After a lot of hard work, you may have finally secured your stay as a legal permanent resident (i.e., green card holder) in the United States. But even though you just got this status, you may want or have to leave the country for an extended period. Before you make your travel plans, though, you must confirm that you will be allowed back into the country. Well, you may feel more comforted, as though you have a security blanket to fall back on, with a reentry permit in your possession. With all that being said, please continue reading to learn more about the reentry permit and how an experienced green card lawyer in Milwaukee, WI, at Sesini Law Group, S.C., can help you obtain one.
What is the purpose of a reentry permit?
In short, a reentry permit is a travel document issued by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) that may allow you, a legal permanent resident, to reenter the country after traveling abroad for an extended period. Another way to put it is that it maintains your legal status in the U.S. This is because a standard green card is generally invalidated if the holder stays abroad for longer than one year.
How is a reentry permit different than an advance parole?
In doing your diligent research, you may have also discovered that the USCIS offers advance parole for those wishing to travel abroad temporarily. Well, the primary difference between a reentry permit and an advance parole is that the former is for legal permanent residents while the latter is for those who are in the process of applying for this status, adjusting to this status, or seeking asylum.
What is the process for obtaining this permit?
Even if you do not anticipate traveling outside the United States for longer than one year, your plans and circumstances may unexpectedly change. So, it is best to apply for a reentry permit to give you peace of mind for a guaranteed return to the country. Without further ado, the general process for obtaining a reentry permit goes as follows:
- Fill out and file Form I-131, Application for Travel Document, with the USCIS at least 60 days before your planned trip.
- Pay the mandatory filing fee of $575.
- Schedule your mandatory biometrics appointment at your local USCIS office.
- Optional: Request to collect your reentry permit at a U.S. consulate or embassy in the foreign country you travel to.
- Check the status of your application with the USCIS online case status checker and pick up your reentry permit on time.
To give yourself enough time to develop a solid application and travel plan, please be sure to get in touch with a skilled green card lawyer in Milwaukee, WI, at Sesini Law Group, S.C., as soon as possible. We look forward to hearing from you.