Procedure to transit or enter the USA with re-entry permit (no GC in hand)

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WaitingGC03

Registered Users (C)
I did something really careless, so please read thru it and help.

I have a valid re-entry permit, but I don't have the GC physically with me at this moment. It is valid but I sent in in a package with other souvenirs to my parent's home...

My specific questions are:
1) Can I transit a US (EWR) airport in/out just by only showing my re-entry permit (if at all)? I don't remember if I need to go thru immigration in the first US stop while connecting to an international flight. I would return to the US when I physically have the GC in about 2 months.

1b) If I have to go thru immigration, will the officer ask for (or do I need to show) the GC or just the Travel Document will be enough? I have a brand new re-entry permit & last visited the USA on Feb06.


2) If I want to enter the US, can I do it with the re-entry permit only? Do I need to show my GC when I leave.

PS Waiting for the GC to arrive and be sent back to me is not an option since it will take 2 months.
 
I doubt they will let you in without the actual green card. They actually swipe the card through a machine whenever you enter the country. And also, the law requires carrying the green card at all times when in US. To let you in without one means officers would be breaking their own rule.

If your flight requires the clearing through the custom before boading the connection flight, I would consider rebooking the flight. Usually for the international flights (without involving the domestic connection), you don't have to go through the custom, though.
 
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Against what I thought, it seems getting in the US is no problem only with the Re-entry permit.

I am not sure if you could get out of the US only with the re-entry permit.

I search the CPB.gov website has an pdf file if you search for "Documentary Requirements for Entry to the United States by Air"

(I searched today April 07, and the document has no 'date' on it, so I assume it is valid)

It outlines all the documents (with pictures) different groups need to enter the USA. For LPR, it is

*** ( I am coping from the PDF file graphic for reference only)
Lawful Permanent Residents require one of the following documents for entry to the United States when arriving by air:

(pic) Permanent Resident Card
(pic) immigrant visa
(pic) DHS Travel Document
(pic) Parole Letter
(pic) Transporation Letter
(pic) ADIT stamp
*****
 
I answered 1/2 of my question above but my real interest is to know if I can TRANSIT.

>> If your flight requires the clearing through the custom before boading the connection flight, I would consider rebooking the flight. Usually for the international flights (without involving the domestic connection), you don't have to go through the custom, though.

I agree with this. However, I remember when coming from overseas that even if you are connecting you must take your luggage (not sure if also immigration) and re-check it. That is the part I am afraid of, since I don't have my GC on hand.

Any opinions or experiences?
 
in your first point of entry in the US you also must go through the immigration/passport control.
 
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