Reentry Permits for Green Card Holders

Planning to travel or live abroad for an extended period? As a U.S. permanent resident, leaving the country for more than 6 to 12 months without preparation can result in your green card being considered abandoned.

A Reentry Permit (Form I-131) is the right tool to protect your status before you leave.

A Reentry Permit (Form I-131) allows green card holders to stay outside the U.S. for up to 2 years without losing permanent resident status. Learn more about maintaining permanent residence and the obligations that come with a green card. If your card is expiring, also review green card renewal options. Sponsoring a spouse? See our page on green card holder spouse petitions. Schedule a consultation before your trip to protect your status.

• You plan to spend more than 6 months abroad
• You need to live temporarily outside the U.S. for work, family, or medical reasons
• You've had long international trips in the past and want to prevent scrutiny
• You want to avoid abandonment or hassle at reentry

Applying before you leave the U.S. is essential. Once filed, biometrics (fingerprinting) must be completed in the U.S. before departure unless special accommodations are made.

Filing early gives USCIS time to schedule your biometrics appointment before your departure date.

Leaving the U.S. for more than 1 year creates an assumption that you did not intend to make the United States your permanent home. If it is determined that you do not have strong ties with the U.S., you can be found to have abandoned your permanent resident status. In order to avoid this situation it is advisable to apply for a reentry permit.

Even absences shorter than one year can raise questions at the port of entry if you cannot demonstrate strong U.S. ties.

In general, a reentry permit does not relieve you of any of the requirements of U.S. immigration laws. It does not guarantee entry into the United States upon your return as you must first be determined to be admissible. However, it will assist you in establishing your intention to permanently reside in the United States. Obtaining a reentry permit prior to leaving the United States allows a permanent or conditional permanent resident to apply for admission into the United States during the permit's validity without the need to obtain a Returning Resident visa from a U.S. Embassy or Consulate abroad.

This can save significant time, cost, and stress when you are ready to return.

You must be physically present in the United States when you file the Reentry Permit application. After filing your application for a reentry permit, USCIS will inform you in writing when to go to your local Application Support Center (ASC) for your biometrics appointment. Departure from the United States before a decision is made on an application for a Reentry Permit usually does not affect the application. However, where biometric collection is required and the applicant departs the United States before the biometrics are collected, the application may be denied.

Do not book travel until you have confirmed your biometrics appointment date or received written USCIS confirmation.

Generally, a Reentry Permit issued to a permanent resident shall be valid for 2 years from the date of issuance. A Reentry Permit may not be extended.

If you were unable to return to the U.S. within your green card or reentry permit's validity period due to circumstances beyond your control, you may apply for a Returning Resident visa (SB-1) at the nearest U.S. consulate.

To qualify you must show: you were a lawful permanent resident when you left; you always intended to return; your extended stay was caused by circumstances outside your control; and you are otherwise eligible for an immigrant visa.

The consular officer will interview you and weigh the evidence. Circumstances beyond your control — such as a medical emergency requiring extended care abroad — can qualify. Personal choices, such as caring for a relative abroad when you could have returned, generally do not. If approved, you must still complete the full immigration process again (fees, medical exam, immigrant petition) and apply within 6 months of approval. If denied, you must restart the green card process from the beginning through a U.S. relative or employer petition.