What do I need to do to reenter the US by land? 6 Answers as of February 17, 2012

*Application to Apply for Non abandonment of Residency* When a Lawful Permanent Resident has been outside the U.S. for more than one year, they can no longer reenter on their Lawful Permanent Resident Card. In this case, it would be necessary for the application for Non abandonment of Residency to be filed. We would have to prepare a legal brief along with declarations, affidavits, medical reports, and all other supporting evidence to show why the resident did not return to the U.S. within the allotted year. The more supporting documents we have showing the critical reasons the resident did not return to the U.S., the better chances of success. Once the application is prepared and filed, it usually takes between one and three months to get a decision.

You need a passport and proof that you filed for the renewal. It is recommended that you wait for your new card before you travel abroad.

Just bring your receipt for the replacement of green card, passport and if you still have your expired green card. You should be able to return to the US either by land or by air. Then you should go to CIS (make infopass first) to have a stamp on your passport before you receive your new card.

If it is a renewal after two year green card, you will want to show the I-797 receipt notice that extended your status. If of a ten year, you should also show the notice- but unlike with the two year, your status remains intact even if you had not filed for an extension. They may make you file a specific DHS form and pay a filing fee to request admission- check uscis.gov under forms. In either case, you need an unexpired passport with at least 180 days until expiration.

That depends on how long you have been absent from the U.S. Your status of a permanent resident does not expire. You should be able to enter the country even if your green card expired (particularly if you already filed for a replacement card) as long as you have not been absent for more than one year. If it has been more than a year, you should apply for a returning resident (SB-1) visa to not face allegations that you abandoned your permanent U.S. residence. I highly recommend consulting with an immigration attorney if the latter is the case.

If you are still in the US, you can go to the local USCIS office, show proof of filing for renewal and get a temporary stamp placed in your passport.