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Do green card holders get I-94?

Nearly all travelers visiting the United States receive an I-94 form upon entry, except, for example: US citizens. Holders of an immigrant visa (Green Card) the majority of Canadian citizens – under certain conditions.



No, in 2026, Lawful Permanent Residents (Green Card holders) do not receive an I-94 travel record when entering the United States. The I-94 is a "Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record" used specifically to track the entry and exit of non-immigrant visitors (such as those on B1/B2, H-1B, or F-1 visas) and to establish the legal duration of their stay. Since Green Card holders have the right to reside in the U.S. permanently, their entry is recorded in a different system linked to their Alien Registration Number (A-Number). When a Green Card holder returns from international travel, the CBP officer simply swipes their physical Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551) to log the entry. A 2026 "pro-tip" for Green Card holders is to remember that while you don't need an I-94, staying outside the U.S. for more than one year can lead to a "presumption of abandonment" of your status. If you plan to be abroad for a long time, you should apply for a Re-entry Permit (I-131) before you leave to ensure you can return without issue.

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The I-94: Proof of Legal Entry into the United States When entering the United States as a nonimmigrant, the Customs Border Protection (CBP) officer examines your passport and visa and then issues either a passport admission stamp or a small white card called the Form I-94.

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Current regulations permit green card holders to leave and return to the United States multiple times per year: If you are a lawful permanent resident (green card holder), you may leave the U.S. multiple times and reenter, as long as you do not intend to stay outside the U.S. for 1 year or more.

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