travel to germany with green card

Do U.S. citizens and green card holders need a visa to visit Schengen area?

As the first doses of the coronavirus vaccine are rolled out around the globe, would-be travelers to Europe should be familiarize themselves with the Schengen area: a 26-country bloc comprising some of the most visited destinations on the continent, including Germany, France, and Italy. If you are from the United States, you may be wondering if you need a Schengen visa from the USA in order to travel to the Schengen area, or whether you might need to apply for some other kind of European visa for US citizens. At the same time, you may be concerned about your options if you are not yet a US citizen, and therefore seek to travel with a green card or travel with a permanent resident card to the Schengen area. Read on for more information about the visa options for green card USA holders, and whether or not you will need another kind of EU visa for USA if you are not an American citizen.

Do I need a Schengen visa from the USA as an American citizen?

• No. The United States is one of the countries that has visa-free access to the Schengen area. As a US citizen, you will therefore not need a Schengen visa in order to enter the Schengen area for a short stay.  
• While US citizens don’t need Schengen visas, starting in 2022, they will need to apply for an ETIAS (European Travel Informational Travel Authorization) prior to entering the Schengen area. Unlike the Schengen visa, the application process for an ETIAS can be completed online in about 10-minutes, and costs €7. ( For more information on ETIAS, click here ). 
• Please note that you may need to apply for another kind of European visa for US citizens depending on how long you intend to stay in the Schengen area. For example, while American citizens do not need a Schengen visa to enter a Schengen state, they may need to ultimately acquire a national visa from a Schengen country, such a resident visa or a student visa, if they plan on staying in a particular Schengen county for longer than 90 days. 
• For example, if you are an American citizen who is visiting France for a two-week holiday, you will not need a Schengen visa (or any kind of visa) in order to enter and remain in the country. However, if you plan on staying in France longer than 90 days, you will need to apply for a long stay visa from France. (Please note that applying for a national visa is separate from the Schengen application process).  

Schengen visa for green card holders in USA

• If you are not a US citizen, but you have a green card USA, you might need a Schengen visa from the USA in order to enter the Schengen area for a short stay (under 90 days). 
• Therefore, if you do not have a US passport, you cannot travel with green card to the Schengen area without a visa unless you are a citizen of one of the countries with visa-free access to the Schengen area. ( Click here for a list of countries that have visa free access to the Schengen area ).
• Put another way, even if you are a permanent resident of the United States and you hold a green card, you will not be allowed to travel without a visa to the Schengen area if you are from one of the non-visa free countries, all of which require citizens to obtain visa in order to enter the Schengen area. ( Click here for a list of countries lacking visa-free access to the Schengen area ). 
• For example, say you are a green card holder and a permanent resident of the United States, but you lack American citizenship. If you are a citizen of the U.K., you will be allowed to travel to the Schengen area without a visa-NOT because you have a green card, but because you are a citizen of the U.K., and U.K. citizens have, at this time, visa free access to the Schengen area. 
• Alternatively: let’s say again that you are a green card holder and a permanent resident of the United States who lacks American citizenship – only this time you are a citizen of Libya. Because you are a Libyan citizen, you will not be allowed to travel to the Schengen area without a visa because you are technically Libyan, not American, and Libya is not one of the states whose citizens are allowed visa-free access to the Schengen area. In this scenario, your identity as a permanent resident of America does not have any influence on whether or not you are allowed to enter the Schengen area without a visa.  
• In summary, the only thing that matters when it comes to visa-free entry to the Schengen visa is your citizenship. It doesn’t matter if you are a residency of the United States – what matters for Schengen visa purposes is where you have citizenship from, and whether your country of citizenship has visa-free access to the Schengen area. 

Do I need Schengen visa if I am a permanent resident of the US?

• A permanent resident card, also known as a USA green card, is given to non-temporary residents of the United States, allowing them to legally work and live in the country. Therefore, if you are a permanent resident of the United States, you will have a green card. 
• A green card is not equivalent to a US passport; you cannot get a US passport until you become a US citizen. Please keep in mind that most countries (such as all 26-Schengen countries) do not accept a green card as being valid for entry as an American travel document.
• You therefore cannot exclusively travel with a permanent resident card to the Schengen area ; you must have some other sort of valid travel document, such as a passport from another country, in order to travel to the Schengen area from the United States. The specific country your passport is from will ultimately determine whether or not you will need to apply for a Schengen visa from the USA in order to enter the area.
• Remember, when it comes to visa-free travel to the Schengen area, what matters is your current nationality,  not  your residency status. 

If you are applying for a Schengen Visa, Travel Medical Insurance is mandatory. To simplify your application process, Insurte, partners with leading European Insurance Companies operating under EU regulations provide Travel Medical Insurances. If you wish to proceed, please click below:

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International Travel as a Permanent Resident

In general, you will need to present a passport from your country of citizenship or your refugee travel document to travel to a foreign country. In addition, the foreign country may have additional entry/exit requirements (such as a visa). For information on foreign entry and exit requirements, see the Department of State’s website .

If seeking to enter the United States after temporary travel abroad, you will need to present a valid, unexpired “Green Card” (Form I-551, Permanent Resident Card). When arriving at a port of entry, a U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officer will review your permanent resident card and any other identity documents you present, such as a passport, foreign national I.D. card or U.S. Driver’s License, and determine if you can enter the United States. For information pertaining to entry into the United States, see U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s webpage .

Permanent residents are free to travel outside the United States, and temporary or brief travel usually does not affect your permanent resident status. If it is determined, however, that you did not intend to make the United States your permanent home, you will be found to have abandoned your permanent resident status. A general guide used is whether you have been absent from the United States for more than a year. Abandonment may be found to occur in trips of less than a year where it is believed you did not intend to make the United States your permanent residence. While brief trips abroad generally are not problematic, the officer may consider criteria such as whether your intention was to visit abroad only temporarily, whether you maintained U.S. family and community ties, maintained U.S employment, filed U.S. income taxes as a resident, or otherwise established your intention to return to the United States as your permanent home. Other factors that may be considered include whether you maintained a U.S. mailing address, kept U.S. bank accounts and a valid U.S. driver’s license, own property or run a business in the United States, or any other evidence that supports the temporary nature of your absence.

If you plan on being absent from the United States for longer than a year, it is advisable to first apply for a reentry permit on Form I-131 . Obtaining a reentry permit prior to leaving the United States allows a permanent or conditional permanent resident to apply for admission into the United States during the permit’s validity without the need to obtain a returning resident visa from a U.S. Embassy or Consulate abroad. Please note that it does not guarantee entry into the United States upon your return as you must first be determined to be admissible; however, it will assist you in establishing your intention to permanently reside in the United States. For more information, see the Travel Documents page.

If you remain outside of the United States for more than 2 years, any reentry permit granted before your departure from the United States will have expired. In this case, it is advisable to consider applying for a returning resident visa (SB-1) at the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. An SB-1 applicant will be required to establish eligibility for an immigrant visa and will need a medical exam. There is an exception to this process for the spouse or child of either a member of the U.S. Armed Forces or civilian employee of the U.S. Government stationed abroad on official orders. For more information on obtaining a returning resident visa, see the Department of State’s webpage on returning resident visas .

Additionally, absences from the United States of six months or more may disrupt the continuous residency required for naturalization. If your absence is one year or longer and you wish to preserve your continuous residency in the United States for naturalization purposes, you may file an Application to Preserve Residence for Naturalization Purposes on Form N-470. For more information, please see the Continuous Residence and Physical Presence Requirements page.

If you lose your Green Card or reentry permit or it is stolen or destroyed while you are abroad, you may need to file a Form I-131A, Application for Travel Document (Carrier Documentation) . This carrier documentation will allow an airline or other transportation carrier to board a lawful permanent resident bound for the United States without the carrier being penalized. For more information, please see the Form I-131A, Application for Travel Document (Carrier Documentation) page.

More Information

• Welcome to the United States: A Guide for New Immigrants (PDF, 3.57 MB)
• How Do I Get a Reentry Permit? (PDF, 667.32 KB)
• I-131, Application for Travel Document
• I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card

Other USCIS Links

• Green Card Resources
• How Do I Help My Relative Become a Lawful Permanent Resident? (PDF, 577.38 KB)
• How Do I Renew or Replace My Permanent Resident Card? (PDF, 550.19 KB)
• "How Do I" Guides for Permanent Residents

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Schengen visa for Germany : how to apply and the requirements

NAME: Axel Strauss  DATE: 04.01.2024  With nearly 40 million visitors yearly, Germany ranks as the fifth most visited country in Europe. Berlin, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Munich , and Oktoberfest are by far its top destinations for tourists. But from border to border, the vastness of Deutschland offers a rich history, a magical blend of old and new Europe, and a unique culture and character like no other. 

For example, it’s home to over 1,000 varieties of sausage but also over 90 billion trees. At roughly 25,000, it also boasts the most castles in the world. And — among many, many other things — it’s home to both the world’s largest cathedral (the Cologne Cathedral) and the European Central Bank. But before you experience Germany’s wonder first-hand, you might need a Schengen Visa . In which case — AXA can help.

• Do I need a visa to visit Germany? 

How do I apply for a visa to go to Germany?

• How much does a Schengen visa for Germany cost? 

What about ETIAS?

• How can AXA help you obtain a Schengen visa for Germany? 
• How to apply for a Schengen visa for other countries 

Do I need a visa to visit Germany?

That depends. Because Germany is also both a founding member of the European Union and the Schengen Zone . And this means that most visitors from outside the Schengen zone must apply for a Schengen visa for Germany for stays of up to 90 days.

Which travelers don’t need a Schengen visa to come to Germany (for stays of less than 90 days)?

You don’t need a visa for Germany if you are:

• A national of the Schengen area or one (or more) of the European Union member countries.
• A citizen of one (or more) of roughly 60 non-EU countries and territories that have signed visa exemption agreements with the EU . This includes, for example, citizens of Australia, Brazil, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, Macao, Mexico, Taiwan, the U.K .,* and the U.S . 

*NOTE: If you are a U.K BRP (i.e., biometric residence permit) and/or IRL (i.e., indefinite leave to remain) holder, then whether you need a Schengen visa for Germany or not depends on whether the country where you hold citizenship has signed a visa-free travel agreement with the Schengen Area. So to make sure you have all the latest info — we recommend you consult the UK Government’s Official Website’s Travel to the EU/Schengen section . You should also consult the Official Website of the EU and that of your home country too — just in case.

Which travelers are required to apply for a Schengen visa for Germany?

Meanwhile, citizens whose home countries do not have a visa waiver agreement with the EU will indeed need a Schengen Visa for Germany. This includes passport holders from nearly a hundred countries — including all of Africa, India, Russia, most countries in Asia and the Middle East, and so on. 

PRO-TIP: You can see the full lists of both countries that are exempt from and those that need a Schengen visa —and whether your home country made the cut — here (courtesy of the European Commission). 

PRO-TIP 2: AXA can help you figure out whether you need to apply for a Schengen visa for Germany or not in no time too.

First and foremost, you’ll need to figure out the type of Schengen visa that suits your needs best. And this will depend on the particular nature of your visit.

What are the different types of visas?

For example, do you want to check out Oktoberfest for a week or two? Are you planning a solo European adventure or a family reunion abroad? Are you going to Germany for work, school, and/or to start a new life? Or are you just passing through? 

The four basic types of Schengen Visa are business , work , student , and short-stay . And the latter — aka the Type C or “tourist” visa — is the most common. A Short-stay Schengen visa allows travel to Germany (and all 29 Schengen countries) for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. 

But there are other options too. A Type A (aka airport transit) visa, for example, allows citizens of non-Schengen states to transit through or wait for a connecting flight in the airport of any Schengen country. 

If you’re planning more than one trip to Germany (and/or the Schengen Zone), you can also choose a multiple-entry visa . And if you happen to have a partner living, working, and/or studying in Germany, you also have a few different options . 

Meanwhile, if you wish to stay in Germany for more than 90 days, you’ll need to apply for a German National visa (aka a “long-term” or Type D visa).

How do I apply for a work and/or job seeker visa for Germany?

Germany also happens to be the world’s fourth-largest economy. As such, it is extremely welcoming to non-Germans hoping to find a job and settle in the country. And AXA can tell you all about applying for a German work visa too. 

And if you’re hoping to find work when in Germany, you can also opt for the “job seeker” visa. The German Mission in the U.K. and the German Mission in India , for example, have detailed info about how to apply for one of those.

What documents are required to obtain a Schengen visa for Germany?

No matter which German Schengen visa you choose, you’ll need the proper documentation. The specific paperwork may vary depending on your nationality, your country of origin, and the purpose of your trip. But, generally speaking, you should have:

• Your passport (issued within the last 10 years, with a validity of more than 3 months after the planned date of exit from the Schengen area)
• A German Schengen visa application form (duly completed and signed). 
• Two recent passport photos 
• Your itinerary 
• Travel insurance   (NOTE: Travel insurance is mandatory and must meet several criteria in order to be accepted with your visa application — but more on that below) 
• Proof of sufficient funds* (if applicable) 
• Proof of the purpose of the trip such as a letter of invitation (if applicable) 
• Your residence permit and/or resident card (if applicable) 
• Proof of accommodation (if applicable) 
• Proof of socio-economic and professional stability (if applicable) 
• For minors — certified parental or guardian authorization 

And if you’re traveling for business, you might also need:

• a schedule of your stay with your business contacts and/or a signed letter of invitation from a German company (if applicable) 
• documentation linked to your business operations (if applicable)

 *When proving your means of subsistence for your Germany Schengen Visa, you’ll need to show that you have (at least) €45 per day to spend during your trip 

NOTE: AXA always strives to provide the most reliable and up-to-date information regarding travel to Germany and the Schengen Zone in general. However, Schengen embassies/consulates may modify their visa rules and regulations at any time. 

So make sure you double-check with Germany’s Federal Foreign Office’s official website as to the latest requirements. As well as with the German embassy/consulate in your home country (PRO-TIP 3: Germany’s Federal Foreign Office can help you find said embassy/consulate here ).

Where and when should I apply for my Schengen visa to Germany?

No matter where you are in the world, you can apply for your Schengen Visa via your nearest German Embassy or Consulate. And, again, the link(s) above will help you find yours in no time.

For example, a Chinese national might apply at the German Embassy or Consulate in Beijing or Shanghai . You can apply for your German Schengen visa from India in New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata , and so on. Those in the U.K. can apply in London or Edinburgh . Whereas those applying for a visa to Germany from the U.S. can book an appointment via the official U.S. German Embassy website . 

But note that Germany also outsources the Schengen visa application process in the above (and other) countries via the company VFS Global — which definitely helps speed things up a little. So click around, find the VFS center, embassy, or consulate nearest to you, book that appointment,* and start gathering that paperwork. 

As far as timing — your German Schengen visa application should be submitted no earlier than six months and no later than 15 days before your departure date to Germany. But, again, make sure you give yourself plenty of time to sort out all the paperwork beforehand too. 

*IMPORTANT NOTE : Once your application is received, you’ll also need to come in for an in-person interview (with the above paperwork, and for biometrics collection). So take that into consideration as you time your trip too.

How much does a Schengen visa for Germany cost?

A Schengen visa for Germany will cost one adult €80 (as the standard Schengen visa fee is universal). The fee is €40 for children between the ages of six and twelve. And children under the age of six can get a Schengen visa for free.* 

*In certain cases, the visa fee may also be waived for: -participants in certain seminars, conferences, sporting, cultural, and/or educational events (25yo or under); 

• students/teachers on study and/or training trips; 
• certain professionals traveling for the purpose of scientific research.  

NOTE: You will also likely have to pay some extra administrative and/or service fees associated with your visa center and/or the respective officials. And visa fees are not reimbursed if your visa is refused.

If you’ve been following the latest developments regarding travel to Europe, you may have already heard of ETIAS . The European Travel Information and Authorization System (or ETIAS, for short) is set to be a new system of requirements for entering Europe, and it’s something the European Union has been working on since 2016. 

According to the official source above, “mid-2025” is when ETIAS should go into effect. However, since its inception, it has already been postponed several times. So while it’s still in the works, AXA can gladly tell you more about it here .

How can AXA help you obtain a Schengen visa for Germany?

If you’re applying for a Schengen Visa — for Germany or any of its 28 Schengen neighbors — having the proper travel insurance is mandatory. And that’s where AXA comes in. 

The necessary travel insurance requirements for being granted a Germany Schengen Visa are that your plan has a minimum coverage of €30,000 (in case of medical care, hospitalization, and/or medical repatriation ), that it is accepted by all 29 countries within the Schengen zone (not just Germany), and that it is valid for the entire duration of your trip/stay. 

All three AXA plans ( Low-Cost , starting at as little as €22/week, Europe Travel , and Multi-Trip ), meanwhile, meet the requirements above. 

But there are plenty of other reasons to choose AXA too.  For example, AXA’s plans also have no age restrictions . And getting an AXA plan is a lot more straightforward than getting the Schengen visa itself. In fact, it’s quick, easy, and can all be done online in a matter of minutes. Once you have your plan, your AXA travel insurance certificate can be downloaded (and printed) online instantly too. And all our certificates are accepted by all Schengen embassies and consulates — including the German ones — around the world. 

Another one of our countless benefits is that if your Schengen visa for Germany is denied, AXA’s plans are refundable in most cases — so long as you provide the appropriate documentation (i.e., an official explanation as to why your visa was refused by the relevant embassy, consulate, or visa application center). So learn more about and compare our 3 comprehensive plans here . 

With AXA, not only will you be one big step closer to getting your German Schengen Visa. But, most importantly, you and your family are also guaranteed to be in good hands — with 24/7 support and all sorts of other benefits — during your trip to Deutschland itself.

How to apply for a Schengen visa for other countries

And, finally, if you’re looking to apply for a visa for any of Germany’s 28 Schengen neighbors, AXA also happens to have comprehensive guides on each one — in alphabetical order — below:

RELATED ARTICLES: 

• How to fill out a Schengen visa application form 
• How long does it take to get a Schengen visa? 
• How to track your Schengen visa application 
• How to extend a Schengen Visa 
• How safe is Europe to visit? 
• How to choose the best Schengen travel insurance

Can I travel to all European countries on a German Schengen visa?

Technically, no. Because all of Europe is home to roughly 50 countries. And while your Schengen Visa will allow travel to all 29 Schengen countries and most of the European Union countries (yep, they’re similar but not the same) — a handful of European nations will still have their own particular visa requirements.

Can I work or study in Germany with a tourist visa?

No. The tourist (or TypeC) allows visitors to enter Germany for a short business trip, a holiday, or to visit family members. However, it cannot be converted into a work or study permit ( AXA can tell you more about that here ).

Can my German visa be extended?

Yes, but only in exceptional cases. You can learn more on the official Berlin Service Portal website . (AXA can tell you more about extending your visa too, here).

Get Schengen insurance

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Do i need a visa for germany.

On the Federal Foreign Office webpage you can find out whether you need a visa for visits to Germany and the Schengen states of up to 90 days. Most non- EU -foreigners wanting to work or study in Germany or to stay longer than 90 days in Germany for other purposes, usually need a visa.

Exceptions are indicated in the relevant list of countries.

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Green Card Holders Can Now Travel Via Frankfurt

Introduction, what is a green card, who is eligible for a green card, the benefits of a green card, how to apply for a green card, the green card application process, the green card interview, after the green card interview, what to do if your green card is lost or stolen, faqs about green cards.

If you’re a green card holder, you can now travel to Frankfurt without a visa. This is great news for those who want to visit Germany or have connecting flights there. Check out this blog post for more information.

Checkout this video:

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U.S. green card holders are now able to travel to Frankfurt, Germany via the Lufthansa Group’s new digital travel service, which was launched this week. The service allows eligible travelers to book and pay for their tickets online without the need for a physical visa.

This is a significant development for both Lufthansa and Green Card holders, as it simplifies the process of traveling to Germany and makes it more convenient than ever before. In addition, the service will also be available to those who are traveling on Lufthansa-operated flights from other countries, such as Austria, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.

To use the service, Green Card holders simply need to log in to the Lufthansa website and enter their personal information. Once they have done so, they will be able to select their preferred flight and pay for their ticket using a credit or debit card. There is no need to apply for a physical visa in advance, and travelers will receive their boarding pass electronically.

The launch of this service is part of the Lufthansa Group’s ongoing efforts to make travel easier and more convenient for its customers. In recent years, the group has introduced a number of digital innovations, such as self-check-in kiosks and mobile boarding passes. These initiatives have made flying with Lufthansa a smoother and more enjoyable experience for millions of passengers around the world.

A Green Card, known officially as a Permanent Resident Card, is a document issued to immigrants to the United States under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). It allows them to live and work permanently in the United States. The card is valid for 10 years for adults and 2 years for children under age 18. After those initial periods, it needs to be renewed.

You may be eligible for a Green Card if you have been granted asylum in the United States, are a refugee from a designated country, or have been granted relief from persecution or torture. You may also be eligible if you are the immediate relative of a U.S. citizen, or if you have special skills that would contribute to the U.S. economy. If you believe you may be eligible for a Green Card, please contact an immigration attorney for more information.

As a Green Card holder, you are now able to travel to Frankfurt without the need for a visa. This is a huge benefit, as it allows you to travel more easily and without the hassle of applying for a visa in advance. Additionally, it means that you can stay in Frankfurt for up to 90 days without having to worry about overstaying your welcome.

If you are a Green Card holder, you can now travel to Frankfurt and Germany’s other Schengen countries without a visa. The German government has announced that starting from August 1, 2017, holders of US green Cards will be able to enter Germany for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.

The US Green Card is an official document that proves that its holder is allowed to live and work permanently in the United States. If you have a Green Card, you can enter the US as many times as you want and stay there for as long as you want. However, if you leave the country for an extended period of time, your Green Card may be cancelled.

If you want to apply for a Green Card, you must first have a job offer from a US employer. Once you have this, you can start the application process.

The first step is to fill out an online application form. You will need to provide some personal information, such as your name, address and date of birth. You will also need to provide information about your job offer, such as the job title and salary.

Once you have submitted your online application, you will need to attend an interview at a US embassy or consulate. During the interview, an embassy official will ask you questions about your job offer and your reasons for wanting to live and work in the United States.

If your interview goes well and your application is approved, you will be issued with a Green Card. This card allows you to live and work permanently in the United States.

The Green Card interview is an interview between you and a government official that is used to determine whether or not you are eligible for a Green Card. During the interview, the government official will ask you questions about your personal background, your criminal history, your employment history, and your reasons for wanting to live in the United States.

After the Green Card interview, the next stage in the process is to receive your green card. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will mail your green card to the address you provided on your form I-485. Once you have received your green card, you are now a permanent resident of the United States!

If you are a Green Card holder, you can now travel to Frankfurt without a visa. If your Green Card is lost or stolen, you should report it to the police and the Department of State immediately. You should also contact your nearest U.S. consulate or embassy to get a new Green Card.

Are you a permanent resident of the United States with a green card? If so, you may be wondering if you can travel via Frankfurt.

Here are some FAQs that may help clear things up for you:

Can green card holders travel to Germany? Yes, green card holders are allowed to enter Germany for tourist or business purposes. However, they will need to obtain a Schengen visa before traveling.

What is a Schengen visa? A Schengen visa is a short-stay visa that allows holders to travel freely within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days. The Schengen Area consists of 26 European countries that have abolished passport and all other internal border controls.

How do I apply for a Schengen visa? You will need to fill out an application form and submit it, along with supporting documents, to the German embassy or consulate in your country of residence. You can find more information on the requirements and application process on the website of the German Federal Foreign Office.

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Can Someone With a Green Card Travel Outside the US?

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Entry requirements

This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of the current rules for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Germany set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the German Embassy in the UK .

COVID-19 rules 

There are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for travellers entering Germany.

Passport validity requirements 

Germany follows Schengen area rules . Your passport must:

• have a ‘date of issue’ less than 10 years before the date you arrive – if you renewed your passport before 1 October 2018, it may have a date of issue that is more than 10 years ago
• have an ‘expiry date’ at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave the Schengen area

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

If you have a residence permit, you must have a valid passport for the duration of your stay. Renew it before the expiry date.

Visa requirements

You can travel without a visa to the Schengen area , which includes Germany, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. This applies if you travel:

• as a tourist
• to visit family or friends
• to attend business meetings, cultural or sports events
• for short-term studies or training

The requirements for working in Germany are different.     

If you’re travelling to other Schengen countries as well, make sure your whole visit is within the 90-day limit. Visits to Schengen countries in the 180 days before you travel count towards your 90 days.

Make sure you get your passport stamped on entry and exit.

If you’re a visitor, border guards will look at your entry and exit stamps to check you have not overstayed the 90-day visa-free limit for the Schengen area.

If your passport is missing a stamp, show evidence of when and where you entered or left the Schengen area (for example, boarding passes or tickets) and ask the border guards to add the date and location in your passport.

At German border control, you may need to:

• show a return or onward ticket
• prove that you have enough money for your stay

Staying longer than 90 days in a 180-day period

To stay longer, you must meet the German government’s entry requirements. Check which type of visa or permit you need with the  German Embassy in the UK . 

If you’re in Germany with a residence permit or long-stay visa, this does not count towards your 90-day visa-free limit.

Read about passport stamping if you live in Germany .

Vaccine requirements

For details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Germany guide .

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into and out of Germany . You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

Taking food into Germany

You cannot take meat, milk or products containing them into EU countries . There are some exceptions such as powdered baby milk, baby food and special foods or pet feed required for medical reasons.

Taking money into Germany

You must declare any amount above 10,000 euros in cash or other payment types. You can find more information on the German Federal Foreign Office website.

Related content

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Visa Traveler

Exploring the world one country at a time

48 VISA-FREE Countries for US Green Card Holders [2024 Edition]

Updated: February 3, 2024 8 Comments

A US green card not only lets you reside in the US but also offers you visa-free access to many countries and territories. As of 2024, there are about 48 visa-free countries for US green card holders. 

A US green card is a pathway to a US passport. While you wait for your US passport, your US green card is already making your current passport strong . Not as strong as a US passport but quite strong. You already have visa-free access to 48 additional countries.

Table of Contents

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER Visa requirements change constantly but we make every effort to keep the information accurate and up to date. We provide links to official sources wherever necessary, so you can conduct your own due diligence to verify the visa requirements before planning your trip. We shall not be held liable for any damages incurred as a result of using the information in this article. Refer to our full disclaimer for more information.

Why are there VISA-FREE countries for US green card holders?

US passport (and US citizenship) is considered one of the strongest in the world. A US green card is a pathway to US citizenship. Many countries believe that someone with a US green card will not jeopardize their chances of becoming a US citizen by remaining illegally in another country. 

Working towards acquiring a US green card requires remaining several years in the US or investing enormous amounts of cash or building very strong family ties with the US. It’s silly for someone to let go of years of valuable time and millions of dollars of investments just to stay illegally in another country. Therefore, countries trust US green card holders as genuine travelers and treat them almost like someone with a strong passport. So, these countries offer visa-free access to US green card holders. 

How many countries can you visit with a US green card?

As of 2024, there are 48 countries and territories that you can visit with a US green card. This list of countries for US green card holders includes visa-free, visa on arrival and e-visa countries. Japan is the new addition to the list with the option to apply for e-visa without needing to go to the embassy.

Let’s look at what these countries are in detail.

Where can green card holders travel without a visa?

As of 2024, these are the 48 countries where green card holders can travel without a visa.

• Anguilla (British Territory)
• Antigua and Barbuda
• Bermuda (British Territory)
• Bonaire (Dutch Territory)
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• British Virgin Islands (British Territory)
• Cayman Islands (British Territory)
• Dominican Republic
• El Salvador
• Philippines
• Saudi Arabia
• Sint Maarten
• South Korea
• Turks and Caicos (British Territory)
• United Arab Emirates
• United Kingdom
• US territories

Let’s look into the entry requirements of each of these countries in detail.

RELATED: 53 countries you can visit VISA-FREE with US visa in 2024

North America

• Eligible nationalities: All nationalities
• Entry granted: 180 days
• Entry rule: Entry into Canada is only allowed if you present a valid passport from the country of nationality along with a green card.
• Official source: Government of Canada Immigration and Citizenship

Read more about traveling to Canada with US green card . This article will guide you through the requirements and border procedure when entering Canada with your US green card.

• Entry granted: Varies depending on the itinerary
• Entry rule: Green card must be valid for the entire stay in Mexico
• Official source: National Institute of Migration, Mexico

Read more about traveling to Mexico with a US green card . This article will help you understand the requirements and entry procedures at the airport when traveling to Mexico with your US green card.

03. United States Territories

• Includes the US territories: US Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Northern Mariana Islands, and Guam
• Excludes the US territories: American Samoa (American Samoa has its own immigration rules and does not honor US tourist visa )
• Official source: American Samoa Visitors Bureau   and Department of Legal Affairs  

RELATED: 38 countries you can visit VISA-FREE with Canada visa in 2023

Central America

• Entry granted: 30 days
• Official source: Embassy of Belize in Washington DC, USA

05. Costa Rica

• Entry rule: US green card must be valid for at least 3 months from the day of arrival
• Official source: Embassy of Costa Rica in Washington DC, USA

06. El Salvador

• Burkina Faso
• Central African Republic
• Côte d’Ivoire
• Equatorial Guinea
• Guinea-Bissau
• Papua New Guinea
• Turkmenistan
• Entry granted: 90 days
• If entering by air, a fee of $12 USD will be charged for a tourist card
• If you have already entered Guatemala or Honduras, you can enter El Salvador from Guatemala or Honduras by land without any additional visa requirements as per CA-4 Border Control Agreement
• Official source: IATA Travel Centre

07. Guatemala

• Côte d´Ivoire
• Entry rule: If you have already entered Honduras or El Salvador, you can enter Guatemala from Honduras or El Salvador by land without any additional visa requirements as per CA-4 Border Control Agreement.
• Official source: Consulate of Guatemala in New York, USA

08. Honduras

• Cote d’Ivoire
• South Sudan
• Entry rule: If you have already entered Guatemala or El Salvador, you can enter Honduras from Guatemala or El Salvador by land without any additional visa requirements as per CA-4 Border Control Agreement.

09. Nicaragua

• Afghanistan
• Congo, Dem Rep of
• Congo, Rep of
• Sierra Leone
• Timor-Leste
• Visa is NOT EXEMPT, but are eligible to obtain Visa ON ARRIVAL
• VOA fee is 50 USD, payable in USD, valid for 30 days, single-entry only
• Besides VOA fee, there is 10 USD tourist card fee, 2 USD land border migration fee (for land border only) and 1 USD municipality tax (for land border only) (payable in USD only)
• Green card must be valid for at least 6 months from the day of arrival
• Must show proof of economic solvency for a minimum of 500 USD
• Official source: Embassy of Panama in the USA

RELATED: 40 countries you can travel VISA-FREE with UK visa in 2023

11. Anguilla (British Territory)

• Official source: Anguilla Tourist Board, entry requirements

12. Antigua and Barbuda

• Visa is NOT EXEMPT, but green card holders are eligible to obtain a Visa ON ARRIVAL (VOA)
• VOA fee is $100 USD, valid for 30 days, single-entry only
• Official source: Consulate General of Antigua and Barbuda in NYC, USA
• Official source: Netherlands Worldwide

14. Bahamas

• Official source: Bahamas Ministry of Tourism

15. Bermuda (British Territory)

• Entry rule: Green card must be valid for a minimum of 45 days beyond the date of departure from Bermuda
• Official source: Government of Bermuda

16. Bonaire (Dutch Territory)

17. british virgin islands (british territory).

• Entry rule: Must arrive directly from the US
• Official source: Government of Virgin Islands (British)

18. Cayman Islands (British Territory)

• Entry rule: Must present a return ticket back to the US on arrival
• Official source: Cayman Islands Customs and Border Controls

19. Curaçao

20. dominican republic.

• Entry rule: If arriving by land or sea, must purchase a Tourist Card on arrival for 20 USD. If arriving by air, the tourist card is included in the airfare.
• Official source: Embassy of the Dominican Republic in the US

21. Sint Maarten

22. turks and caicos (british territory).

• Official source: Ministry of Border Control of Turks and Caicos

RELATED: 51 non-Schengen countries you can travel VISA-FREE with Schengen visa in 2023

South America

24. Colombia

• Official source : Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Colombia
• Official source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Peru

RELATED: How to book flight tickets with 24 hour FREE cancellation on Expedia – A step-by-step guide

26. Albania

• Eligible Nationalities: All nationalities
• Official source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Albania

27. Armenia

• Marshall Islands
• Saint Kitts and Nevis
• Saint Lucia
• Solomon Islands
• Trinidad and Tobago
• Entry granted: 21 or 120 days
• Visa is NOT EXEMPT, but green card holders are eligible to obtain Visa ON ARRIVAL
• VOA fee is 3,000 AMD, valid for 21 days, single-entry (OR) 15,000 AMD, valid for 120 days, single-entry
• Official source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia

28. Bosnia and Herzegovina

• Eligible nationalities: All nationalities, except Kosovo
• Official source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina

29. Georgia

• Entry rule: The total duration of consecutive stays must not exceed 90 days in any 180-day period
• Official source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia

30. Moldova

• São Tomé and Príncipe
• South Africa
• Official source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Moldova

31. Montenegro

• Official source: Government of Montenegro
• Official source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Serbia
• Algeria (those aged 15-18 and 35-65)
• North Korea
• Visa is NOT EXEMPT, but green card holders are eligible to apply for Turkey e-Visa online
• E-Visa fee is $43 USD, validity is 180 days, and single-entry only
• Official source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkey

If you hold a US green card and are eligible to apply for a Turkey e-Visa, read this step-by-step guide to  apply for Turkey e-Visa . This step-by-step guide has instructions and screenshots to guide you in filling out the application and downloading your approved e-Visa.

34. United Kingdom

• Entry granted: 24 hours only (Transit Without Visa)
• Visa is NOT EXEMPT, but green card holders are eligible to request a 24-hour entry at London (LHR) or Manchester (MAN) airports
• Must be traveling to or from the US only
• Must arrive and depart by air only
• Must hold the boarding pass for the onward flight
• Onward flight must be within 24 hours (on the same day or the next day before midnight)
• Granting 24-hour entry into the UK with a green card is at the sole discretion of the immigration officer
• Official source: GOV.UK

RELATED: How to turn your weak passport into a strong passport (with examples)

Middle East

35. Bahrain

• Entry granted: 14 days or 30 days
• Visa is NOT EXEMPT, but are eligible to obtain Visa ON ARRIVAL or Bahrain eVisa
• Single-entry VOA fee is 5 BD, valid for 14 days, entry up to 14 days
• Single-entry eVisa fee is 9 BD, valid for 14 days, entry up to 14 days
• Multiple-entry VOA fee is 12 BD, valid for 3 months, entry up to 30 days
• Multiple-entry eVisa fee is 16 BD, valid for 1 month, entry up to 14 days
• For VOA, the green card must be valid for the entire stay in Bahrain
• For eVisa, the green card must be valid for at least 6 months from the day of arrival
• Official source: Bahrain eVisa Portal
• Congo, Dem. Rep. of
• Guinea Bissau
• Visa is NOT EXEMPT, but green card holders are eligible for Jordan e-Visa
• Official source: Jordan E-Visa
• Entry granted: 10 or 30 days
• Visa is NOT EXEMPT, but green card holders are eligible to obtain Oman 26M or 26N Tourist Visa online
• 26M eVIsa fee is 20 OMR, valid for 30 days, single-entry only
• 26N eVIsa fee is 5 OMR, valid for 10 days, single-entry only
• Official source: Sultanate of Oman, Royal Oman Police
• Visa is NOT EXEMPT, but are eligible to apply for A3 Visa online on the Hayya Portal
• A3 Visa fee is QAR 100, valid for 30 days, single-entry only
• Must provide hotel booking for the entire stay reserved through the Discover Qatar website
• Green card must be valid on the day of A3 Visa application
• Official source: Qatar Tourism Board

39. Saudi Arabia

• Visa is NOT EXEMPT, but are eligible to obtain Visa ON ARRIVAL or Saudi Arabia eVisa
• VOA or eVisa fee is 300 SAR, valid for 1 year, multiple-entry (plus service fee and insurance fee)
• Official source: Saudi Arabia Tourism Authority

40. United Arab Emirates

• Eligible Nationalities: India passport holders only
• Entry granted: 14 days
• Visa is NOT EXEMPT, but green card holders are eligible to obtain Visa ON ARRIVAL at UAE airports
• VOA fee is 100 AED, valid for 14 days, single-entry only
• Official source: UAE Government Portal

RELATED: 5 ways to get proof of onward travel for your next trip

41. Morocco

• Visa is NOT EXEMPT, but green card holders are eligible to apply for Morocco e-Visa online
• E-Visa fee is 770 MAD, valid for 180 days, single-entry only
• Green card must be valid for at least 90 days from the day of arrival
• Official source: Morocco E-Visa Portal

• Visa is NOT EXEMPT, but green card holders are eligible to apply for Japan eVisa
• E-Visa fee is JPY 3,000, valid for 90 days, single-entry only
• Must submit proof of residence to prove that you reside in those countries
• Must show the visa issuance confirmation via the eVisa website on your phone at the immigration (Prints and PDFs are not accepted)
• Must enter Japan by flight only
• Official source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan

43. Malaysia (Currently suspended)

• Entry granted: 120 hours (5 days)
• Visa is NOT EXEMPT but green card holders are eligible to obtain Transit Without Visa (TWOA) at the VOA counter
• TWOA is free of charge, valid for 120 hours (5 days), single-entry only
• TWOA is available at Kuala Lumpur Airport (KLIA1 and KLIA2 terminals) only
• Issuing of TWOA is at the discretion of the immigration offices at Kuala Lumpur Airport
• Official source: High Commission of Malaysia in New Delhi, India

44. Philippines

• Green card must be valid for the entire duration of the stay
• Passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of departure
• Official source: Embassy of the Philippines in India

45. Singapore

• Entry granted: 96 hours (4 days)
• Visa is NOT EXEMPT but are eligible to obtain Visa Free Transit Facility (VFTF) upon arrival
• Must be traveling to or from the country of passport. Example: Must be traveling to a third country from India via Singapore or traveling to India from a third country via Singapore. An example itinerary would be India-Singapore-Bali or Bali-Singapore-India.
• Both arriving and departing flights in Singapore must be on the same itinerary
• Green card must be valid for at least 1 month at the time of arrival
• Official source: Singapore Immigration & Checkpoints Authority

46. South Korea

• Eligible nationalities: All nationalities (except these 23 countries – Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Cameron, Cuba, Egypt, Gambia, Ghana, Iran, Iraq, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan, Myanmar, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Palestine, Senegal, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syria, Uzbekistan and Yemen)
• Entry rule: Must be traveling to/from the US through South Korea (OR)
• Official source: South Korea Embassy in Washington DC, USA
• Visa is NOT EXEMPT but are eligible to apply for ROC Travel Authorization Certificate online
• ROC Travel Authorization Certificate is free of charge, valid for 90 days, multiple-entry
• If using an EXPIRED US green card, the green card must have expired in the last 10 years only
• Official source: Bureau of Consular Affairs of Republic of China (Taiwan)

48. Thailand

• Entry granted: 60 days
• Visa is NOT EXEMPT, but are eligible to apply for Thailand e-Visa online
• E-Visa fee is 40 USD, valid for 90 days or 180 days, single or multiple-entry
• Official source: Thailand e-Visa Portal

There are about 48 countries green card holders can travel without visa. US green card holders had to invest enormous amounts of money and time to acquire the green card, which will eventually lead to US citizenship. Therefore, countries believe that US green card holders will not jeopardize their chances of becoming US citizens by remaining illegally in another country. They consider green holders as genuine travelers and provide them with VISA-FREE access.

There you go, guys! Those are the 48 countries you can visit with a green card without a visa. If you know any country that I haven’t listed, let me know in the comments below.

Change history: For those who are interested, here are the changes to this list.

03 Feb 2024

• Added:  El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, British Virgin Islands, Colombia, Moldova, Saudi Arabia

WRITTEN BY THIRUMAL MOTATI

Thirumal Motati is an expert in tourist visa matters. He has been traveling the world on tourist visas for more than a decade. With his expertise, he has obtained several tourist visas, including the most strenuous ones such as the US, UK, Canada, and Schengen, some of which were granted multiple times. He has also set foot inside US consulates on numerous occasions. Mr. Motati has uncovered the secrets to successful visa applications. His guidance has enabled countless individuals to obtain their visas and fulfill their travel dreams. His statements have been mentioned in publications like Yahoo, BBC, The Hindu, and Travel Zoo.

PLAN YOUR TRAVEL WITH VISA TRAVELER

I highly recommend using these websites to plan your trip. I use these websites myself to apply for my visas, book my flights and hotels and purchase my travel insurance.

01. Apply for your visa

Get a verifiable flight itinerary for your visa application from DummyTicket247 . DummyTicket247 is a flight search engine to search and book flight itineraries for visas instantly. These flight itineraries are guaranteed to be valid for 2 weeks and work for all visa applications.

02. Book your fight

Find the cheapest flight tickets using Skyscanner . Skyscanner includes all budget airlines and you are guaranteed to find the cheapest flight to your destination.

03. Book your hotel

Book your hotel from Booking.com . Booking.com has pretty much every hotel, hostel and guesthouse from every destination.

04. Get your onward ticket

If traveling on a one-way ticket, use BestOnwardTicket to get proof of onward ticket for just $12, valid for 48 hours.

05. Purchase your insurance

Purchase travel medical insurance for your trip from SafetyWing . Insurance from SafetyWing covers COVID-19 and also comes with a visa letter which you can use for your visas.

Need more? Check out my travel resources page  for the best websites to plan your trip.

LEGAL DISCLAIMER We are not affiliated with immigration, embassies or governments of any country. The content in this article is for educational and general informational purposes only, and shall not be understood or construed as, visa, immigration or legal advice. Your use of information provided in this article is solely at your own risk and you expressly agree not to rely upon any information contained in this article as a substitute for professional visa or immigration advice. Under no circumstance shall be held liable or responsible for any errors or omissions in this article or for any damage you may suffer in respect to any actions taken or not taken based on any or all of the information in this article. Please refer to our full disclaimer for further information.

AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. Please refer to our full disclosure for further information.

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Local editions

• Habari za Kenya Swahili

Opportunity Card: Germany Sets 3 Key Requirements for Kenyans Relocating to Country

• Foreigners who apply for the Opportunity Card, aka Chancekarte, to Germany, can stay in the country for one year looking for a job
• One can apply for the Opportunity Card on the Deutschland Chancekarte website as long they at least have vocational training or a university degree
• In an interview with TUKO.co.ke, a German immigration expert from Kenya, identified as Cyrus Obiro, said that applicants will also have to prove that they have KSh 1.7 million in the bank

PAY ATTENTION: TUKO Entertainment Awards 2024 voting is officially underway! Your voice means everything! Vote NOW

Kenyans and other foreigners can now relocate to Germany and stay for a year looking for a job in the field of their expertise through the Chancenkarte, aka Opportunity Card.

What is a German Opportunity Card?

Basically, the Opportunity Card gives one a quick and easy way to enter Germany and find a suitable job there within a year.

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In the past, applicants from non-EU countries had to show a permanent employment contract or be considered a recognised skilled worker in order to work in Germany.

PAY ATTENTION: Click “See First” under the “Following” tab to see TUKO News on your News Feed

There were also entry procedures that hindered the immigration of qualified workers from abroad. The Opportunity Card (“Chancenkarte”) was designed to change this.

According to the Chancerkarte Deutschland website , the opportunity card focuses on searching for a suitable job. One has an option of changing to another residence title.

"If you find a job in Germany with the Opportunity Card, you can most likely extend your stay. To do so, you must submit an application to your local Foreigners’ Registration Office and have the necessary documentation ready (for example, an employment contract or an existing job offer)," read a part of the website.

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In an interview with TUKO.co.ke , Frankfurt-based German immigration specialist Cyrus Obira said the Opportunity Card is for skilled professionals or workers with either a university degree or vocational training (e.g nurse) with at least two years of training.

"Apart from this basic requirement, one needs at least six points in order to obtain it," said Cyrus, who is also the chairperson of the Kenya Diaspora Association Germany e. V. (i.G.) K-DAG.

"I think there is a totally wrong understanding of what the Chancenkarte is. It should not be compared with the Green Card," cautioned the Kenyan man.

One can apply for the Opportunity Card either at the Foreigners’ Registration Office or at the German mission in their country of origin (for example at the German Embassy).

According to Obiro, the next hurdle is to show that the applicant has KSh 1.7 million( 12,324 Euros) in a special bank account in Germany.

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"This will be to cater for their own maintenance for at least one year, he added.

What are the advantages of Opportunity Card?

One of the advantages of the Opportunity Card is that it facilitates easy and fast entry into Germany. If you apply for the Opportunity Card, you do not require a permanent employment contract in advance.

Applicants can simply use the points system to prove their existing qualifications, such as language skills or work experience. They will also not have to endure a complicated examination procedure.

Another advantage is the possibility of permanent residency in Germany: The residence permit with the Opportunity Card is limited to one year, as its primary purpose is to help people find jobs .

In addition to an unlimited number of trial jobs, part-time jobs of up to 20 hours a week are also possible, which can be divided up in a flexible manner. Once you have found a suitable job, it is possible to extend your stay.

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If job seekers intend to change from part-time to full-time work, they have a good chance of obtaining long-term residence titles.

Then there is good income, and the Opportunity Card allows part-time employment on the basis of the minimum wage (or above). This is currently KSh 1,700 (12.00 euros gross) per hour for a 20-hour-per-week job. A full-time job will be a 20-hour-per-week job, and it will pay more per month.

You will also enjoy having a work permit, unlike in the past, when workers from non-EU countries needed visas to enter Germany and work here. This requires an existing job offer, as the Federal Employment Agency often has to approve your stay.

Can unskilled workers also apply?

Unrecognised skilled workers can go to Germany with the Opportunity Card to look for a job locally as long as they have some training.

According to Obiro, all one needs is at least two years of vocational training or a university degree.

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In addition, one must have basic knowledge of German (A1) or English (B2) and also be able to prove it.

To receive the Opportunity Card, the person must also have sufficient financial means to secure their livelihood in the country. This is usually possible with a part-time job (up to 20 hours per week).

"The hurdle is to show that the applicant has 12,324 Euros (approx KSh 1.7 Million) in a special bank account in Germany. This will be to cater for their own mainteinance for atleast one year," said Obiro.

According to the Deutschland Charcenkarte, there is a good chance of a qualified part-time or full-time job: As part of the Opportunity Card, one has the possibility to apply for two-week trial work (an unlimited number of times) or part-time work of up to 20 hours a week.

“If you find suitable employment during your stay, you have the prospect of a full-time job. In order to be able to seek a full-time job in the future, you must change your residence title,” read a part.

Boniface Wanjiku: Kenyan Man Rises from Taxi Driver to US Army Soldier

How can one get permanent residency in Germany?

Applying for permanent residency is a very long process, usually taking between 21 and 36 months, depending on the residence permit one is holding

"By the way, it can only be applied for at the German Embassy, but the waiting time for an appointment is currently over one year. Hopefully, people haven't been misled," said the immigration expert.

According to Obiro, another acceptable alternative is either a job contract in Germany or a formal letter of obligation by a resident in Germany.

Man dances in market after landing Green Card

In another story, an African man was being celebrated after winning the 2025 American Visa Lottery .

In a trending video, some market women showered the young man with white powder in celebration of his success.

Some netizens who saw the video advised the young man to be cautious with his celebration as the interview stage was the real deal.

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Source: TUKO.co.ke

Susan Mwenesi (Human-Interest editor) Susan Mwenesi is a Human Interest editor. She studied Journalism and Public Relations at TU-K, participated in HIV/AIDS Reporting Camp, and International Center for Journalists Early Childhood Development Reporting. Over the last 10 years, Susan has worked at K24, Baraka FM, Health Media, TechMoran.co.ke. She is a Bloomberg Media Initiative, National Geographic, International Centre for Journalists, KICTANet, AKU Graduate School of Media and Communications fellow. Email: [email protected]

Watch CBS News

Biden immigration program offers legal status to 500,000 spouses of U.S. citizens. Here's how it works.

By Camilo Montoya-Galvez

Updated on: June 19, 2024 / 1:40 PM EDT / CBS News

President Biden on Tuesday  announced  a large-scale immigration program that will offer legal status and a streamlined path to U.S. residency and citizenship to roughly half a million unauthorized immigrants married to American citizens.

The Department of Homeland Security policy will allow these immigrants to apply for work permits and deportation protections if they have lived in the U.S. for at least 10 years and meet other requirements, senior administration officials said previewing the announcement.

Perhaps most importantly, however, Mr. Biden's move will unlock a path to permanent residency — colloquially known as a green card — and ultimately U.S. citizenship for many of the program's beneficiaries. 

"For those wives or husbands and their children who have lived in America for a decade or more, but are undocumented, this action will allow them to file paperwork for legal status in the United States, allowing them to work while they remain with their families in the United States," Mr. Biden said.

The policy, if upheld in court, would be the largest government program for undocumented immigrants since the Obama-era Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals  initiative, which currently shields 528,000 so-called "Dreamers" who were brought to the U.S. as children from deportation.

Mr. Biden announced the measure at a White House event on Tuesday marking the 12th anniversary of DACA, alongside another move to make it easier for employers to sponsor "Dreamers" and other undocumented immigrants for work visas.

It's the second time in one month that Mr. Biden has taken a sweeping — and legally risky — executive action on immigration. Earlier in June, he invoked a presidential power used frequently by former President Donald Trump to disqualify most migrants at the U.S.-Mexico border from asylum .

How Biden's immigration plan would work

The Biden administration program for undocumented immigrants married to U.S. citizens will provide two key immigration benefits.

It will allow eligible applicants to work and live in the U.S. legally on a temporary basis under the immigration parole authority. The policy, known as "Parole in Place," will also help these immigrants clear roadblocks in U.S. law that prevent them from getting permanent legal status without having to leave the country.

An immigrant who marries a U.S. citizen is generally eligible for a green card. But current federal law requires immigrants who entered the U.S. illegally to leave the country and re-enter legally to be eligible for a green card. Leaving the U.S. after living illegally in the country for certain periods of time can trigger a 10-year ban, leading many mixed-status families to not pursue this process.

The Biden administration's policy would allow eligible immigrants to obtain a green card without having to leave the U.S. After 3 to 5 years of living in the U.S. as a green card holder, immigrants can apply for American citizenship.

Administration officials estimate that roughly 500,000 unauthorized immigrants with U.S. citizen spouses will qualify for the program. Applicants must have been legally married to their American citizen spouse by June 17. Those who are deemed to pose a threat to national security or public safety will not qualify.

The policy is also expected to benefit an estimated 50,000 immigrant children with a parent who is married to a U.S. citizen, officials said. Undocumented stepchildren of U.S. citizens — who must also leave the country to obtain green cards — will be eligible to apply for the parole process if they are under the age of 21.

A senior administration official said the government is planning to open the Parole in Place program to applications "by the end of summer." The policy will almost certainly generate legal challenges, possibly from Republican-led states, which have sued the Biden administration over its immigration policies several times.

For over a decade, the U.S. government has overseen a more limited Parole in Place policy for unauthorized immigrants who are the immediate relatives of U.S. service members or veterans. In 2020, Congress affirmed that policy.

The State Department is also announcing on Tuesday a streamlined process for DACA recipients and other undocumented immigrants who have graduated from U.S. colleges to more easily obtain employment-based visas, such as H-1B visas for high-skilled workers.

• Immigration
• Undocumented Immigrants

Camilo Montoya-Galvez is the immigration reporter at CBS News. Based in Washington, he covers immigration policy and politics.

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The Visa Bulletin

Visa Statistics

Laws & Regulations

Accepting, Serving in, or Performing Duties of a Position with the Government of a Foreign State - Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) Sectioin 349(a)(4)

Loss of U.S. Nationality and Service in the Armed Forces of a Foreign State - Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) Section 349(a)(3)

Visa Bulletin For January 2024

Number 85 Volume X Washington, D.C

View as Printer Friendly PDF

A. STATUTORY NUMBERS FOR PREFERENCE IMMIGRANT VISAS

This bulletin summarizes the availability of immigrant numbers during January  for: “Final Action Dates” and “Dates for Filing Applications,” indicating when immigrant visa applicants should be notified to assemble and submit required documentation to the National Visa Center.

Unless otherwise indicated on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website at  www.uscis.gov/visabulletininfo , individuals seeking to file applications for adjustment of status with USCIS must use the “Final Action Dates” charts below for determining when they can file such applications. When USCIS determines that there are more immigrant visas available for the fiscal year than there are known applicants for such visas, USCIS will state on its website that applicants may instead use the “Dates for Filing Visa Applications” charts in this Bulletin. 

1.  Procedures for determining dates. Consular officers are required to report to the Department of State documentarily qualified applicants for numerically limited visas; USCIS reports applicants for adjustment of status. Allocations in the charts below were made, to the extent possible, in chronological order of reported priority dates, for demand received by December 4th . If not all demand could be satisfied, the category or foreign state in which demand was excessive was deemed oversubscribed. The final action date for an oversubscribed category is the priority date of the first applicant who could not be reached within the numerical limits. If it becomes necessary during the monthly allocation process to retrogress a final action date, supplemental requests for numbers will be honored only if the priority date falls within the new final action date announced in this bulletin. If at any time an annual limit were reached, it would be necessary to immediately make the preference category “unavailable”, and no further requests for numbers would be honored.

2.  The fiscal year 2024 limit for family-sponsored preference immigrants determined in accordance with Section 201 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) is 226,000.  The worldwide level for annual employment-based preference immigrants is at least 140,000.  Section 202 prescribes that the per-country limit for preference immigrants is set at 7% of the total annual family-sponsored and employment-based preference limits, i.e., 25,620.  The dependent area limit is set at 2%, or 7,320.

3.  INA Section 203(e) provides that family-sponsored and employment-based preference visas be issued to eligible immigrants in the order in which a petition in behalf of each has been filed. Section 203(d) provides that spouses and children of preference immigrants are entitled to the same status, and the same order of consideration, if accompanying or following to join the principal. The visa prorating provisions of Section 202(e) apply to allocations for a foreign state or dependent area when visa issuances will exceed the per-country limit. These provisions apply at present to the following oversubscribed chargeability areas:  CHINA-mainland born, INDIA, MEXICO, and PHILIPPINES. 

4.  Section 203(a) of the INA prescribes preference classes for allotment of Family-sponsored immigrant visas as follows: 

FAMILY-SPONSORED PREFERENCES

First : ( F1 ) Unmarried Sons and Daughters of U.S. Citizens:  23,400 plus any numbers not required for fourth preference.

Second : Spouses and Children, and Unmarried Sons and Daughters of Permanent Residents:  114,200, plus the number (if any) by which the worldwide family preference level exceeds 226,000, plus any unused first preference numbers:

A. ( F2A ) Spouses and Children of Permanent Residents:  77% of the overall second preference limitation, of which 75% are exempt from the per-country limit;

B. ( F2B ) Unmarried Sons and Daughters (21 years of age or older) of Permanent Residents:  23% of the overall second preference limitation.

Third : ( F3 ) Married Sons and Daughters of U.S. Citizens:  23,400, plus any numbers not required by first and second preferences.

Fourth : ( F4 ) Brothers and Sisters of Adult U.S. Citizens:  65,000, plus any numbers not required by first three preferences.

A.   FINAL ACTION DATES FOR FAMILY-SPONSORED PREFERENCE CASES

On the chart below, the listing of a date for any class indicates that the class is oversubscribed (see paragraph 1); "C" means current, i.e., numbers are authorized for issuance to all qualified applicants; and "U" means unauthorized, i.e., numbers are not authorized for issuance. (NOTE: Numbers are authorized for issuance only for applicants whose priority date is earlier than the final action date listed below.)

For January, F2A numbers  EXEMPT from per-country limit  are authorized for issuance to applicants from all countries with priority dates  earlier  than 22OCT19. F2A numbers  SUBJECT to per-country limit  are authorized for issuance to applicants chargeable to all countries EXCEPT MEXICO , with priority dates beginning 22OCT19 and earlier than 01NOV19. All F2A numbers provided for MEXICO are exempt from the per-country limit.

B.  DATES FOR FILING FAMILY-SPONSORED VISA APPLICATIONS

The chart below reflects dates for filing visa applications within a timeframe justifying immediate action in the application process. Applicants for immigrant visas who have a priority date earlier than the application date in the chart below may assemble and submit required documents to the Department of State’s National Visa Center, following receipt of notification from the National Visa Center containing detailed instructions. The application date for an oversubscribed category is the priority date of the first applicant who cannot submit documentation to the National Visa Center for an immigrant visa. If a category is designated “current,” all applicants in the relevant category may file applications, regardless of priority date.

The “C” listing indicates that the category is current, and that applications may be filed regardless of the applicant’s priority date. The listing of a date for any category indicates that only applicants with a priority date which is earlier than the listed date may file their application.

Visit www.uscis.gov/visabulletininfo for information on whether USCIS has determined that this chart can be used (in lieu of the chart in paragraph 4.A.) this month for filing applications for adjustment of status with USCIS. 

5.  Section 203(b) of the INA prescribes preference classes for allotment of Employment-based immigrant visas as follows: 

EMPLOYMENT-BASED PREFERENCES

First :  Priority Workers:  28.6% of the worldwide employment-based preference level, plus any numbers not required for fourth and fifth preferences.

Second :  Members of the Professions Holding Advanced Degrees or Persons of Exceptional Ability:  28.6% of the worldwide employment-based preference level, plus any numbers not required by first preference.

Third :  Skilled Workers, Professionals, and Other Workers:  28.6% of the worldwide level, plus any numbers not required by first and second preferences, not more than 10,000 of which to "*Other Workers".

Fourth :  Certain Special Immigrants:  7.1% of the worldwide level.

Fifth :  Employment Creation:  7.1% of the worldwide level, of which 32% are reserved as follows: 20% reserved for qualified immigrants who invest in a rural area; 10% reserved for qualified immigrants who invest in a high unemployment area; and 2% reserved for qualified immigrants who invest in infrastructure projects. The remaining 68% are unreserved and are allotted for all other qualified immigrants.

A.  FINAL ACTION DATES FOR EMPLOYMENT-BASED PREFERENCE CASES

*Employment Third Preference Other Workers Category: Section 203(e) of the Nicaraguan and Central American Relief Act (NACARA) passed by Congress in November 1997, as amended by Section 1(e) of Pub. L. 105-139, provides that once the Employment Third Preference Other Worker (EW) cut-off date has reached the priority date of the latest EW petition approved prior to November 19, 1997, the 10,000 EW numbers available for a fiscal year are to be reduced by up to 5,000 annually beginning in the following fiscal year. This reduction is to be made for as long as necessary to offset adjustments under the NACARA program. Since the EW final action date reached November 19, 1997 during Fiscal Year 2001, the reduction in the EW annual limit to 5,000 began in Fiscal Year 2002. For Fiscal Year 2024 this reduction will be limited to approximately 150.

B.  DATES FOR FILING OF EMPLOYMENT-BASED VISA APPLICATIONS

The chart below reflects dates for filing visa applications within a timeframe justifying immediate action in the application process. Applicants for immigrant visas who have a priority date earlier than the application date in the chart may assemble and submit required documents to the Department of State’s National Visa Center, following receipt of notification from the National Visa Center containing detailed instructions. The application date for an oversubscribed category is the priority date of the first applicant who cannot submit documentation to the National Visa Center for an immigrant visa. If a category is designated “current,” all applicants in the relevant category may file, regardless of priority date.

Visit www.uscis.gov/visabulletininfo for information on whether USCIS has determined that this chart can be used (in lieu of the chart in paragraph 5.A.) this month for filing applications for adjustment of status with USCIS. 

B .   DIVERSITY IMMIGRANT (DV) CATEGORY FOR THE MONTH OF JANUARY

Section 203(c) of the INA provides up to 55,000 immigrant visas each fiscal year to permit additional immigration opportunities for persons from countries with low admissions during the previous five years.  The NACARA stipulates that beginning with DV-99, and for as long as necessary, up to 5,000 of the 55,000 annually allocated diversity visas will be made available for use under the NACARA program.  This will result in reduction of the DV-2024 annual limit to approximately 54,850.  DV visas are divided among six geographic regions. No one country can receive more than seven percent of the available diversity visas in any one year.

For January , immigrant numbers in the DV category are available to qualified DV-2024 applicants chargeable to all regions/eligible countries as follows. When an allocation cut-off number is shown, visas are available only for applicants with DV regional lottery rank numbers  BELOW  the specified allocation cut-off number:

Entitlement to immigrant status in the DV category lasts only through the end of the fiscal (visa) year for which the applicant is selected in the lottery. The year of entitlement for all applicants registered for the DV-2024 program ends as of September 30, 2024. DV visas may not be issued to DV-2024 applicants after that date. Similarly, spouses and children accompanying or following to join DV-2024 principals are only entitled to derivative DV status until September 30, 2024. DV visa availability through the very end of FY-2024 cannot be taken for granted. Numbers could be exhausted prior to September 30.

C.   THE DIVERSITY (DV) IMMIGRANT CATEGORY RANK CUT-OFFS WHICH WILL APPLY IN FEBRUARY

For February , immigrant numbers in the DV category are available to qualified DV-2024 applicants chargeable to all regions/eligible countries as follows. When an allocation cut-off number is shown, visas are available only for applicants with DV regional lottery rank numbers  BELOW  the specified allocation cut-off number:

D.   EMPLOYMENT FOURTH PREFERENCE (SR) RELIGIOUS WORKERS CATEGORY EXTENDED

H.R. 6363, signed on November 16, 2023, extended the Employment Fourth Preference Certain Religious Workers (SR) category until February 2, 2024.  No SR visas may be issued overseas, or final action taken on adjustment of status cases, after midnight February 1, 2024.  Visas issued prior to that date will be valid only until February 1, 2024, and all individuals seeking admission in the non-minister special immigrant category must be admitted (repeat admitted) into the United States no later than midnight February 1, 2024. 

The SR category is subject to the same final action dates as the other Employment Fourth Preference categories per applicable foreign state of chargeability.   

E.   FOR THE LATEST INFORMATION ON VISA PROCESSING AT U.S. EMBASSIES AND CONSULATES, PLEASE VISIT THE BUREAU OF CONSULAR AFFAIRS WEBSITE AT TRAVEL.STATE.GOV

Department of State Publication 9514

CA/VO: December 4, 2023

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How Biden’s New Immigration Policy Works

The new policy will give some 500,000 people a pathway to citizenship.

• Share full article

By Hamed Aleaziz

President Biden’s new immigration policy protects some 500,000 people who are married to U.S. citizens from deportation and gives them a pathway to citizenship.

The election-year move comes just two weeks after Mr. Biden imposed a major crackdown at the U.S.-Mexico border, cutting off access to asylum for people who crossed into the United States illegally.

The policy announced on Tuesday is aimed at people who have been living in the United States for more than a decade and have built their lives and families here.

Here is how it works:

Why do the spouses of American citizens need protection?

Marrying an American citizen generally provides a pathway to U.S. citizenship. But people who crossed the southern border illegally — rather than arriving in the country with a visa — must return to their home countries to complete the process for a green card, something that can take years. The new program allows families to remain in the country while they pursue legal status.

Who is eligible?

There are roughly 1.1 million undocumented immigrants married to U.S. citizens in the United States, according to Fwd.us , an immigration advocacy group, but not all of them are eligible for the program.

The spouses must have lived in the United States for 10 years and have been married to an American citizen as of June 17. They cannot have a criminal record. Officials estimate that the policy will provide legal status and protections for about 500,000 people. The benefits would also extend to the roughly 50,000 children of undocumented spouses who became stepchildren to American citizens.

When will the program take effect?

Biden administration officials said they expected the program to start by the end of the summer. Those eligible will then be able to apply for the benefits.

Why is President Biden doing this now?

Mr. Biden is trying to strike a tricky balance on immigration, which is a serious political vulnerability for him. Polls show Americans want tougher policies. Just two weeks ago, Mr. Biden announced a crackdown on asylum at the southern border.

His new policy, giving hundreds of thousands of immigrants new legal protections, is a way for him to answer the calls from the progressive base of the Democratic Party, which has accused the White House of betraying campaign promises to enact a more humane approach to immigrants.

Hamed Aleaziz covers the Department of Homeland Security and immigration policy. More about Hamed Aleaziz

Election latest: Sunak admits he got job 'because of a mistake'

Rishi Sunak and Sir Keir Starmer have faced the latest Q&A of this year's election, this time hosted by The Sun. Scroll through the Politics Hub to catch up on our updates and analysis from the event.

Monday 24 June 2024 23:06, UK

• General Election 2024

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• Sunak: I got this job as the result of a mistake
• PM reveals Tories are investigating betting scandal
• The party leaders who  do   still want to talk about Brexit
• Farage attacks Johnson in defence of Ukraine war comments
• Chancellor deletes pic of wife's ballot which broke electoral rules
• Live reporting by Faith Ridler

Expert analysis

• Paul Kelso: Are parties being honest about tax and spend plans?
• Sophy Ridge: PM running out of time to get his message across
• Sam Coates: Tories braced for more names in betting scandal

Election essentials

• Manifesto pledges: Alliance Party | Conservatives | DUP | Greens | Labour | Lib Dems | Plaid Cymru | Reform | SNP | Sinn Fein | Workers Party
• Trackers:  Who's leading polls? | Is PM keeping promises?
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• Follow Sky's politics podcasts: Electoral Dysfunction | Politics At Jack And Sam's
• Read more:  Who is standing down? | Key seats to watch | What counts as voter ID? | Check if your constituency is changing | Guide to election lingo | Sky's election night plans

We'll be back from 6am with all the latest from the election campaign.

We're in the last few days of the race for Number 10 - and parties from across the House of Commons are accelerating their efforts.

Join us in the morning for more live updates.

Reducing knife crime will be a "moral mission" for Labour if it wins the election on 4 July, Sir Keir Starmer will say on Tuesday.

The party leader will outline his plan to halve knife crime over the next 10 years, including creating a new cross-government "coalition" to work on solutions - bringing in families of victims and survivors of knife crime, along with tech companies and relevant organisations. 

Sir Keir will also promise to chair an annual knife crime summit to "track progress" on the target, and appeal to all parties to work together on the issue. 

"Knife crime is an issue above and beyond party politics," he will say. "For the parents grieving sons and daughters who never came home, action to end this scourge cannot wait.

"Far too often we hear the same stories from grieving families who have been subject to these brutal murders carried out by children. 

"It is our duty as political leaders of all stripes to work together to end knife crime and keep our young people safe."

Figures from Labour showed knife-related offences had risen by 81% since 2015 across England and Wales. 

The party's pledges for after the election include increasing the penalties for carrying a knife - including custody in the most serious cases, as well as extending the list of banned knives. 

Its 10pm - here's your late night general election bulletin.

We're into the last full week of the election campaign, with just 10 days left until polling day - and things are heating up.

Here's a run down of everything you may have missed:

• Rishi Sunak  today said he is not being investigated by the Gambling Commission over the betting scandal;
• He confirmed the Conservative Party is carrying out its own investigation - and will pass its findings on to the Gambling Commission ;
• The prime minister later took part in an election Q&A with The Sun, in which he insisted he only took the top job "as the result of a mistake" made by Liz Truss ;
• He also failed to confirm whether he called a summer election to avoid potential legal trouble over Rwanda flights taking off in July;
• Meanwhile, economists have lambasted a "conspiracy of silence" from the main parties over their tax and spending plans - read more below:
• Over to Labour, which has offered to meet Harry Potter author JK Rowling to provide her with "assurances" over the protection of women-only spaces; 
• Sir Keir Starmer also took part in the election Q&A, and he admitted that he "understands" why people are confused by his shift in stance on Jeremy Corbyn;
• And Lord Richard Dannatt, the former head of the army, has said Nigel Farage is "not worth listening to about anything" - particularly relating to the war in Ukraine;
• The Reform leader said last week the West had contributed to the invasion of Ukraine;
• He has launched a blistering attack aimed at his one-time ally Boris Johnson - highlighting a front page showing Mr Johnson holding a similar stance on Russia back in 2016.

A flurry of general elections since 2015 has brought an unprecedented churn in our parliamentary representatives.

This year, two in five MPs aren't seeking re-election and the picture for the Conservatives is record-breakingly grim.

An unparalleled total of 23% of Conservative MPs are calling it a day in 2024, more than the previous high of 22% of Tories who quit in 1997, another year of boundary changes.

In contrast, only 15% of Labour MPs are resigning.

There are many reasons MPs quit: from retirement, family commitments and health concerns to career change, abolished constituencies, and the prospect of defeat.

But their decision to depart can reveal much about life in Westminster and have a significant impact on parliament's mix of experience, demographics, and the direction of political parties.

Dr Sofia Collignon, associate professor in Comparative Politics, analyses the churn in our representatives here:

Wales is a Labour heartland, but it's clearly in the sights of other parties during this election campaign.

Reform UK even launched its manifesto in a town in the south of the country, Merthyr Tydfil.

Although Wales has its own parliament and makes most of its own decisions, they still elect MPs who stand in Westminster.

Sky's Wales reporter Tomos Evans explains how the cost of living, steel industry and nuclear energy will be key issues for voters.

By David Blevins , senior Ireland correspondent

Northern Ireland's first and deputy first ministers have condemned the Conservative Party for the impact of Brexit on the region.

Sinn Fein's Michelle O'Neill told Sky News the current government had "played fast and loose" with the Good Friday Agreement.

Emma Little-Pengelly, of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), said Northern Ireland was the victim of the Tories having "botched Brexit".

Doug Beattie, the Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) leader, accused the "chaotic" Tory government of "destroying the cohesion of the United Kingdom".

Tactical voting is a talking point at every election - but it could play a particularly big role this time round.

The polls suggest huge public discontent with the Tories, but there are many seats where Labour - widely projected to form the next government - are not the main challengers.

It's contests like these where the Lib Dems, Reform UK, and the Greens might hope to make gains.

Below, Sky's political correspondent  Serena Barker-Singh explains what tactical voting is when it comes to an election and how it could impact parliament's makeup come 5 July.

Our live poll tracker collates the results of opinion surveys carried out by all the main polling organisations - and allows you to see how the political parties are performing in the run-up to the general election.

It shows a drop in support in recent days for Labour and the Tories - with a jump for Reform and the Liberal Democrats.

Read more about the tracker here .

Tonight on Politics Hub With Sophy Ridge , both our Tory and Labour guests faced questions over a report suggesting neither party are being honest with voters about their tax and spending plans.

The Institute for Fiscal Studies launched its report on their election manifestos this morning, warning public services will have to be cut over the next parliament, unless government debt or taxes rise further.

Labour and the Tories have both ruled out tax rises on working people, but also downplayed the risk of cuts to key public services.

So, are they being honest? Our business correspondent Paul Kelso takes a closer look at the numbers...

That concludes our coverage of tonight's Politics Hub With Sophy Ridge  - the show will return tomorrow at 7pm. Stick with us here for more updates and analysis throughout the evening.

Five years ago it was indisputably the Brexit election, but this time round it's become something of an elephant in the room.

But in Northern Ireland, none of the party leaders are shy of talking about the impact of Britain leaving the EU.

Our  senior Ireland correspondent  David Blevins   has spoken to them all about the legacy of the 2016 referendum - and how a new government at Westminster might change things.

As David notes, to "get Brexit done" the Tory government put a trade border in the Irish Sea between Northern Ireland and Great Britain - something that was once unthinkable.

Michelle O'Neill, Sinn Fein:

"I think there's an opportunity now with what potentially looks like a Labour government coming into play to reverse the damage of Brexit. 

"And actually, I would hope we get to the point where actually we reverse the Brexit decision altogether. 

"That may not be where Labour are headed, but I think there is an opportunity to reset relationships, critically between London and Dublin, because those have been very much fractured."

Emma Little-Pengelly, DUP: 

"The Conservative Party and the UK government botched Brexit and Northern Ireland was the victim of that. 

"We called out the Conservative Party on this at every single stage. 

"We had to fight incredibly hard to try to undo the damage made by the decisions made by the Conservative Party in government. 

"But of course it was us fighting for that, while others were agitating and pushing for rigorous implementation of that really bad deal."

Naomi Long, Alliance: 

"What we need to do looking forward is say... how do we make the benefits of the Windsor Framework work in our advantage? 

"We have a unique position in Northern Ireland in terms of trade: we can trade freely into GB, we can trade freely with the Irish Republic, but more than that, we are a foot in the European Union."

Colum Eastwood, SDLP:

"Brexit has been a disaster for the whole of the UK, I would argue, economically and in many other ways, but we felt it much more keenly here because we share a border with the European Union.

"We had to do an awful lot of work to put things back together after the mess that was made by Brexit and Boris Johnson and the DUP. 

"From our perspective, there's no better outcome than actually being back in the European Union lock, stock, and barrel."

Doug Beattie, UUP:

"Brexit was a defining moment. 

"It absolutely undermined the cohesion of the United Kingdom, and I think we can see the out workings of that even today. 

"And whatever government gets in - and we all think it's going to be a Labour government - I think they're going to have to work on that cohesion as one of their main outputs."

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