Work and Travel While Waiting for Your Green Card: What You Need to Know

You’ve said "I do" and started your life together. But when immigration paperwork is part of the picture, there are a few important rules you need to know before you book your dream honeymoon or accept that exciting new job offer.

Work and Travel Restrictions While Waiting for Your Green Card

Marriage alone doesn’t instantly grant you the ability to work legally inside of the United States and it does not give you the ability to travel internationally while your green card application is pending. After filing your green card application (Form I-485), you must wait for additional approvals before certain activities are allowed.

The Two Golden Tickets

Work Authorization (EAD): Also known as the Employment Authorization Document, this card lets you work legally in the U.S. It usually arrives 3–6 months after applying.

Advance Parole (AP): This special travel permit allows you to leave the U.S. and reenter safely while your green card application is pending. Traveling without it could cause your application to be considered "abandoned," forcing you to start over or, worse, jeopardize your future status.

Please note that it is very important to discuss your travel plans with an immigration attorney before you depart the United States. Even with a temporary travel document, re-entry into the United States is not always guaranteed with a temporary travel document.

What Happens If You Travel Too Soon? 

Without Advance Parole, leaving the U.S. could cancel your green card application automatically. Many couples are surprised by this — they think a quick honeymoon trip or family visit abroad is harmless. Unfortunately, U.S. immigration law is very strict on this point.

What About Working? 

Until your EAD arrives, working is not allowed — even unpaid internships could cause issues. Accepting employment too early can have long-lasting consequences for your immigration record.

How to Handle the Wait Gracefully: 

Apply early: Submit forms I-765 (work authorization) and I-131 (travel permit) along with your green card application.

Stay patient: Processing times vary but usually range from 3–6 months. Planning ahead helps avoid stress.

Consult an immigration attorney: If you’re unsure about your situation, professional guidance can save you heartbreak.

Love is Worth the Wait, it might feel frustrating to press pause on travel dreams or career moves, but it’s a small price to pay for building a life together in the U.S. Think of it as an investment in your forever story. And when that little card finally arrives in the mail? It will feel just as magical as the day you walked down the aisle.

At Elizee Law Firm, we specialize in turning love stories into lasting futures. If you're ready to start your immigration journey with confidence, reach out to us today.

Patricia Elizee is the managing partner of the Elizee Law Firm, an immigration law firm located at 1110 Brickell Avenue, Suite 315, Miami, Florida 33131. Phone 305-371-8846. The law firm was established in 2012. Ms. Elizee earned her Juris Doctorate at the University of Miami School of Law and her Masters in Law from the University of Washington School of Law.