As a US green card holder, you have the right to live in the United States and to travel outside of the US. However, certain types of travel can put your green card at risk. To protect yourself, you may need to get a travel document for green card holder known as a reentry permit. In this guide, I’ll discuss how to get a travel document for green card holder and everything else you need to know.
Overview
1. What is a Travel Document for Green Card Holder?
2. Why Do You Need a Travel Document for Green Card Holder?
3. What are the Requirements?
4. What Documents are Needed to Apply?
5. How Long is a Travel Document for Green Card Holder Valid For?
6. What is the Process of Getting a Travel Document for Green Card Holder?
What is a Travel Document for Green Card Holder (Reentry Permit)?
A travel document for green card holder is also called a reentry permit. A reentry permit is similar to a passport. It is a small booklet with an identification page as well as multiple other pages for entry/exit stamps and visas.
A reentry permit is specifically designed for US green card holders to protect their status. As we will discuss below, certain types of travel can put your status as a permanent resident at risk. For example, if you leave the United States for 6 months or longer, you risk abandoning your green card. A reentry permit creates a legal presumption that you do not intend to abandon your green card.
Why Do You Need a Travel Document for Green Card Holder?
If you leave the US for 6 months or longer or if you travel outside of the US frequently, you are eligible to be questioned at the border by immigration officers upon your return to the US.
Immigration officers are checking to see if you’ve abandoned your status as a permanent resident. Keep in mind that you can abandon your status intentionally or unintentionally, based on your intentions when leaving the US.
A reentry permit can protect you by creating a legal presumption that you do not intend to abandon your status as a lawful permanent resident. A reentry permit lets immigration officers know that you intend to stay a US permanent resident.
Leaving the US for a Year or Longer
If you leave the US for a year or longer, your green card (Form I-551) is no longer valid as an entry document to reenter the United States.
If you do not have a reentry permit and you leave the US for a year or longer, you will need to apply and get approved for a special visa called a returning resident visa (SB-1 Visa) in order to get back into the country.
If you have a valid reentry permit, you can use your reentry permit to reenter the United States without getting a returning resident visa.
A reentry permit is usually valid for a period of 2 years from the date it is issued. As long as your reentry permit is valid, you can use it to reenter the country.
Cannot Get a Passport from Your Country of Citizenship
A reentry permit looks very much like a passport. It is a small booklet, it has an I.D. page with your picture, and it has blank pages for stamps.
If you are unable to get a passport from your country of citizenship, many countries allow you to use your reentry permit as a passport. This means that you can get stamps in your reentry permit, just as you would in a passport.
What are the Requirements?
The specific documents that you will need to submit with your reentry permit application will depend on your particular case.
With that disclaimer, here are some documents you should expect to include with your reentry permit application:
How Long is a Travel Document for Green Card Holder Valid For?
A reentry permit is usually valid for 2 years from the date it is issued (not from the date you file your application.
However, there are certain reasons why your reentry permit can be valid for less than 2 years
The first step to getting your reentry permit is to hire an immigration lawyer to help you throughout the process. Although it is not required to have an immigration lawyer, immigration forms can be complicated and confusing. Filing your reentry permit application on your own can lead to mistakes that can delay the entire process, or even worse, cause your reentry permit application to be rejected.
Your immigration lawyer can review your situation to first make sure that a reentry permit is the appropriate option for you. If it is, your immigration lawyer can prepare and plan a strategy for when to file your application and which documents to include with your case.
Another really important way an immigration lawyer can help you is regarding the timing of your case. With reentry permits, timing is highly important. You are required to be in the US during certain key points throughout the reentry permit process. Your immigration lawyer can plan and strategize with you to make the process go smoothly.
File Form I-131
The next step is to file the Form I-131. The Form I-131 is the application for your travel document. It must be filed while you are physically present in the United States.
Along with the Form I-131, you should submit all necessary supporting documentation for your application.
In certain situations, you can request expedited processing to speed-up the processing of your case so that you can attend your biometrics appointment sooner.
Attend Your Biometrics (Fingerprinting) Appointment
About a month after your reentry permit application is filed, you will attend an appointment to get your digital fingerprint taken. This is the final step of the reentry permit process. Your biometrics appointment will be scheduled at a USCIS Application Support Center (ASC) based on your US address.
If the scheduled time doesn’t work for you, there are multiple options available:
After your biometrics appointment, it will take about another 2 months for your reentry permit to be issued. Once issued, your immigration lawyer can securely send it to you. So if you are in a hurry to leave the US, you can leave once your biometrics appointment is finished.
Conclusion
As a US green card holder, you have the right to live in the US and travel outside of the US. However, certain types of travel can put your green card at risk. That is why, if you plan to leave the US for 6 months or longer, or if you travel frequently, you should strongly consider getting a travel document for green card holder (also called a reentry permit).
A reentry permit can help you by creating a legal presumption that you intend to stay a US permanent resident. A valid reentry permit can also be used to reenter the US after being outside of the US for a year or longer.
Resources
A permanent resident or a conditional resident in the US who plans to travel abroad for a period of more than one year, needs to get a reentry permit. If your stay outside the US is going to be for a period less than one year, you do not need a reentry permit, your green card will suffice.
The Form I-131 is used to apply for a reentry permit. It has to be filed 60 days before you travel, while you are still in the US. Once the application is accepted you will be scheduled to appear for a biometrics appointment. You 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. This is possible when you 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.
Eligibility to Apply Using Form I-131
A conditional resident or a lawful permanent resident can apply for a reentry permit using Form I-131, Application for Travel Document. You cannot apply for a permit in case you already have a valid one unless the document is returned to the USCIS or until you prove that you have lost it. Also, if issuance of a travel document is prohibited to the area where you plan 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 US and don’t return within one year, it is considered that the permanent resident/conditional resident status is abandoned by you.
Validity of Reentry Permit
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.
There is extensions given for these permits.
Documents for Submission
If you are a United States lawful permanent resident (green card holder), you have the right to live in the U.S. and travel freely outside of the U.S. However, certain types of travel can put your green card at risk. That is why if you are planning to travel outside of the U.S. for longer than 6 months, you should strongly consider applying for a reentry permit. A reentry permit is a travel document (similar to a passport) which helps protect your status as a lawful permanent resident.
In this guide, I will discuss what you need to know to get your reentry permit.
General Overview of the Reentry Permit
A reentry permit is a travel document (similar to a passport) which allows U.S. lawful permanent residents to reenter the United States after extended periods of time spent outside of the United States. The reentry permit creates a legal presumption that a lawful permanent resident did not intend to abandon their status, despite being outside of the United States for an extended period.
As a U.S. lawful permanent resident, you can typically travel in and out of the United States without any issues. When returning to the U.S., in most cases, you would use your Form I-551 (Green Card) to re-enter the United States. However, if you’re traveling outside of the U.S. for a year or longer, your Green Card can no longer be used to re-enter the United States. You will either need a valid reentry permit to reenter the United States, or alternatively, you will need to apply for a returning resident visa (SB-1).
To understand these concept, lets first discuss some of the rights and obligations of U.S. lawful permanent residents.
Rights and Obligations of United States Lawful Permanent Residents
If you are a lawful permanent resident, and you travel outside of the United States for a year or longer without having a valid reentry permit, you will need to apply for a returning resident visa, to reenter the United States. Your green card cannot be used to reenter the country.
To get a returning resident visa you need to prove that
A reentry permit creates a legal presumption that you did not intend to abandon your status as a lawful permanent resident. The government may overcome this presumption by providing “clear, unequivocal, and convincing evidence” to the contrary. So just because you have a reentry permit does not mean that you are guaranteed to maintain your status as a lawful permanent resident.
Now that we’ve discussed some basic concepts, lets discuss the benefits of a reentry permit.
Benefits of a Reentry Permit
Here are some common scenarios where a lawful permanent resident can benefit from having a reentry permit:
Requirements to Get a Reentry Permit
Here are the main requirements to get a reentry permit:
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How to Apply for a Reentry Permit
Here is a step-by-step breakdown of how to apply for a reentry permit:
i. Hire an Immigration Lawyer
ii. File Form I-131
iii. Complete Biometrics
Hire an Immigration Lawyer
The first step you should take to get your reentry permit is to hire an immigration lawyer. While you are not required to have an immigration lawyer file your application for a reentry permit, working with an immigration lawyer has many benefits.
Your immigration lawyer will review and analyze your situation to determine whether a reentry permit is the right option for you. Through this process, you may find out that a reentry permit is not appropriate for your situation or that an alternative course of action is more appropriate.
Your immigration lawyer will also plan and develop a strategy regarding the timeline for when everything should take place. With reentry permits, timing is critical. You are required to be present in the United States during certain key phases of your reentry permit application. Your immigration lawyer will work with you to create a course of action that works for you based on your travel needs.
Once it is determined that a reentry permit is the correct option for you based on your situation, the next step is to prepare and file the Form I-131. The Form I-131 is also called the “Application for Travel Document.” This is the form used to apply for a reentry permit. This form must be filed while you are in the United States.
You should be careful to submit all necessary supporting documents along with the Form I-131.
Iii. Complete Biometrics
After you file your Form I-131, USCIS will require you to complete biometrics. At the biometrics appointment, your fingerprints are taken digitally.
Your biometrics must be taken inside of the United States. In very limited circumstances, there are exceptions where someone can attend their biometrics appointment outside of the United States.
How Long is a Reentry Permit Valid for?
If you are a lawful permanent resident and are planning to travel outside of the United States for a year or longer, you will likely need to get a reentry permit. With a valid reentry permit, you can stay outside of the United States for up to 2 years without abandoning your status as a lawful permanent resident. A reentry permit can also be used to reenter the US after absences of a year or longer, without the need for a reentry permit.
Ashoori Law is a Los Angeles based immigration law firm. Got a question? Lets talk.
23 июля 2018
США
Как вы помните, мы прилетели в Нью Йорк 10 Марта.
16 Мая я отправила пакет документов на форму I-131, т.н. Re-Entry Permit – разрешение на выезд из страны на срок более 1 года (но не более 2-х).
Срок на который вам выдадут Permit зависит только от решения USCIS – либо на 1 год, либо на 2. Если ранее не подавалась форма I-131, то скорее всего выдадут на 2 года. Но если вы злоупотребляете долгими отсутствиями в стране, то вероятнее всего выдадут на 1 год.
Вот, что пишут на этот счет на https://www.uscis.gov/i-131, ссылка №2 (instruction):
Итак, давайте разберемся какие документы нужны для пакета на Ре-энтри Пермит.
I-551, кстати, это и есть Грин карта.
Заполняется она очень просто. В причине подачи на Permit нужно указать почему именно вам так нужны эти 2 года. Я написала и себе и детям – быть вместе с мужем/папой на время процесса воссоединения семьи. А также приложила пояснение ситуации от своего лица. Что произошло и как нам трудно и грустно здесь одним. Если вы учитесь – нужно письмо из Универа. Если не можете оставить больных родителей/бабушек-дедушек – скорее всего лучше приложить письмо от доктора. Если вам просто нужно решить бытовые вопросы, продать недвижимость, разрулить бизнес и пр – так и пишите! Дело-то житейское!
Фотографии не нужны!
575$ на человека. Если вам от 14 до 79 лет, то вы обязаны будете пройти Биометрию. Это еще +85$. Оплачивать нужно полную стоимость. Итого 660$.
На каждого подающего нужен свой чек/мани ордер.
Итак, 16 Мая я пошла сдаваться. Сначала я заехала в офис FeedEx Office Print & Ship Center. Там можно самостоятельно и недорого распечатать документ или сделать ксерокопии документов. Оплата тут же в автоматике у принтера/сканера. Очень удобно.
Затем я пошла на почту. Купила money orders, оплатить их можно либо наличными либо американской картой, русские карты не принимаются.
Как заполняется Money Order:
В левой части вы пишете адрес вашего Офиса (учтите, иммиграционный офис зависит от штата вашего проживания). В моем случае – офис в Далласе, Техас. Чуть ниже в строке “Memo” указываете I-131 and biometric. Ну, а справа уже просто.
From: ВАШЕ ИМЯ,
Address – Ваш адрес проживания в США
Вместе с покупкой мани ордеров мне выдали бланк и пустой конверт для отправки PRIORITY EXPRESS (самый дорогой вид доставки – получение на следующий день).
Нужно было заполнить вот такой бланк (только левую часть):
Стоимость такого письма – 24,70$
21 Мая мне было отправлено уведомление о том, что наше дело на рассмотрении.
А 9 Июня нам пришли письма о вызове на биометрию!
22 июня в 14:00.
Прийти нужно будет полным составом, т.е. с детьми. В принципе, в письмах все указано.
Меня сфотографировали, дали подписать форму и взяли отпечатки пальцев.
Что дальше? А дальше только ждать, когда ваш Travel Document придет по почте (на адрес, который вы указали в анкете).
Практически никто не дожидается его в США, а сразу после биометрии улетают, т.к. срок выпуска тревел документа (выглядит как паспорт) может достигать 6 месяцев.
Вот и мы улетаем в Петербург, т.к. не видели родных уже 4,5 месяца и нет больше сил ждать встречи!!!
Добавляю информацию по поводу адреса отправления формы I-130.
На какой именно адрес отправлять ваши документы нужно уточнять вот на ЭТОЙ странице, открыв самую последнюю строчку “All other applicants (including re-entry permit applicants”.
Их всего два – либо Phoenix либо Dallas.
Так сколько же ждать получения Ре-энтри ? Ответ в новом ПОСТЕ!
О пользователе
A Green Card holder in the United States is allowed to travel outside the United States and return back with some limitations. A Green Card holder may obtain a re-entry permit if he wishes to travel for an extended period of time, outside the United States. Normally a Green Card holder may travel outside the United States for less than a year with a valid Green Card. A Green Card or a permanent resident card becomes invalid if the holder leaves the United States for a year or more. If the Green Card holder leaves the United States for less than a year and takes residence in another country, then the holder will be considered to have abandoned his permanent resident status in the United States.
By obtaining a re-entry permit, you will be able to establish that you do not want to abandon your permanent resident status. A re-entry permit permits you to enter the United States after traveling outside the United States for a period of 2 years. A returning resident visa is not needed if you have a re-entry permit. A re-entry permit is granted with a validity period of two years. You may also use the re-entry permit to travel outside America, if you cannot or do not wish to get a passport from your home country. Many countries across the globe allow the people to use a re-entry permit. This is similar to a passport, with necessary visas, entry and exit stamps. This permit may be used as a main travel document. But you must make sure that you satisfy the specific requirements of the country you plan to visit.
While filing Form I-131 to get a re-entry permit, you need not remain in the United States until the USCIS approves it. You may travel after obtaining your biometrics. You may mention on your Form I-131, that you want the USCIS to send your re-entry permit to the US Consulate or the Embassy abroad, from where you can collect it. You must also note that re-entry permits cannot be extended. If your re-entry permit expires, you must apply for a new one. A new re-entry permit will not be issued to a person who already has a valid permit. If you are applying for a new re-entry permit because you had lost your permit or if it was stolen or destroyed, you must indicate the reason on your application for a new re-entry permit.
Если вы обладаете статусом постоянного жителя США, т.е. являетесь владельцем Грин Кард, то для сохранения своего статуса вам следует придерживаться определенных правил. Одной из частых причин утраты статуса постоянного жителя США является длительное отсутствие резидента в стране проживания, т.е. в США. Такое действие может расцениваться иммиграционной службой как отказ от постоянного проживания в Соединенных Штатах. После терактов 11 сентября 2001 года, эмиграционные офицеры в пунктах пересечения границы стали более внимательно проверять людей со статусом постоянного жителя на предмет их продолжительного отсутствия в США.
Напомним, срок сколько времени можно находиться за пределами США обладателю Грин Картыпребывания не должен превышать 180 дней в течение одного года. Нарушая установленные сроки, вы рискуете потерять свою Грин Карту. Однако часто возникают жизненные ситуации, когда резиденту по той или иной причине, необходимо отсутствовать за пределами США больше предусмотренного срока. Для таких случаев иммиграционной службой США предусмотрен документ Re-entry Permit.
Термин «Re-entry Permit» в переводе с английского языка означает «разрешение повторного въезда». Как правило, такой документ нужен обладателям Грин Карт, которые планируют покинуть США сроком от одного до двух лет, без потери своего статуса.
Re-entry Permit выдается сроком на 2 года. Получая этот документ, вы как-бы предупреждаете иммиграционную службу о том, что являетесь постоянным жителем США и планируете проживать в США и дальше, но по определенным причинам, вам необходимо отсутствовать в стране продолжительное время.
Если срок вашего Re-entry Permit истек, его продлить нельзя, а получить второй Re-entry Permit будет довольно сложно, т.к. это поставит под сомнения ваши эмиграционные намерения. Однако могут быть исключения, например вы, являетесь студентом зарубежного ВУЗа и вам необходимо закончить учебу.
Хотелось бы отметить еще один момент, при длительном отсутствии на территории США, Re-entry Permit не гарантирует сохранения Вашего статуса, а лишь служит дополнительным доказательством того, что вы не собирались отказываться от своего статуса, заранее предупреждая иммиграционную службу о своем продолжительном отсутствии.
До 2010 года при подаче документов на получении Re-entry Permit вам достаточно было заполнить форму, оплатить счет и отправить документы, после чего, не дожидаясь самого книжки (выглядит как паспорт) Re-entry Permit, вы могли покинуть территорию США. Но начиная с 2010 года, для получения Re-entry Permit возникла необходимость прохождения биометрии. Только после этой процедуры можно выезжать за пределы США сроком до 2-х лет.
Итак, на сайте uscis.gov вы скачиваете форму I-131, заполняете, отправляете по указанному адресу, ждете даты для сдачи биометрии, сдаете, после чего можете покинуть США до 2-х лет. Получить сам документ Re-entry Permit вы сможете в любом посольстве США, предварительно указав адрес в анкете.
Получив Re-entry Permit не означает, что вы не сможете вернуться в США раньше чем через 2 года. Вы сможете выезжать и заезжать в США сколько угодно, наличие этого документа позволяет Вам единовременно находиться за пределами США до двух лет без потери статуса.
A reentry permit is a travel document for green card holders. The main benefit of a reentry permit is that it helps to protect your status as a permanent resident, even if you need to leave the United States for long periods of time.
In this guide, I’ll discuss the reentry permit renewal process. When you’re finished reading, you should have a much better understanding of how to renew your reentry permit.
Quick Introduction on Reentry Permits
A reentry permit is a travel document for U.S. permanent residents. It looks similar to a passport. It’s a small booklet with you photo, identifying information, and several pages to place stamps and visas within it.
Why Do I Need a Reentry Permit?
As a U.S. green card holder, you are required to maintain your permanent resident status. Leaving the U.S. for longer than 6 months can put your green card at risk. A reentry permit helps you by creating a legal presumption that you do not intend to abandon your green card based on your travel outside of the United States.
How to Renew Your Reentry Permit
Many U.S. green card holders are in situations where they must remain outside of the U.S. beyond the expiration date of their reentry permit.
Here are some common situations:
If you are in a situation where you must remain outside of the U.S. beyond the expiration of your reentry permit, you will likely need to apply for another reentry permit.
Technically, USCIS does not allow for a “renewal” of a reentry permit. The actual process requires you to apply for a new reentry permit.
How to Apply for a New Reentry Permit
Yes, you can apply for a new reentry permit while your current reentry permit is still valid. To be exact, you can apply for a new reentry permit “up to 60 days before the expiration date of the previously issued re-entry permit to ‘allow time for receipting of the application and issuance of the ASC appointment before adjudications.’” (AILA’s NSC Liaison Committee Practice Tips for I-131).
Important Point
What this means is that if you are applying for a new reentry permit while your current reentry permit is still valid, you should include your current reentry permit with your application for the new reentry permit.
If you do not include your current valid reentry permit with your reentry permit application, this can be very problematic for your case. If the current reentry permit is not included in the filing, USCIS adjudicators are given instruction to issue a request for additional evidence (RFE) for you to return the reentry permit or explain the reason why you cannot return the reentry permit. The USCIS adjudicator is required to “resolve this matter satisfactorily before delivering the new permit.”
There is a limited exception to this general rule
According to the USCIS Nebraska Service Center (NSC), if your application for a new reentry permit is filed with 30 days or less remaining on your current reentry permit, the application should be adjudicated without issuance of an RFE requesting the current reentry permit. It is unclear whether other Service Centers take this approach. (AILA’s NSC Liaison Committee Practice Tips for I-131).
What this means is that if your reentry permit application will be adjudicated at the Nebraska Service Center, and your current reentry permit is valid for 30 days or less (from the date of filing), then you do not need to include the current reentry permit with your new reentry permit application.
How Many Times Can I Apply for a New Reentry Permit?
At this point, you should have a much better understanding of the reentry permit renewal process. Technically, a reentry permit is not renewed, instead you are required to apply for a new reentry permit.
To apply for a new reentry permit, you are required to file a Form I-131 with USCIS while you are physically present in the United States. You are then required to attend a biometrics appointment.