Apply a new passport in US/home country?

[El Liu]

My friend is a green card holder. She recently realised that her passport was going to expire by the end of next month. She has two options to 'renew' her passport.

A.) If she applies in US, it will take 3 months for her to get her new passport. (Her application will be processed in her home country...and you know the 'efficiency' of the government workers.) So if she applies now, she will get her passport in January 04.

B.) If she goes back to her home country this month (before the passport expires) and apply a new passport, it will take less than 1 week to get a new one.

Should she go back now with her old passport and coming back to US with a new passport? Is it illegal for her to stay in US without a valid passport although she has a valid green card?

Please advise. Thanks.

 

[Upstate_NY]

Why go overseas to renew a passport when you have tonz of consulates here?

There is no US law against carrying an expired passport. I don't know if that country sees an expired passport as a violation.

 

[sadiq]

Unless I'm mistaken, valid green card holders do not need to have a valid passport while in the US. If you're passport has expired, or will expire in 6 months, some airlines will deny you boarding (happened to my American boss who was going to Japan on a visit).

I'm also from a not so efficient country that takes forever to renwer. However my consulate has an expedite fee. Can your friend find out if her embassy/consulate does rush jobs for a premium? It may even be posted on their website.

rgds,
sadiq