Green Card Reentry Permit
Lawful permanent residents can generally travel internationally, but lengthy or frequent absences can raise questions about whether they actually intended to make the United States their permanent home. A reentry permit is one way to document that an extended trip is temporary and seek admission after returning to the United States.
This document has to be requested before you leave the country, and it does not eliminate every risk that comes with extended travel. If you’re planning on spending significant time abroad, talk to an immigration attorney at Warren Law Firm who can help you evaluate the risks and plan ahead. Book a consultation today.
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Angela D. Warren
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What Is a Green Card Reentry Permit?
A green card reentry permit is a travel document issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Lawful permanent residents and conditional permanent residents can request a permit by filing Form I-131, Application for Travel Documents, Parole Documents, and Arrival/Departure Records.
People may use this permit to seek admission after an extended absence without obtaining a returning resident visa or as evidence that the resident intended the trip to be temporary rather than abandon permanent residence.
In some cases, a reentry permit can be used as a travel document much like a passport. However, each country decides whether to accept it and what additional entry requirements apply.
Who May Apply for a Reentry Permit
A permanent resident should apply for a reentry permit before leaving the U.S. if they plan to remain abroad for a year or longer. The permit may also be helpful if someone anticipates frequent trips, as these too can lead to issues with USCIS.
People may seek a green card reentry permit for various reasons, including:
- Accepting a temporary work assignment abroad
- Attending school or completing professional training
- Caring for a sick or elderly family member
- Receiving medical treatment in another country
- Managing family, financial, or business matters abroad
- Spending extended time with a spouse or other close relative abroad
There’s not one clear-cut length of absence that proves abandonment of permanent residence. Immigration officials may look at the entire situation, including the traveler’s U.S. home, employment, tax filings, trip frequency, trip duration, and reason for being abroad.
How to Apply for a Reentry Permit
Applying for a reentry permit involves two main steps:
- Filing Form I-131 while still in the United States: You must be physically present in the U.S. when filing Form I-131. Review Form I-131 instructions before filing to ensure you send all necessary materials. Requirements may include a copy of your green card. If you have not yet received your green card, USCIS may accept other evidence of your lawful permanent resident status, such as the relevant pages of your passport.
- Completing biometrics requirements: You have to complete your biometrics appointment while still physically in the United States. USCIS will notify you when you need to appear at an Application Support Center for an appointment.
Reentry Permit Processing Time and Travel Planning
Reentry permit processing time varies based on USCIS workloads and the office that is handling your application. Processing times can be tracked on the USCIS Case Processing Times page. Keeping an eye on processing times can make it easier to plan for long-term travel. In general, though, it’s good to file as early as possible. Waiting too close to your departure date may leave insufficient time to complete the required biometrics before you leave.
Once you have submitted Form I-131, you generally may leave the United States after completing your biometrics. If you plan to depart after completing biometrics, you can request when you file Form I-131 that USCIS send the approved permit to a U.S. embassy, consulate, USCIS international field office, or DHS office abroad for pickup.
You may be able to ask USCIS to expedite your application, but expedited processing is discretionary.
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How Long a Reentry Permit Is Valid
A reentry permit is generally valid for up to two years from the date it is issued. Some permanent residents receive documents with shorter validity periods. For example, USCIS may limit a permit to one year if, since becoming a lawful permanent resident, you have spent more than four of the past five years outside the United States, although certain exceptions apply. A permit given to a conditional permanent resident may remain valid until the person’s conditional resident status expires, but not for more than two years.
Reentry permits cannot be extended. You generally have to return to the United States and file a new Form I-131 to request another permit.
What a Reentry Permit Does Not Protect
While a permit can be helpful in supporting your claim that your absence is temporary, it does not guarantee reentry into the United States. Ultimately, U.S. Customs and Border Protection can look at your conduct, length of absence, and ties to the United States before determining whether to grant entry.
This document also does not:
- Prevent a finding that permanent residence was abandoned.
- Replace an expired green card.
- Extend conditional resident status.
- Resolve criminal or admissibility concerns.
- Preserve continuous residence or physical presence for naturalization.
- Eliminate passport/visa requirements imposed by other countries.
How Warren Law Firm Can Help with a Reentry Permit Application
The team at Warren Law Firm is here to evaluate your previous travel and ties to the United States to determine any issues that may affect your return. We can prepare Form I-131 and supporting documents, explain the biometrics requirement so you can plan when to travel, and address concerns involving extended or frequent absences.
Book a Consultation About Reentry Permits Before Traveling
Because you must request a permit while still in the country, it’s important to plan in advance. Contact Warren Law Firm today to discuss your travel plans, next steps, and potential immigration risks.
