One of the greatest benefits of being a lawful permanent resident (LPR) is the ability to travel to and from the United States without having to obtain visa or otherwise be subject to extensive scrutiny at the U.S. consulate or at the border. However, LPRs should be aware of some restrictions on travel.
If a LPR is outside the United States for a period of more than one (1) year, then the green card becomes invalid for reentry into the United States. A reentry permit establishes that a LPR does not intend to abandon their status and it allows for travel outside of the United States for up to two (2) years without having to obtain a returning resident visa.
To obtain a reentry permit, an LPR must submit Form I-131, Application for Travel Document. Reentry permits are generally issued for a period of two (2) years. An important note is that effective April 2008, all reentry permit applicants must submit to a biometric appointment at a USCIS service center before departing. Failure to attend the biometric appointment before leaving the U.S. will cause the reentry permit application to be denied.
Selected Recent Articles We Wrote on I-131 Reentry Permits
- USCIS Lockbox Procedure Adds to Expedited Reentry Permit Processing Time
- Re-Entry Permit Validity Periods
- Re-Entry Permit Filing Requires Physical Presence in the U.S.
- Re-Entry Permit Biometrics – Expedited Processing
- New Biometric Requirements for Re-Entry Permits
- Rules for Rescheduling Biometrics Appointments for Reentry Permit Applications
How the Capitol Immigration Law Group can help you?
Sometimes plans for extended travel abroad are made well in advance. In such cases, there is sufficient time to apply for the reentry permit, wait for the biometric appointment date and attend such appointment well in advance of the travel date. However, it is often the case that business or personal circumstances require extended travel on a short notice, often as little as few weeks.
In such circumstances, the Capitol Immigration Law Group is prepared to work with you to:
- Expressly prepare your reentry permit application
- File using expedited processing so that you can attend biometric appointment on a short notice and depart the United States shortly afterwards and
- Receive and promptly forward via courier or other appropriate service your approved reentry permit at your address abroad.
We understand that before an extended and often urgent travel abroad, the last thing many green card holders would like to do is deal with the USCIS. We can take this burden away from you by preparing your application, submitting it on your behalf (using expedited processing when the circumstances allow) and then having the approved reentry permit sent to us and forwarded directly and securely to your address abroad.
Visit Our Reentry Dedicated Permit Site
We have created a site dedicated to reentry permit with comprehensive information about requirements, eligibility and fee and service options. The site also allows for initiating the reentry permit application process through our law firm or requesting a free, express, and no-obligation quote and preliminary analysis of your reentry permit case.