Re-entry permits come into play for lawful permanent residents (LPRs) of the United States, maintaining your green card status while spending extended time abroad. A re-entry permit is an essential travel document for green card holders planning to be outside the United States for more than a year but less than two years. It helps ensure that your extended time abroad will not jeopardize your permanent resident status.
What Is a Re-Entry Permit?
A re-entry permit serves as proof that you intend to return to the United States after an extended stay abroad. This document prevents U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) from concluding that you have abandoned your permanent resident status when re-entering the country.
Re-entry permits are particularly useful for:
- Permanent residents needing to remain outside the U.S. for more than a year but less than two years.
- Residents with significant ties to the U.S. but whose extended stays abroad are for work, study, or family reasons.
How to Apply for a Re-Entry Permit
To apply for a re-entry permit, follow these steps:
- File Form I-131, Application for Travel Document: This form is submitted to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
- Biometrics Appointment: After filing, you may need to attend a biometrics appointment where your fingerprints and photograph will be taken, or USCIS may choose to reuse previously captured fingerprints and other biometrics.
- Wait for Processing: Once your biometrics are completed, USCIS will review your application. The processing time is currently 14.5 months on average.
Why Is the Processing Time So Long?
The extended processing time for re-entry permits reflects the overall backlog at USCIS. Reasons for the backlog include:
- Increased application volumes.
- Limited USCIS resources and staffing.
- The prioritization of other immigration applications, such as employment-based and family-sponsored petitions.
It is important to note, you do not have to remain in the United States until your re-entry permit is approved. Once you have filed Form I-131 and attended your biometrics appointment (if required), you are free to travel abroad. You can indicate on Form I-131 if you would like USCIS to send your re-entry permit for collection at a U.S. consulate or embassy in the country to which you are traveling.
Re-entry permits are a vital tool for lawful permanent residents who need to maintain their green card status while spending extended periods abroad. By understanding the application process, preparing for potential delays, you can navigate the process effectively and ensure your status remains secure.
Berardi Immigration Law: Your Partner in Navigating Re-Entry Permits
Applying for a re-entry permit can be a complex process, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. At Berardi Immigration Law, we specialize in helping lawful permanent residents maintain their status while addressing unique travel needs. From filing Form I-131 to guiding you through biometrics and processing delays, our team ensures a seamless application experience. Contact us today to protect your green card status and travel with confidence.
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