Reentry Permit

Green Card Holder With No Reentry Permit

Question details

My husband is a UK citizen and has a Green Card, but no re-entry permit. I am a US citizen. We have been living in China for 6 years for my job and plan to return to the States. The last time my husband was in the US was 3.5 years ago. What is the process that he needs to go through to be able to reenter the States and hold onto his Green Card?

Start with contacting the local U.S. Consulate. See if they can issue a returning resident permit 

Reentry Permit Process

Question details

My son is in our country Philippines studying in college & his Reentry permit will expire on March 17,2013. We are planning to return him on December during their Christmas vacation & also to re-apply or renew his reentry permit that month. My question is: Would it be allowed to submit re- entry application that month & how long would it take because he needs to go back to Philippines on the 1st week of Jan'13. Is it allowed to renew permit in the Philippines or you need to go back to US to renew?

The permit can only be renewed in USA. He has to be in US for two things: first to file the application; and second, a few weeks later, appear for biometrics. USCIS may expedite biometrics. Check into that.

Returning to US from India, after a gap of 3 years

Question details

My mother is a green card holder (based on me as an US citizen) and has been living in India for last 3 years as she was working in India and just got retired. She is planning to return to US permanently now. We did not know reentry permit requirements before. Does she need to apply for Returning Resident Visa? If it affects adversely what are other common reasons that can be given as an excuse for long outside US stay?

She should apply for RR (also known as SB-1) visa. Lose the idea of an "excuse." Nothing but the truth. My GUESS is, you are better off surrendering her green card and reapplying.

Guestbook Entry for Sandeep K, United States

Name
Sandeep K
Country
United States
State
Virginia
Comment

I wanted to more about diffrent options on my wife's re-entry back into the USA. I contacted Mr. R. Khanna's office in this regard. I had a conferance call with Mr. Khanna and his associate Ms. A. Baker. They both were very helpful and clear in explaining our options. Mr. Khanna gave me couple options and told me to try a more economical option before starting on longer and a somewhat expensive process. Very professional in their approach and helpful. My sincere thanks to Mr. Khanna, Ms. A Baker and Ms. Leslie H. I will be starting the process very soon with them and hope to have a smooth and fast one. Sandeep K

Reentry permit process

Question details

My family and I are about to leave our country and go to the U.S. for our green card and such this end of November, but I have to go back to our country since I want to finish my education there before permanently staying in the U.S. (I only have one year left before graduating in our university) So my question is, how long does it take for a re-entry permit take?

You have two choices: wait after applying for reentry permit to get called for biometrics (you can request expedite base upon your circumstances); OR, apply for reentry permit and leave USA. Come back for biometrics. DO SPEAK with a lawyer to understand the implications.

Reentry application and biometrics

Question details

I just sent my I-131 application (for reentry permit) via overnight delivery, but turns out that I need to briefly go abroad starting this Friday for a work emergency. The official Notice of Action (I-797c) would probably arrive at my house while I am still overseas. My question is, will the application be denied if I leave the country before receiving the Notice of Action? (I'm afraid that USCIS would assume that I've abandoned the application by leaving the country.) I should be back in the USA for the biometric appointment.

As I recall, as long as the application has been physically received by USCIS, your departure does not cause abandonment. So, you should not have to worry. But you will need to be back for biometrics associated with the I-131.

Reentry permit is it recommended?

Question details

My spouse and I am legal permanent resident here in the US for more than 3 years now. We are planning to travel back to India in early December this year and my wife tentatively plans to stay back in India for close to 3-8 months. I am planning to return back after 3 months. In such situation, is it advisable to file re-entry permit (I-131) for her. Also should I get an attorney if I have to file or can I do it on my own?

If you are not abandoning your permanent residence in USA (keeping your home, job, etc.), I see no need for a reentry permit for a three-month trip. She should apply and through counsel.

Reentry permit is not a guarantee

Question details

I acquired my green card in January 20, 2010 with an expiry date of 2/23/20. I came back to the Philippines on February 2011. I want to go back to the US next year around March. Do I have a problem?

Generally speaking, a reentry permit is not a guarantee. It is merely an official declaration of your intention not to abandon your green card. Normally, the govt. does not question it. But if there are facts that make them suspect that you either never established or never intend to establish permanent residence in USA, they can take you to immigration court to take away your green card.

GC and Company Involvement

Question details

I received my GC in Aug 2008. My company is willing to send me to India office. Does the company need to file for a N470 or can I file for it? Do I need to be employed my US operations or I can be on the parole of India operations?

Company needs to give you a detailed letter and you can work for their India operations.

Possession of re-entry permit does not guarantee readmission?

Question details

I came here June 2008 then got my green card on November 2010 and I am planning to go back to my country and will be staying there for 1 year and 11 months.(just enough for the permits 2 year limitation). But some parts of this article still bugs me, "Possession of a re-entry permit does not guarantee the alien’s readmission to the U.S." so on what reason and circumstances should this happen?

Good point. This is a widely misunderstood provision of law. Reentry permit is merely your official assertion: "I intend to keep my permanent residence." Usually, the govt. does not question this intention during the life of the RP. But if they want to make an issue of it, they can.