LPR Travel and Medical Exam Rules

Lawful permanent residents (LPRs) can travel outside the United States and return without losing their green card status, as long as they do not abandon their U.S. residence. For trips of less than one year, LPRs can generally return using their green card and passport without any additional immigration documents.

Returning LPRs do not need a new immigration medical exam simply because they traveled abroad. The medical exam was completed when you first obtained your green card, and it does not need to be repeated for routine international travel.

When a New Exam IS Required

A new immigration medical exam may be required if you have been outside the United States for more than one year and your green card is considered abandoned, requiring you to apply for an SB-1 returning resident visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad.

If you are applying for a new green card through a new I-485 application (for example, if your previous green card was abandoned or if you are applying through a new immigrant petition), you will need to complete a new medical exam.

SB-1 Returning Resident Visa and Medical Exam

If you have been outside the United States for more than one year and your green card has expired or is considered abandoned, you may need to apply for an SB-1 returning resident visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate. The SB-1 visa process includes a medical examination with a USCIS-designated panel physician at the consulate.

The SB-1 medical exam is conducted by a panel physician overseas, not a civil surgeon in the United States. If you are approved for an SB-1 visa and return to the United States, you will be admitted as a returning resident.

What to Bring When Returning After Extended Absence

If you have been outside the United States for an extended period, bring your green card, passport, evidence of your ties to the United States (such as tax returns, bank statements, or property records), and any documentation explaining why you were abroad for an extended period.

If your green card has expired, contact a U.S. embassy or consulate for guidance on how to return to the United States.

Abandonment of LPR Status and Re-Applying

If you have abandoned your LPR status (either voluntarily or by being outside the United States for too long without maintaining ties), you may need to re-apply for a green card through a new immigrant petition and I-485 application. In that case, you would need to complete a new immigration medical exam.

Consult an immigration attorney if you are unsure whether your LPR status has been abandoned.

Practical Tips

If you are a green card holder planning an extended trip abroad, consult an immigration attorney before you leave. Trips of more than six months can raise questions about abandonment of LPR status. Trips of more than one year generally require an SB-1 visa to return.