A reentry permit is a travel document that a green card holder can apply for on Form I-131 before a long trip. USCIS advises applying for one before a trip longer than a year. While the permit is valid, USCIS says it will not consider you to have abandoned permanent resident status "based solely on the duration" of your absences. It does not guarantee you will be admitted when you return.
What the reentry permit does
On its International Travel as a Permanent Resident page, USCIS says a reentry permit "allows a permanent or conditional permanent resident to apply for admission" into the United States during the permit's validity, without needing a returning resident visa from abroad. The Form I-131 instructions say: "If an alien possesses a valid Reentry Permit, we will not consider them to have abandoned their status as a lawful permanent resident or conditional permanent resident based solely on the duration of their absences from the United States while the permit is valid."
What it does not do
- It does not guarantee entry. USCIS says you must still be found admissible when you return.
- It does not excuse other requirements. The Form I-131 instructions say a reentry permit "does not exempt an alien from compliance with any of the requirements of U.S. immigration laws."
- It does not change the naturalization rule on long absences. The instructions say an absence of 1 year or more "will generally break the continuity" of the continuous residence required for naturalization. A person who plans to stay abroad that long may be eligible to file Form N-470, Application to Preserve Residence for Naturalization Purposes.
Who may apply, and where you must be
The Form I-131 instructions say lawful permanent residents and conditional permanent residents may apply for a reentry permit. They also say: "The alien must be physically present in the United States when they file the Reentry Permit application and complete the biometric services requirement." After filing, USCIS says it will tell the applicant in writing when to go to a local Application Support Center for a biometrics appointment.
The Form I-131 page says reentry permits are not available for online filing. It states no fee amount and points to the USCIS Fee Schedule at uscis.gov/g-1055. Our Form I-131 guide covers the form in general.
If you will be abroad when the permit is ready, the instructions say a permit may be sent to a U.S. Embassy, Consulate or USCIS international field office for pickup if you ask for that when you file. USCIS adds that not every Embassy or Consulate may be able to do this.
How long a reentry permit lasts
The Form I-131 instructions (edition 01/20/25) state the validity rules:
- A permit issued to a lawful permanent resident is generally valid for 2 years from the date of issuance.
- If the person has been outside the United States for more than 4 of the last 5 years since becoming a permanent resident, USCIS says it will limit the permit to 1 year. The instructions list a few exceptions, for example travel on the order of the U.S. Government.
- For a conditional permanent resident, the permit may be valid until the date the conditional status expires, not to exceed 2 years.
- USCIS says it "will not extend the validity of a Reentry Permit."
The International Travel page adds that if you stay abroad for more than 2 years, a reentry permit granted before you left "will have expired." In that case USCIS says you may consider applying for a returning resident visa (SB-1) at the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
Why this matters: abandonment of permanent residence
USCIS says that "Abandonment may be found to occur in trips of less than a year." It says officers may look at factors such as U.S. family ties, employment, tax filings and bank accounts. The Form I-131 instructions warn that if you do not obtain a reentry permit, "lengthy or frequent absences" could be factors supporting a conclusion that you abandoned your status. If DHS decides you abandoned your status, the instructions say you may challenge that decision if placed in removal proceedings. These are fact-based questions, and a licensed immigration attorney is the right person to ask about a specific trip.
If your permit is approved and the document is being made, our page on the "travel document was produced" status explains that message.
Common questions
Can I apply for a reentry permit after I leave the United States?
The Form I-131 instructions say you must be physically present in the United States when you file and when you complete biometrics.
Can a reentry permit be extended?
No. USCIS says it will not extend the validity of a reentry permit.
Does a trip of under a year put my green card at risk?
USCIS says abandonment may be found in trips of less than a year, depending on whether you intended to make the U.S. your permanent home.
Can I file the reentry permit application online?
No. The Form I-131 page lists reentry permits as "No" for online filing.
Official sources
- USCIS: International Travel as a Permanent Resident
- USCIS: Form I-131 Instructions
- USCIS: Form I-131
GreenLight is not affiliated with USCIS or the U.S. government. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.