The Reentry Permit is a document issued by the United States that allows lawful permanent residents (Green Card holders) to leave the U.S. and return without losing their permanent resident status. This permit is essential for those who plan to remain outside the U.S. for an extended period of time, usually more than one year, but less than two years.
Reentry Permit Application Requirements
To apply for a Reentry Permit, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Legal Permanent Resident:some text
- Must hold a valid Green Card (lawful permanent resident) at the time of application for reentry permit.
- Form I-131:some text
- The applicant must complete and file Form I-131 (Application for Travel Document) with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
- Be in the U.S. at the Time of Application:some text
- Applicant must be present in the U.S. when applying for the Reentry Permit. Cannot apply from abroad.
- Not Having Established Residence in Another Country:some text
- The applicant must not have renounced his or her permanent resident status by continuously living outside the U.S. If the applicant is deemed to have abandoned his or her permanent residence, the application may be rejected.
- Payment of Fees:some text
- The filing fee for Form I-131 is $575 USD, plus biometrics fees if required.
Reentry Permit Application Process
- Completing Form I-131:some text
- The first step is to complete Form I-131. This form can be filed online or by mail, depending on the preference of the applicant.
- Gather the Required Documentation:some text
- In addition to the form, you may be required to provide certain documents, such as a copy of your Green Card and other documents that demonstrate your need to remain outside the U.S. for an extended period of time.
- Submit Application:some text
- Once the form is complete, it must be submitted along with payment of the appropriate fees. Be sure to check the instructions on the form and the USCIS website to ensure that the application is submitted correctly.
- Biometric Assistance:some text
- After filing the application, USCIS may request that the applicant attend a biometric appointment for fingerprinting and photo.
- Waiting for the Decision:some text
- Application processing time can vary, but generally takes between 4 to 6 months. During this time, USCIS will review your application and documentation. It is important to file the application early before leaving the U.S.
- Receive Reentry Permit:some text
- Once the application is approved, the applicant will receive a Reentry Permit. This document is valid for up to 2 years and will allow you to return to the U.S. without losing your permanent resident status.
Reentry Permit Processing Times
The processing time to obtain a Reentry Permit varies depending on USCIS workload, but is generally estimated to be between 4 to 6 months. It is advisable to file well in advance of leaving the U.S. to avoid re-entry problems.
Reentry Permit Benefits
- Maintaining Permanent Resident Status:some text
- The Reentry Permit guarantees that a permanent resident will not lose his or her status if he or she remains outside the U.S. for an extended period of time (up to 2 years).
- Facilitating Re-entry to the U.S.:some text
- With the Reentry Permit, permanent residents can return to the U.S. after being out of the country for more than one year without losing their resident status.
- Avoid Immigration Problems:some text
- This permit prevents permanent residents from being considered as having abandoned their permanent residence simply because they have been outside the U.S. for more than one year.
Consequences of Not Obtaining a Reentry Permit
If a lawful permanent resident remains outside the U.S. for more than one year without obtaining a Reentry Permit, he or she could be considered to have abandoned his or her residency. This could lead to problems upon return to the U.S., such as possible denial of entry or loss of permanent resident status.
How to hire our services for your visa application?
Before starting the process, we recommend that you schedule a 1-hour immigration consultation with our expert U.S. immigration attorney. During this session, you will resolve your doubts and receive personalized advice about your case.
Exclusive benefit: The cost of the consultation will be applied as an advance to the fees of the application process for this type of visa.
Schedule your appointment here: https://www.immilandcanada.com/law/estados-unidos
If you prefer to know more details about this service and its costs, please visit the following link:
https://www.immilandcanada.com/law/contratacion-servicios-usa