Can I-131 Re-Entry Permits Be Filed During a Federal Shutdown?

Identified linkable resources in order of appearance:
1. Form I-131, Application for Travel Document (first mention)
2. Re-Entry Permit (first mention)
3. Form I-131, Application for Travel Document (second distinct uscIS reference — but per rules we only link first mention of each resource)
4. Re-Entry Permit (next mention — already linked)
5. Form I-131, Application for Travel Document (later mentions — already linked)
6. Re-Entry Permit (additional mentions — already linked)
7. Form I-131, Application for Travel Document (final mentions — already linked)

Following the linking criteria and maximum of 5 links, I added government .gov links only to the first mention of each distinct resource name. No other content was changed.

Permanent residents who fear losing long-term travel plans during a budget fight in Washington received welcome clarity: Form I-131, Application for Travel Document continue without interruption during a federal government shutdown, because USCIS is fee-funded and keeps most services running. That means green card holders who need permission to stay outside the United States 🇺🇸 for extended trips can still file and move through biometrics and adjudication even if other parts of the federal government pause. The agency will accept filings, issue receipts, schedule fingerprinting, and decide cases under normal procedures, though timelines can still vary with existing backlogs. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, the key requirement that doesn’t change is location: applicants must be in the U.S. to file and to complete biometrics, and leaving before biometrics can delay or derail the process.

What the Re-Entry Permit does (and does not do)

The Re-Entry Permit is a travel document that helps a lawful permanent resident show U.S. intent while abroad for up to two years. Without it, long absences can raise questions at the port of entry and may complicate a return.

• It provides strong evidence of intent to maintain U.S. residence during extended travel (work, family care, study).
• It usually avoids the need for a returning resident visa (SB-1), which can be complex and slow.
• It does not guarantee admission to the U.S.
• It does not protect someone who has already been outside the U.S. more than two years on a single trip.
• It does not replace the green card.

Filing basics and the non-negotiable rule

The filing vehicle is Form I-131, Application for Travel Document. For green card holders seeking extended travel permission, select the Re-Entry Permit option on the form.

The running rule is simple and critical:

You must be physically in the U.S. on the day USCIS receives your Form I-131, and you must complete biometrics (fingerprinting and photo) in the U.S.

Key points:
– Filing locks in the application date only if the package is received while you are physically in the U.S.
– USCIS sends a receipt notice by mail after filing; a biometrics appointment notice follows.
– If you leave before biometrics and cannot return for the appointment, USCIS may deny the application or consider it abandoned.
– Rescheduling biometrics is allowed only in limited circumstances.

Processing during a shutdown

USCIS is primarily fee-funded. During shutdowns the agency’s fee-funded services—including intake, fee processing, issuance of receipt notices, biometrics scheduling, and adjudication of Form I-131 Re-Entry Permits—generally continue.

• USCIS will accept filings and continue normal casework and biometrics.
• Timelines still depend on workload and local office capacity; existing backlogs affect speed.
• Other agencies that rely on annual appropriations (e.g., certain Department of Labor services and E‑Verify) may pause, creating uneven effects across immigration processes.
• A shutdown does not itself speed up or slow Re-Entry Permit processing in a predictable way.

Delivery options after approval

USCIS offers two common delivery choices for the finalized Re-Entry Permit:

• Consular pickup: Request that USCIS send the permit to a U.S. embassy or consulate for pickup (indicate this on the application). Confirm the specific post accepts deliveries.
• U.S. address delivery: Have the permit sent to a trusted U.S. address (family member or attorney) who can forward it overseas.

Decide the delivery plan when filing to avoid confusion later.

Practical timeline expectations

Typical steps and timing (may vary):

1. File Form I-131 while physically in the U.S.
2. Receive a receipt notice within days or weeks.
3. Receive a biometrics appointment by mail shortly after the receipt.
4. Attend biometrics in the U.S.
5. Wait for adjudication and delivery of the permit.

Tips:
– Many applicants plan departure after biometrics to reduce risk.
– If leaving earlier, file well before departure and monitor mail closely for the biometrics notice.
– Provide a secure mailing address and consider online USCIS case updates (email/text) for alerts.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Filing while outside the U.S.
• Forgetting to sign the form.
• Sending the wrong fee or an outdated form edition.
• Missing the biometrics appointment or failing to attend in the U.S.
• Failing to provide a reliable mailing address.

USCIS’s official Form I-131 page is the authoritative source for the form, instructions, and current fee: Form I-131, Application for Travel Document. Using the latest edition and correct filing address is essential to avoid rejection.

Special scenarios and guidance

• Applicants who need to leave soon: Filing early helps. USCIS may consider expedite requests in narrow circumstances, but these are discretionary and unaffected by a shutdown. The safer plan, when feasible, is to remain in the U.S. until after biometrics.
• Applicants expecting to be abroad close to two years: A Re-Entry Permit is typically valid up to two years. Applying for another permit is possible but repeated long absences may raise questions about maintaining residence—legal advice is often helpful.
• Minors: Children who are permanent residents must also be present for biometrics; plan accordingly.
• Employers: HR teams should align assignments with the biometrics window and be ready to bring employees back if needed. Re-Entry Permit processing continues even if other employer-related processes pause during a shutdown.

Biometrics and travel logistics

• Biometrics must be completed in the U.S.; there is no remote workaround.
• If you file and immediately depart, be prepared to return for the appointment; missed biometrics can lead to denial.
• When requesting consular pickup, confirm the post accepts such pickups.
• When using a U.S. address, ensure a trusted person can receive and forward the permit securely.
• Carry both the green card and the Re-Entry Permit when returning to the U.S.; airline staff or CBP may request both.

Impact on naturalization and residence

• A Re-Entry Permit does not preserve the continuous residence requirement for naturalization.
• Absences of six months or more can disrupt continuous residence for citizenship purposes; a year or more usually breaks it unless special steps were taken.
• Document ties to the U.S. (taxes, home, job, family) to support claims of maintained residence.

Practical checklist during a shutdown

1. File Form I-131 only while physically present in the U.S.; keep proof of presence on the filing date.
2. Use the latest form edition and correct fee: Form I-131, Application for Travel Document.
3. Keep copies of the complete application, supporting documents, and delivery confirmation.
4. Monitor mail and USCIS online alerts for receipt and biometrics notices.
5. Plan travel around the biometrics appointment; consider consular pickup if abroad when the permit is issued.
6. Carry the Re-Entry Permit and your green card when returning.

Important warning: A federal shutdown does not excuse missed deadlines. If you receive a Request for Evidence or any USCIS notice, respond by the date shown. Use tracked mail when possible and keep records of everything you send.

Final takeaway

The policy is straightforward and stable: Re-Entry Permit applications on Form I-131 are filed and processed during federal shutdowns, because USCIS is primarily funded by filing fees and continues these operations. Applicants must be in the U.S. to file and to complete biometrics, and may request delivery to a U.S. address or a U.S. consulate abroad. While processing times still vary with workload, the shutdown itself is not the driver. Applicants who plan carefully—anchoring their timeline around biometrics and delivery—can keep their cases on track and preserve their ability to travel for extended periods without jeopardizing their U.S. residence.