12 Essential Points to Know Before Applying for a Reentry Permit

Key Takeaways

• A Reentry Permit allows LPRs to stay abroad over one year without losing green card status.
• Applicants must file Form I-131 from inside the U.S. and attend a biometrics appointment.
• The $575 fee covers filing and biometrics; permits are valid up to two years.

If you’re a lawful permanent resident (LPR) of the United States 🇺🇸—often called a Green card holder—and you plan to travel outside the country for a long time, a Reentry Permit can help protect your status. This step-by-step guide explains everything you need to know before applying for a Reentry Permit, including who qualifies, how to apply, what to expect, and how to avoid common mistakes. By following these instructions, you’ll be better prepared to keep your U.S. residency safe while spending time abroad.

What Is a Reentry Permit and Why Is It Important?

A Reentry Permit is a travel document issued by USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) that allows a lawful permanent resident to return to the United States 🇺🇸 after traveling abroad for an extended period—usually more than one year—without losing their green card status. Without this permit, staying outside the U.S. for a year or more can put your permanent resident status at risk. The Reentry Permit acts as proof that you did not intend to give up your U.S. residency while you were away.

Step 1: Check If You’re Eligible

Before you begin, make sure you meet all the requirements for a Reentry Permit:

• You must be a lawful permanent resident or conditional resident of the United States 🇺🇸.
• You must be physically present in the United States 🇺🇸 when you file your application.
• You must plan to return to the U.S. after your trip and not abandon your residence.
• You must attend a biometrics appointment in the U.S. (unless USCIS waives it for special reasons).
• USCIS can deny your application if it goes against U.S. national interests.

Common Pitfall: Filing while outside the U.S. or before you become a permanent resident will lead to automatic denial.

Step 2: Gather Required Documents and Information

To apply for a Reentry Permit, you’ll need:

• Your green card (Form I-551) or proof of permanent resident status
• A valid passport (for identification)
• Two passport-style photos
• Completed Form I-131, Application for Travel Document (official form and instructions here)
• Filing fee payment ($575 as of 2025)
• Any previous Reentry Permits (if you have them)

Checklist:
– [ ] Green card
– [ ] Passport
– [ ] Photos
– [ ] Completed Form I-131
– [ ] Fee payment
– [ ] Previous permits (if any)

Step 3: File Form I-131 from Inside the United States 🇺🇸

You must file Form I-131 while you are physically present in the U.S. Do not leave the country until you complete your biometrics appointment.

• Download the latest Form I-131 and instructions from the USCIS website.
• Fill out all sections carefully.
• Double-check your answers for accuracy.
• Attach all required documents and photos.
• Include the $575 filing fee (check, money order, or credit card using Form G-1450).

Where to File: Mail your application to the address listed in the Form I-131 instructions. The address may vary depending on your state of residence.

Time Estimate: Completing the form and gathering documents usually takes 1–2 days.

Common Pitfall: Mailing your application from outside the U.S. or before you arrive will result in denial.

Step 4: Wait for the USCIS Receipt Notice

After you file, USCIS will send you a receipt notice (Form I-797C) by mail. This notice confirms that your application was received and gives you a receipt number to track your case online.

• Keep this notice safe—it’s your proof of filing.
• Use the receipt number to check your case status at the USCIS Case Status Online tool.

Time Estimate: You should get the receipt notice within 2–3 weeks after mailing your application.

Step 5: Attend Your Biometrics Appointment

USCIS will schedule a biometrics appointment at a local Application Support Center (ASC). At this appointment, they’ll take your fingerprints, photo, and signature.

• You must attend this appointment in person.
• Applicants aged 14 to 79 are required to complete biometrics.
• USCIS will send you an appointment notice with the date, time, and location.

Important: Do not leave the United States 🇺🇸 before your biometrics appointment. If you miss it or leave early, your application will likely be denied.

Time Estimate: Biometrics appointments are usually scheduled about 6 weeks after you file.

Troubleshooting: If you can’t attend on the scheduled date, follow the instructions on your appointment notice to reschedule as soon as possible.

Step 6: Decide Where to Receive Your Reentry Permit

You have two options for receiving your approved Reentry Permit:

• U.S. Address: Have it mailed to your home or a trusted person in the United States 🇺🇸.
• U.S. Consulate or Embassy Abroad: If you know you’ll be outside the U.S. when it’s approved, you can ask USCIS to send it to a U.S. consulate or embassy in your destination country for pickup.

How to Request Consulate Pickup: Indicate your preferred consulate or embassy in Part 7 of Form I-131.

Common Pitfall: If you don’t specify a consulate or embassy, USCIS will mail the permit to your U.S. address by default.

Step 7: Travel Abroad (After Biometrics)

Once you’ve completed your biometrics appointment, you’re allowed to leave the United States 🇺🇸 even if your Reentry Permit hasn’t been approved yet.

• You do not need to wait for approval to travel.
• Make sure someone can receive your permit in the U.S. or that you’ve arranged for consulate pickup.

Warning: If you leave before biometrics, your application will be denied.

Step 8: Track Your Application Status

You can check the progress of your application online using your receipt number at the USCIS Case Status tool.

• Processing times for Form I-131 (Reentry Permit) are usually 2–5 months.
• As of mid-2025, the average is about 6.1 months, but this includes all travel documents, not just Reentry Permits.
• Expedited processing may be possible for emergencies, but is granted case by case.

Tip: If you requested consulate pickup, check with the consulate or embassy for updates once your permit is approved.

Step 9: Receive and Use Your Reentry Permit

When your Reentry Permit is approved, USCIS will mail it to the address or consulate you chose.

• The permit is valid for up to 2 years from the date it’s issued.
• You must surrender any previous valid Reentry Permit when applying for a new one.
• You cannot extend a Reentry Permit—if it expires, you must apply for a new one.

How to Use: Present your Reentry Permit along with your green card when returning to the United States 🇺🇸 after a long trip.

Step 10: Maintain Strong Ties to the United States 🇺🇸

Even with a Reentry Permit, long absences can raise questions about whether you’ve abandoned your U.S. residency. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the airport or border will look at your ties to the United States 🇺🇸.

To show you haven’t abandoned your residency:
– File U.S. tax returns as a resident each year
– Keep a U.S. address and bank accounts
– Maintain family, property, or job ties in the U.S.
– Return to the U.S. as often as possible

Common Pitfall: Spending most of your time outside the U.S. or failing to keep ties can lead to problems at reentry, even with a valid permit.

Step 11: Be Aware of Risks and Limitations

• A Reentry Permit does not guarantee reentry. CBP officers have the final say at the port of entry.
• If you stay outside the U.S. for more than two years, your Reentry Permit will expire and you may need a returning resident visa.
• Frequent or repeated long trips abroad can still lead to questions about your intent to live in the U.S.

Troubleshooting: If you’re questioned at the border, be ready to show proof of your U.S. ties and explain your reasons for travel.

Step 12: Stay Updated on Policy Changes

As of July 2025, there have been no major changes to Reentry Permit rules or eligibility. USCIS still requires applicants to file from inside the United States 🇺🇸 and to attend biometrics appointments. Expedited processing is available for emergencies, but only in special cases.

Expert Tip: Apply well in advance of your planned travel—at least 60 days before you leave—to avoid last-minute problems.

Stay Informed: Check the USCIS official Reentry Permit page for the latest updates.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

• Filing from outside the U.S.: Always file while physically present in the United States 🇺🇸.
• Leaving before biometrics: Wait until after your appointment to travel.
• Not maintaining U.S. ties: Keep up with taxes, property, and family connections.
• Missing deadlines: Apply at least 60 days before travel and track your case status.
• Assuming approval guarantees reentry: Always be ready to show proof of your intent to keep U.S. residency.

Troubleshooting Tips

• Missed Biometrics Appointment: Contact USCIS immediately to reschedule. Missing this step can cause denial.
• Lost or Stolen Permit: Report it to USCIS and apply for a replacement as soon as possible.
• Application Delays: Use the USCIS case status tool and contact USCIS if your case is outside normal processing times.
• Denied Application: Review the denial notice for reasons and consider consulting an immigration attorney for next steps.

Quick Checklist Before You Apply

• [ ] Are you a lawful permanent resident or conditional resident?
• [ ] Are you physically in the United States 🇺🇸 right now?
• [ ] Do you have your green card, passport, and photos ready?
• [ ] Have you completed Form I-131 and attached all documents?
• [ ] Have you included the $575 fee?
• [ ] Do you plan to attend your biometrics appointment?
• [ ] Have you decided where to receive your permit?
• [ ] Are you applying at least 60 days before your trip?

Summary Table

Where to Get More Help

• Official Form I-131 and instructions: USCIS I-131 page
• Case status and processing times: USCIS Case Status Online
• General travel document info: USCIS Travel Documents
• Consulate pickup info: Visit your local U.S. embassy or consulate website
• Legal advice: Consider speaking with an immigration attorney for complex cases

As reported by VisaVerge.com, planning ahead and following each step carefully is the best way to protect your permanent resident status while traveling abroad for extended periods.

Final Takeaways

Applying for a Reentry Permit is a smart move if you’re a lawful permanent resident who needs to spend more than a year outside the United States 🇺🇸. By following these steps—checking your eligibility, filing the right forms, attending biometrics, and keeping strong ties to the U.S.—you can help ensure your green card status stays safe. Always use official resources, apply early, and keep up with any policy changes from USCIS. If you run into trouble or have special circumstances, don’t hesitate to seek help from a qualified immigration attorney.

With careful planning and attention to detail, you can travel abroad with peace of mind, knowing your path back to the United States 🇺🇸 is protected.

Learn Today

Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) → A non-citizen authorized to live and work permanently in the United States.
Reentry Permit → A travel document allowing LPRs to return without losing status after long abroad stays.
Form I-131 → USCIS form used to apply for travel documents like Reentry Permits.
Biometrics Appointment → USCIS process to collect fingerprints, photo, and signature for identity verification.
USCIS → United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, the agency that issues immigration documents.

This Article in a Nutshell

Lawful permanent residents can protect green card status during long trips with a USCIS Reentry Permit. File Form I-131 inside the U.S., attend biometrics, and maintain ties to the U.S. The permit lasts two years, allowing extended travel without losing residency status if requirements are met and processes followed carefully.
— By VisaVerge.com