Summer is one of the most common times for religious workers to travel — whether for ministry, mission work, or some much needed rest and renewal. International travel brings unique risks and responsibilities for both R-1 Visa Holders, Adjustment of Status Applicants, and Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs). Failure to carry the correct documents can lead to complications at the border, missed flights, or even denial of reentry to the United States.

Here is a practical guide to help ensure your summer travel goes smoothly.

For R-1 Visa Holders (Religious Workers)

If you are in the United States in R-1 status and plan to travel internationally, here is what you must carry to reenter the United States:

• Valid Passport – Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond the date you plan to reenter the United States. Some countries, including the United States, may deny boarding or entry if your passport is too close to expiration.
• I-797 Approval Notice – This is the official notice showing that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) approved your R-1 petition. It usually arrives on light green paper from USCIS. Carry the original notice or (if unavailable) a clear copy. This document confirms that the religious worker has an approved I-129 petition in the United States and supports your reentry when shown with an R-1 visa.
• Valid R-1 Visa Stamp – Ensure your R-1 visa is still valid. If it has expired, you will need to apply for a new R-1 visa at a U.S. consulate abroad before returning, even if you have a valid I-797 approval showing you still have valid R-1 status in the United States.
  • Special Tip: If your visa stamp has expired but your petition remains valid, consult your RIS attorney before traveling. You cannot reenter the United States without a valid visa stamp.
• Letter from Your Religious Organization – Bring a current employment verification letter on official letterhead confirming your continued role and responsibilities. This helps prove you are maintaining R-1 status.

For Religious Workers With a Pending Green Card (Adjustment of Status Applicants)

If you are a religious worker who has filed for adjustment of status to become a permanent resident (Form I-485 otherwise known as your green card application) and your application is still pending, do not leave the United States without a valid Advance Parole document. Traveling without an approved Form I-512 (Advance Parole) will result in the automatic abandonment of your green card application.

If you have Advance Parole, please check the following before you travel:

• You have received your Advance Parole (Form I-512) and are carrying the original document with you. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will only accept the original document upon reentry.
• Ensure your Advance Parole document is unexpired – your document must be valid on the date of your reentry. If it is expired or still pending, you must wait until you receive the approved document before you depart the United States.
• Valid Passport – Just like R-1 Visa Holders or Permanent Residents, make sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned return. You do not need a new visa to the United States in order to travel; your Advance Parole document will serve as your reentry document for CBP.

If you are uncertain whether it is safe for you to travel during a pending Adjustment, consult your RIS Immigration Attorney before making any travel arrangements.

For Lawful Permanent Residents (Green Card Holders)

If you are a religious worker who has adjusted status to a Lawful Permanent Resident and now holds a green card, you can generally travel freely, but it is still essential to plan carefully:

• Valid Green Card (Form I-551) – You must carry your unexpired green card. If it is expired or close to expiring, file for renewal (Form I-90) and have the I-797 receipt notice as proof that your renewal is pending.
• Valid Passport from Country of Citizenship – Even with a valid green card, you will need a current passport from your country of citizenship to enter other countries and to board your return flight to the United States.
• Avoid Long Absences – Staying abroad longer than six months can cause USCIS to question about whether you have abandoned your status as a permanent resident in the United States. If you are planning on remaining outside the United States for longer than six months, you must apply for a reentry permit (Form I-131) in order to preserve your status as a permanent resident. Absences exceeding one year without applying for a reentry permit can result in loss of permanent resident status.

When it comes to international travel, preparation is everything, especially when your immigration status is involved. Whether you are a religious worker on an R-1 Visa, have a pending Adjustment of Status Application, or you are a Lawful Permanent Resident, making sure you have the proper documents can prevent border delays, denied entry, or disruptions to your employment.

Make digital and paper copies of the key documents listed above. Keep the original documents and copies with you during travel and store the others securely, either on your phone, in cloud storage, or with a trusted contact. You should also have the contact information for your RIS immigration attorney available in case any issues arise at the airport or at the border.

Lastly, research the entry requirements of your destination country well in advance of your travel date. Some countries require visas even for U.S. green card holders or R-1 visa holders. Always check the official website of that country’s consulate or embassy before booking your trip.

If you are unsure about your documents or plan to travel while an immigration petition is pending, contact your RIS attorney first.

Safe travels and enjoy your summer!