For those who wish to live or work in another country, they may be permanent residents in a foreign country. The permanent resident is called a green card holder. However, if you need to live in your own country but work in another country, you will need a commuter permanent resident status, which can help you maintain your resident status. If you don’t know what a commuter’s permanent resident is and how to apply, you can read this blog carefully and find out how to get one.
What is a permanent resident in commuter status?
Permanent commuter status is an exception under immigration law, which allows Canadian and Mexican residents to work in the U.S. without losing their residency status. Therefore, they will receive commuter green cards to travel legally between two countries. If you want to be an alien commuter, you must have “regular and stable” employment in the United States.
Who can apply for a permanent resident in commuter status?
If you wish to apply for commuter status, you must meet the following requirements:
- You have applied for lawful permanent resident (LPR) status;
- You live in Canada or Mexico with proof of residence, such as utility bills or property ownership documents.
- You have worked in the United States within months, which can ensure that commuter status is for employment purposes. You need to provide proof of employment, such as employment pay stubs, an employment letter for a company or employment contracts.
What documents do you need for the Commuter Green Card?
Before applying for a commuter green card, you must prepare the following documents:
- Completed Form I-90
- Permanent resident card of Mexico and Canada.
- Two 2×2 passport-style photographs.
- Proof of name change, if applicable
- Application fee
- Your proof of employment in the last six months
- Evidence of living in Canada or Mexico
How much is the commuter green card?
If you are a Mexico or Canadian permanent resident and want commuter status, you need to pay $455 with a biometric service fee of $85. That would be $540 in total. When you file your Form I-90 by mail, you must pay the fee with a money order, personal cheque, cashier’s cheque, or credit card by using Form G-1450, Authorization for Credit Card Transactions. You also can pay by check to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
How long do you need to get your commuter green card?
Generally, it will take between 6 to 12 months to process a Form I-90 application. Because the processing time for Form I-90 depends on the type of application, the volume of applications received and the location of the processing office, etc.
How do I obtain a Commuter Green Card?
If you want to obtain a commuter green card, you need to follow the normal immigration visa process, such as the employment-based green card. Here you can follow the steps below and submit your application:
Apply for a Commuter Green Card Online
- Create a USCIS online account to complete and submit your online form.
- Pay your fee online
- Receive notifications and application updates
- Get your commuter green card
Apply for a Commuter Green Card By Mail
You can submit your application by mail. Download and complete the application form from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website. Then send it with the required fees and supporting documents to the following locations:
📍 United States Postal Service (USPS):
USCIS
Attn: I-90
P.O. Box 21262
Phoenix, AZ 85036-1262
📍 FedEx, UPS, and DHL deliveries:
USCIS
Attn: I-90 (Box 21262)
2108 E. Elliot Rd.
Tempe, AZ 85284-1806
Once your form is received, USCIS will process your application and send you a confirmation letter or email. If you haven’t received your card in a long time, check the status of your application online or by calling USCIS.
Limitation of the rights of permanent residents in the status of a Commuter
However, there are some limitations when you have a permanent commuter status. Here you can check these limitations:
- You are not eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship until you convert commuter status to standard lawful permanent resident status for 3-5 years.
- You can’t sponsor family members for a green card unless your family members move to the U.S. and do paperwork for the family.
- You must appear at a port-of-entry every six months and complete Form I-178. Besides, you need to provide proof of continuous employment in the United States and residence in Canada or Mexico.
- You cannot take international assignments.
You will not be entitled to all the same protections as a regular green card holder.
Lawful Permanent Resident vs. Permanent Resident in Commuter Status
Lawful permanent residents and permanent residents in commuter status have one thing in common: both cards are an “alien registration card,” which is informally known as a green card. They continue to hold the citizenship of another country. You must use your green card to prove employment eligibility and identity in the United States. If you are a lawful permanent resident, you will be granted the right to live and work in the United States indefinitely. When you have a permanent resident in commuter status, you just use it to commute between the United States and Canada, and you will face lots of limitations, such as U.S. citizenship. Although commuter permanent residents and lawful permanent residents look almost identical. However, the commuter green card will carry a different C2 code on the front of the card. C1 is for a lawful permanent resident.
How to Switch from Commuter Status to Standard Permanent Resident
If you want to change your commuter status to a standard permanent resident of the United States, you can live and connect in the United States. After moving to the United States, you must file Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card. You also need to select “I am a commuter who is taking up actual residence in the United States” as your application type in Part 2 of the I-90 application.
Can I Apply Commuter Green Card if I’m not a permanent resident of Mexico or Canada?
Under normal circumstances, only permanent residents in Canada or Mexico are allowed to apply for the commuter green card. This is an exemption for those who live in Canada or Mexico but need to work in the United States. Because a lawful permanent resident (LPR) will lose his or her status if he or she moves to another country with the intention of residing there permanently. However, commuter green cards continue to help Mexican and Canadian citizens maintain their national status.
Conclusion
As you can see, permanent commuter status will be your best option when you need to work in the U.S. without losing Mexican and Canadian residency status. If you want to apply for one, you must think twice because you will face some limitations on this card.
📖 Further Readings: Can I Go to Canada with a Green Card?
Dolores Xiao