Re-Entering the U.S. for the first time after obtaining Green Card

[____ 0]

I am flying to Australia for five days next week. Upon my return to the U.S., I'll enter using my Green Card (and not student visa) for the first time. Is there anything important I need to know about this process? I will carry all of my American identification, such as a U.S. driver's license, social security card etc, as well as my foreign passport.

I know that many immigrants travel in and out of the U.S. with their Green Cards every day, but as this is my first time doing so, I'd appreciate any tips about what to expect when I arrive back.

As an aside, I'm not Australian, so it's not like I'm "returning home." The trip is for business.

Edited November 5, 2007 by ____

[YuAndDan 153]

Yes, use the US Citizen and Resident lines, not the Non-Citizen lines.

The POE officer tends to say Welcome Home.

[____ 0]

Yes, use the US Citizen and Resident lines, not the Non-Citizen lines.

The POE officer tends to say Welcome Home.

Thank you! Do you have to have your pictures and finger-prints taken again? This seems redundant when the USCIS has those things on file already.

One more thing: do the POEs "know" that it's your first time re-entering with the Green Card? Coming back in on an F-1 once, the officer knew that I'd never used the new I-20 before and he was, to be polite, a butt about it.

Edited November 5, 2007 by ____

[Nyte 1]

This is a good question. Are US Permanent Residents required to enroll in "US Visit? (Fingerprinting and Picture) at the POE? I know it was once the case that they were not required, but I also read that this may change. Anyone with a green card recently came back to the states and could enlighten me?

[YuAndDan 153]

Yes, use the US Citizen and Resident lines, not the Non-Citizen lines.

The POE officer tends to say Welcome Home.

Thank you! Do you have to have your pictures and finger-prints taken again? This seems redundant when the USCIS has those things on file already.

One more thing: do the POEs "know" that it's your first time re-entering with the Green Card? Coming back in on an F-1 once, the officer knew that I'd never used the new I-20 before and he was, to be polite, a butt about it.

No more finger printing or pictures, they just scan the green-card.

[Dakine 26]

This is a good question. Are US Permanent Residents required to enroll in "US Visit? (Fingerprinting and Picture) at the POE? I know it was once the case that they were not required, but I also read that this may change. Anyone with a green card recently came back to the states and could enlighten me?

My wife and daughter just came back from visiting the Philippines for the first time with their GCs.

She said alls they did is "swipe" the cards in a machine and that was it.

Nothing else.

[____ 0]

NICE! It's so cool to feel like you "belong" in a country again, even if it's not as a citizen. Thanks for your quick responses, guys

Yes, use the US Citizen and Resident lines, not the Non-Citizen lines.

The POE officer tends to say Welcome Home.

Thank you! Do you have to have your pictures and finger-prints taken again? This seems redundant when the USCIS has those things on file already.

One more thing: do the POEs "know" that it's your first time re-entering with the Green Card? Coming back in on an F-1 once, the officer knew that I'd never used the new I-20 before and he was, to be polite, a butt about it.

No more finger printing or pictures, they just scan the green-card.

[suesue 0]

I just entered with mine for the first time.... was very easy....just showed the green card with my passport!!

[Jasman0717 9]

Yes, use the US Citizen and Resident lines, not the Non-Citizen lines.

The POE officer tends to say Welcome Home.

Welcome home