Is a child able to travel outside of the U.S. while their application for a green card is in process?

The answer to this question is complicated and depends on the individual circumstances of the child versus the type of green card they are applying for. Generally speaking, a child may travel outside of the United States while their application for a green card is in process if they obtain permission to travel from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and they have a valid visa to enter the country they are traveling to. In order to get this permission, the child will need to apply for a special form called an Advance Parole Document. The child should receive a response to this form within 45 days. Additionally, certain categories of applicants are automatically eligible for Advance Parole and do not need to apply for it. These applicants include people in the Sorrows Regulation (aka DACA), T-visa and U-visa holders. Because requirements for travel while a green card application is in progress can be complicated and vary from state to state, it is wise to get the guidance of an immigration lawyer or an accredited representative when making travel decisions. In the case of Virginia, any children who are applying for a green card should consult an immigration lawyer or accredited representative to understand their rights and potential consequences for traveling while their application is in process.

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La ley de inmigración varía según el estado, por lo tanto, si la pregunta se refiere al estado de Virginia, las normas generales en relación con el tema de los niños son aplicables. El proceso de solicitud de una tarjeta verde para un niño se lleva a cabo de manera diferente al proceso para un adulto. La respuesta a la pregunta es afirmativa. Un niño puede viajar fuera de los Estados Unidos mientras su solicitud de tarjeta verde está en proceso. Sin embargo, hay algunos requisitos que deben cumplirse. Es importante que el niño tenga un pasaporte válido emitido por el gobierno de su país de origen y una visa válida. Esto también se aplica a un niño que presenta una solicitud de tarjeta verde de acogida familiar para un miembro de la familia que ya es ciudadano estadounidense o un residente permanente. Además, el niño debe estar acompañado por el peticionario, o por un adulto designado por el peticionario. Es importante recordar que el viaje debe ser para un período corto de tiempo. Si el viaje es por un período prolongado, el niño puede perder su estatus y su solicitud de tarjeta verde puede ser denegada. Asegúrese de consultar con su abogado de inmigración antes de tomar cualquier decisión o viaje.

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