Why The Re-entry Permit is Important?
Form I-131, is the USCIS forms that must be filed to get a re-entry permit which is also called a travel document. This permit is important because it allows a permanent resident to travel abroad for a year or more and also allow him to enter into the country after his lengthy travel. The US immigration law allows a permanent resident to travel outside the country for less than a year with a Green Card and if the Green Card holder wants to travel abroad for more than one year, he may do so by obtaining a re-entry permit. But, you must remember that you will be capable of traveling abroad, with the re-entry permit for not more than two years.
Green Cards issued to foreign nationals may be used by them to travel for one year or less. But if you had traveled outside the country for more than 365, without getting a re-entry permit, you may be denied entry into the country. To enter into the country hassle free, you will have to apply for and get a re-entry permit, before leaving the country. Remember that a re-entry permit cannot be obtained while you are outside the United States. You may leave the country after applying for this permit but your application may be denied if you fail to appear of biometrics collection. Validity periods of re-entry permits may vary depending on the eligibility of the applicants and generally re-entry permits valid for 2 years are granted to permanent residents. A new permit may be obtained after the expiration of the existing permit. But remember that you may not apply for a new re-entry permit while your existing permit is still valid.
Though you hold a valid Green Card, your status in the United States may be at risk, if you leave the country and stay outside for a long time. US immigration officers may consider that you have abandoned your status and you may face difficulties while you attempt to enter into the country after returning from your prolonged trip. This re-entry permit will allow you to get into the United States even if you had resided outside the country for more than a year, provided that you do not have a plan to abandon your immigration status in America. This permit will prove that you have not abandoned your status and will prove that your stay abroad is not permanent. This permit will also protect your lawful status and your Green Card.
A lot of effort is required to become a permanent resident and you would have earned this status after a long struggle and hence it is mandatory to retain your immigration status. You must see to that your temporary travel outside the country will not affect your status. Getting a re-entry permit before you travel outside for a long time, is the best option. By obtaining this permit, you may be free to travel outside for less than two years and at the same time you can also protect your lawful status in the United States. Moreover, re-entry permits are issued only to lawful permanent residents of the United States, who intend to travel abroad and return back to the country before the permit could expire.
