How to Get a Reentry Permit – USCIS Travel Document for Extended Absence

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How to Get a Reentry Permit – USCIS Travel Document for Extended Absence

If you plan to leave the United States for more than one year but less than two years, you may need to apply for a reentry permit from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). A reentry permit is a travel document that allows a permanent resident or a conditional permanent resident to reenter the U.S. as a lawful permanent resident upon returning from abroad during the validity period of the permit. In this article, we will explain how to get a reentry permit, what are the requirements and restrictions, and how to avoid common pitfalls.

Eligibility for a Reentry Permit

To be eligible for a reentry permit, you must be a lawful permanent resident or a conditional permanent resident who has been physically present in the U.S. for at least one out of the last five years before departing. You must also file the Form I-131, Application for Travel Document, with USCIS before leaving the U.S. and attend a biometric appointment to have your fingerprints and photo taken, unless you qualify for an exemption due to certain military or humanitarian reasons.

You may apply for a reentry permit for yourself, your spouse, and your unmarried children under 18 years of age, who are also permanent residents or conditional permanent residents. Each applicant must file a separate Form I-131 and pay the required fee, which is currently $575 per person. You may also request expedited processing if you have an emergency or a compelling reason, but there is no guarantee that your request will be granted.

Validity of a Reentry Permit

A reentry permit is normally valid for two years from the date of issuance, but may be shorter if your passport or your status as a permanent resident expires sooner. You may apply for a new reentry permit if your current one is about to expire or has expired, but you must be physically present in the U.S. to do so. If you stay abroad for more than two years without a valid reentry permit, your status as a permanent resident may be deemed abandoned and you may have to apply for a returning resident visa to come back to the U.S.

Restrictions on a Reentry Permit

A reentry permit does not guarantee that you will be allowed to reenter the U.S. It only establishes your intent to maintain your status as a permanent resident while pursuing a temporary absence abroad. You must also show that you have maintained the ties to the U.S. that qualify you as a permanent resident, such as paying taxes, maintaining a job, a home, a family, and a social, cultural, or religious membership. If you have committed a crime, accumulated too much time outside the U.S. without a qualifying reason, or engaged in other conduct that may jeopardize your admissibility, your reentry permit may be denied, revoked, or invalidated.

How to Apply for a Reentry Permit

To apply for a reentry permit, you must follow these steps:

1. Obtain the Form I-131 from the USCIS website or a USCIS office and read the instructions carefully.
2. Fill out the form accurately and completely, including all required supporting documentation, such as a copy of your permanent resident card, your passport, your travel itinerary, and your biographic and biometric data.
3. Pay the fee online or by mail, or request a fee waiver or a reduced fee if you qualify.
4. Mail the application package to the USCIS Lockbox facility or submit it in person at a USCIS office that accepts walk-ins.
5. Attend the biometric appointment, unless exempted or waived, and wait for the notice of action from USCIS, which may take several months depending on the workload and complexity of your case.
6. If approved, receive your reentry permit by mail and carry it with you when you travel outside the U.S. If denied, follow the instructions on the notice of denial and seek legal advice if needed.

Conclusion

Getting a reentry permit from the USCIS is an important and complex process that requires careful planning, documentation, and compliance with the immigration laws and regulations. By following the eligibility criteria, the validity period, and the restrictions on a reentry permit, and by seeking advice from an experienced immigration attorney if you have any doubts or issues, you can enhance your chances of obtaining a successful outcome for your travel plans. Don’t risk losing your status as a permanent resident by neglecting the reentry permit requirements.