Who needs a Reentry Permit?

If you are wondering who needs a Reentry Permit? Keep reading this post and discover all you need to know about! A Reentry Permit is a travel document like a passport, that helps protect the status as a lawful permanent resident.

In other words, a Reentry Permit is a solution for a permanent resident or conditional resident in the US who intend to travel abroad for a period of more than one year and needs to enter the U.S. again. On the other hand, if the trip is going to be for a period of less than one year, a reentry permit is not necessary, because Green Card is enough.

Form I-131 is used to apply for a reentry permit. File the form 60 days before you travel. Once the application is accepted the individual receives a schedule to appear for a biometrics appointment. The individual can leave the US even before a decision is taken by the USCIS and the permit can be requested to be sent to a US Embassy, Consulate, or Department of Homeland Security office abroad.

In this case, you need to furnish the necessary information in the application form requesting to receive it outside the US.  However, if you leave before the biometrics appointment, your application may be denied.

What is the purpose of re-entry permit?

According to USCIS information, a reentry permit is proof that you did not intend to abandon your status, and it allows you to apply for admission to the United States after traveling abroad for up to 2 years without having to get a returning resident visa.

How do I get a Reentry Permit?

A conditional resident or a lawful permanent resident can apply for a reentry permit using Form I-131, Application for Travel Document, but if the issuance of a travel document is prohibited to the area where you intend to travel in the Federal Register, then you are not permitted to apply for a reentry permit.

In case you do not apply before leaving the U.S. and don’t return within one year, it is considered that the permanent resident/conditional resident status is abandoned by you.

The permit is valid for two years from the date of its issue. But in case you remain outside the US for more than 4 of the last 5 years of your permanent residence, then the permit is valid for one year only.

Only for the following special cases the validity is for two years:

• If travel is on the command of the US government but not in case of deportation, removal, or exclusion;
• If US is a member by treaty of the public international organization, you are employed with;

As a professional athlete regularly competing in US and abroad.

The validity of the reentry permit issued to conditional residents is for two years from the date of issuance of the permit or up to the date of application for the removal of conditions on residence.

Do U.S. citizens need a reentry permit?

If you intend to stay outside of the U. S. for more than one year but less than two years, you will need a re-entry permit. You must be physically present in the United States when you file Form I-131 to apply for this form.

What documents do I need for re-entry permit?

Along with the application for a reentry permit, you need to submit the following documents:

• Current fees;
• Photocopy of your permanent resident card Form I-551;
• Copy of proof of permanent residence or copy of the biographic page of passport and visa page showing permanent residence;
• Temporary evidence of permanent resident status or copy of Form I-797, notice of receipt of an application for replacement of permanent resident card;

If you have any questions, feel free to contact us! Wizard Visa is ready to answer your questions and help you apply for your Reentry Permit.

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