During the first two steps of the immigrant visa process (labor certification and immigrant visa petition) an H or L nonimmigrant may continue to travel on a valid H or L nonimmigrant visa. During "adjustment of status" (AOS) processing in the U.S., H-1B or L-1 employees (and their derivative family members) may continue to travel on their valid H or L visa OR may travel pursuant to INS travel permission ["advance parole"].

ANSWER: If you acquired your L-1 based on specialized knowledge (an L-1B), I would consult with a lawyer to see if you can avoid an individual labor certification. Normally people who use the "specialized knowledge" category cannot qualify, but there may be a way to do it depending on your facts. People on L-1A's (managers and executives) can, on the other hand, easily switch to permanent residency through the priority worker green card category.

Apply for a Returning Resident permit. This will create a presumption in your favor, should your green card status ever be challenged. Even though the instructions on the form say that the Returning Residency permit is for those who are leaving the country continuously for more than 1 year, file it anyway---even if you'll visit the U.S. before the year is up. You can use form I-131 from the Handbook.

If you have your receipt number, you should contact the USCIS case status service online or call the National Customer Service Center (NCSC).

If you are in Japan, you should apply for a transportation letter at the Embassy in Tokyo or Consulate-Generals in Osaka or Naha. For information on Transportation Letters, see here.

American ' Green Card' is a Permanent Residence Visa of the U.S.A. Holders of a Green Card are given the legal right to work and reside permanently in the United States. All Green Card holders are entitled to receive health, education, and various other benefit entitlements. As a Green Card winner, you can always apply for U.S. Citizenship at a later date. Ownership of a Green Card does not affect your present citizenship.

The United States has a program, called DIVERSITY IMMIGRANT VISA LOTTERY (also known as GREEN CARD LOTTERY), making available each year by random selection 50,000 permanent residence visas (GREEN CARDS) to people from around the world. The programs objective is to issue Green Cards to individuals born in countries which historically have low levels of immigration to the United States.

If you are a legal resident who gets public benefits right now, you should not travel outside the U.S. for more than 6 months. If you are gone for more than 6 months, the INS can ask you questions about whether you are likely to become a public charge, and may not let you re-enter the country. If you are outside of the U.S. for less than 6 months, in most cases the INS cannot stop you from re-entering the country based on being a public charge.

Leased vehicles are restricted to the United States. However, limited vacation arrangements may be made for up to 30 days in Mexico and Canada. Please call 1-800-654-6222 for details and assistance.

Yes. We transfer your credit card number and other sensitive data (such as name, address, and phone number) securely to the Bank of America Merchant Services processing system. They employ the highest level of encryption.

Yes, you'll want the peace of mind having it. But, bring your PIN number, so you can make cash withdrawals from ATM machines! (Make sure your card has the Do yourself a favor, don't bring travelers checks- they are a hassle, take time, and you'll not want to stand in line to cash a check while the group is waiting on YOU. Bring a debit card and get cash in about one minute from hundreds of thousands of ATM machines around Europe.

You should contact the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) office in Ho Chi Minh City to request a replacement. Although your green card (I-551) is valid for 10 years, you can stay outside the U.S. less than a year. If you cannot return within one year, it is considered that you have abandoned your resident status. For further information about your green card, please contact the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) office in Ho Chi Minh City.

A U.S. residency status test used to determine whether a non-U.S. citizen will be treated as a resident alien for U.S. tax purposes. An individual passes the test if he/she is granted lawful permanent residence in the U.S. as an immigrant by the Immigration and Naturalization Service, and is issued an alien registration card (often called a "green card").

No. You must have your green card when you submit your application. Before a fellowship is awarded, the residency status of all aliens will be confirmed with the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service.

You should have someone send it from the United States. If this is not possible, you will be required to apply for a transportation letter.

A Green Card is a Permanent Residence Visa of the U.S.A. A Green Card will give you legal right to work and live permanently in the United States. Green Card holders receive health, education, and several other benefits. If you win a Green Card, you can apply for U.S. Citizenship at a later time. The Green Card does not affect your present citizenship. You and your family could be lucky winners if you act immediately!