What immigration form should a conditional GC holder file in order to travel freely?
My wife is an “approved” GC holder (married, conditional permanent resident with work authorization, but less than 2yr GC holder who still has “conditions” on her Green Card until we file i751 for removal). She was employed by an airline and will soon begin to travel between the US and Japan for frequent but short trips as a flight attendant with a US-based company. Do we file I-191 to cover all bases?
It is my understanding that the I-131 allowed her to travel to Japan during the pre-approval period. Now that she is approved and maintaining residence status, what form should she file now in order to cover her bases? Does she need a re-entry permit? What form should she file? I understand that some people might just travel and not worry about it, but I want to take the most conservative approach to insure that she can visit Japan as much and for as long as she wants without losing her Green Card or her status. I believe that it is form I-191.
After a little more research I understand that 1) GC generally enables unlimited travel, but 2) if you plan to go abroad for 1 year or more, you need a I-191, so 3) if you can get a fee waiver or afford it, a 191 is the most conservative way to make sure that you will never lose your green card or abandon your status due to long periods of travel or frequent travel. I still want concurring answers from you guys to confirm this info. Thanks!
IGNACIO
MARSHALL
No need to file anything.
Conditional green card and valid passport and valid visa to whichever country she is going to is all she needs. I don’t know the visa requirements for airline employees though. I am sure airlines helps her deal with it.
Pre-approval period is different than NOW. Now she is green card holder-before she was an applicant.
So, no need to do anything more.