How to Work or Travel While Green Card Application is Pending

If you want to know how to work or travel while Green Card application is pending, keep reading this post and discover all you need to know! People who want to work and reside permanently in the U.S. may file Form I-485 to apply for a Green Card. The Green Card allows someone live and works indefinitely in the U.S. Obtaining a Green Card is the first step toward acquiring U.S. citizenship.

If you want to work in the U.S. while your application for permanent status is pending, keep in mind that sometimes is necessary to file Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization Document, to obtain a work permit, but in this case, you need to have a visa that allows you to work in the U.S.

If your current visa does not allow you to work and doesn’t meet the requirements for Form I-765,  your potential employer may be able to request a visa change on your behalf.

Also, to travel abroad while awaiting approval you will need to apply for advance permission to leave the country. This is called “Advance Parole”, so you can gain advance parole from USCIS by filing Form I-131, Application for Travel Document.

What if I Leave the Country Without Approval?

Non-immigrants who have filed Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, must remain in the country until the USCIS approves their application for a Green Card.

If you have a Green Card case in progress, legally you can leave the country, you are not against any rule, but it will be considered abandoned. This means you’ll need to start the process from the beginning again, including paying any fees. Moreover, you may also be asked why you abandoned your application.

Once you obtain a Green Card, your freedom to work and travel is increased, but if you commit crimes outside of the U.S., or if you’re absent from the U.S. for over a  year, your Green Card could be revoked, and you could even be barred from re-entering the U.S.

When you reenter the U.S you will need an unexpired passport with your Green Card and a re-entry permit when you re-enter the country to avoid any complications with border officials.

What if I Want to Move While Awaiting Approval?

You must inform USCIS about a change of address by filing Form AR-11. You have 10 days after your move to inform USCIS of your move. A USPS change of address form is not valid.

Now you already know how to work or travel while Green Card application is pendind, if you need more information, please Contact Us! We provide you an immigration solution and guiding you through your immigration process efficiently!

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