Travel documents for Children and adults traveling to the U.S.
To enter the United States, every child even newborns must have their travel documentation, such as a valid passport or one from a trusted travel program. Think about preparing the following documents if you plan to travel or plan on traveling with a child:
If the child is traveling with just one of their custodial parents, they need to get a consent letter from the other parent, signed by both parents, preferably in English and stamped.
The letter ought to begin with “I acknowledge that my son/daughter is traveling outside the country with [the name of the parent] with my permission.”
The other parent’s letter can be replaced by a copy of the custody agreement if one parent has sole custody of the child.
A letter of authorization from the opposite parent is always required for parents who regularly travel between countries by land with a minor.
A Certificate of Naturalization, a Consular Report of Birth In another country, or an original or duplicate of a birth certificate may be presented by minors (under 16) whose parents are U.S. citizens and who are traveling from Canada or Mexico by land or water.
U.S. citizen children traveling abroad
Many nations have security measures in place at their terminals of entry to stop international child kidnapping.
You might need to show identification confirming you are the parent or legal guardian if you are traveling along with your children or younger ones.
For your child to travel, you might also require a letter of consent from the other parent.
Depending on the country’s laws, your child might need to provide an official letter from both of their parents or their legal guardian if they travel alone.
Get information about entry and exit processes in the country you will be visiting by contacting the embassy or consulate of the country you will be visiting if the minor is traveling abroad without the presence of both parents and a legal guardian.
Travel documents for foreign citizens returning to the U.S.
If you are a citizen of another country and have been living in the U.S., you may need special documents if you leave the U.S. and then return.
Travel documents for permanent and conditional permanent residents
If you are outside the U.S. for less than one year
You will only need to provide your Green Card when you come back the country if you are a permanent or conditional permanent resident who has been away for less than a year.
If you are outside the U.S. for one year or longer
Apply for a re-entry permit using Form I-131, Application for Travel Documents, if you are a permanent or conditional permanent resident who has been out of the country for a year or more, before you leave.
For permanent residents, the re-entry permit is valid for two years from the date of issue.
The re-entry permit for temporary permanent residents is valid for two years from the date of issuance. Either way, it is valid until the deadline by which you must apply to have the conditions on your status removed, whichever comes first.
You can apply for courier applications to re-enter the United States if your re-entry permit has been lost or stolen. Utilize Application for Travel Document (Carrier Documentation) Form I-131A.
Travel documents for other foreign citizens living in the U.S.
Depending on your immigration status, the documentation required for foreign nationals returning to the United States may vary:
Advance parole: This allows you to enter the country again without obtaining a new visa. It is often used by those who are applying for asylum, a status adjustment, or permanent residence to re-enter the country.
Travel passport for refugees: Depending on your status as a refugee or asylum seeker, you may be entitled to use this document to enter the country again.
Before departing the United States, you have to file for advance parole or a travel permit for refugees. If not, you might not be permitted to enter the United States again. Apply for a travel permit using Form I-131.
Traveling to or within the U.S. How to check the status of your visa application
Learn how to use the online system to track the status of your visa application. Also, how to update your address if you move around while you’re waiting for your visa to be accepted and how to prevent delays.
Using the Visa Status Check portal provided by the U.S. Department of State, you can check the status of your online application for an immigrant or nonimmigrant visa. When using the site, you will be required to submit your case number.
Notify U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) as soon as you relocate after submitting a visa application.
What happens if your visa application is rejected?
Find out if you qualify for a waiver of account of ineligibility and what to do if your visa is denied.
A consular officer at a U.S. embassy or consulate will decide whether to approve or reject your visa application after you have an interview. Should your application be rejected, you are entitled to inquire the reasons behind the denial of your visa application
If you are eligible for an inadmissibility waiver (which, if granted, could result in the issuance of a visa)
The Department of State offers further information regarding visa refusals, such as:
- How to be granted a visa
- Causes for which you may not be eligible for a visa
- If it’s possible, reapply for a visa
- How to submit a waiver request