Ensuring you do not abandon Lawful Permanent Resident status if you travel abroad.
After obtaining your Green Card or Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) status, you may generally travel outside the U.S. and return. However, there are limitations on international travel set by U.S. immigration law. In this regard, a reentry permit can help prevent two types of problems:
- If you are absent from the United States for 1 year or more, your Green Card technically becomes invalid for reentry into the U.S.
- Your U.S. permanent residence may be deemed as abandoned for absences shorter than 1 year if you take up residence in another country.
Obtaining LPR status is a time- and cost-intensive process. Let our attorneys will assist you in applying for a reentry Permit to establish that you did not intend to abandon your LPR status. The reentry permit will allow you to apply for admission to the U.S. after traveling abroad for up to 2 years without having to obtain a returning resident visa. Reentry permits are typically valid for 2 years from the date of issuance.
A reentry permit also has value if you plan to travel outside the U.S. and cannot, or do not, wish to get a passport from your home country. Many countries worldwide may allow you to use a reentry permit much like you would use a passport – placing required visas and entry and exit stamps in the permit. Therefore, you may use a reentry permit as your main travel document. We advise you check with any country you plan to visit about specific requirements before traveling.
Our Process for Obtaining a Reentry Permit
- The Firm will collect all personal information and documents required for the Reentry Permit application to be filed with the USCIS.
- The Firm will assemble a Reentry Permit package with all required documentation.
- After filing the application, USCIS will schedule a biometric appointment at a local USCIS field office for the Client. The Client must attend this appointment before leaving the United States.
- Receive a decision from USCIS on your Reentry Permit application. USCIS will mail a notice of decision to you and our law office. If a Request for further Evidence is issued, our attorneys will assist in filing the response.
- Receive the Reentry Permit at your international address.