apply for Form I-131 before leaving, carry your documents, and talk to a trusted immigration lawyer if you have any doubts.
With careful planning, you can travel safely, protect your green card application, and return to San Diego with peace of mind.