Re-Entry Permit Essentials: What You Need to Know

Are you a green card holder who plans to stay outside the United States for an extended period of time? If so, you’ll need to get a travel document called a re-entry permit. With this permit, you’ll be allowed to remain outside of the U.S. for as many as two years without risking your permanent resident status. FileRight’s guide to re-entry permit essentials explains what you need to know. 

Re-Entry Permits Explained

Your re-entry permit will serve as both proof of your intent to maintain U.S. residency and as a valid entry document that can be used in place of a foreign passport when you return to the United States.

To get a re-entry permit, you’ll need to apply using Form I-131. Keep in mind that you’ll need to take care of this before you leave the U.S., and you’ll also need to complete a biometrics appointment. You can expect this process to take around 4-6 months and cost $575. You may also need to pay a biometrics fee. 

The most common reasons people need re-entry permits are extended business travel, family obligations, and study-abroad programs. If this describes you, don’t forget that while the re-entry permit gives you permission to re-enter, it doesn’t guarantee it. Ultimately, officers from Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will make the decision. 

The main points you’ll want to keep in mind about re-entry permits are:

• It’s valid for up to two years from the date it’s issued.
• It can’t be extended or renewed while you’re abroad.
• You aren’t required to have one if you’re going for less than a year.

New Travel Document Form Update for 2024

If you plan to travel in the future, it’s also important to be aware that USCIS made an important change to Form I-131. A new version of the form became available on October 11, 2024. The new form’s name is “Application for Travel Documents, Parole Documents, and Arrival/Departure Records.” The new form will have “06/17/24” printed on it, whereas the old forms are dated 04/01/24. 

Keep in mind that you need to make sure you’re using the new version, because if you use the old one, USCIS will reject it. That means you’ll have to start the process over again. And don’t forget to confirm that you have the newest form before you file it. This is a potentially costly mistake that can ruin your travel plans, but it’s easily avoidable with a quick double-check.

Re-Entry Permits: How They Work

So now you know what a re-entry permit is, but how do you use one? When you return to the U.S., you present both your valid green card and re-entry permit to the CBP officer at the port of entry, who will use these documents to verify that you maintained your intent to live permanently in the United States despite your long absence.

The permit specifically addresses a key legal concern: under immigration law, permanent residents who remain outside the U.S. for more than one year can be considered to have abandoned their residency. The re-entry permit creates a legal presumption against abandonment by showing that you intended to return when you left. Without it, you might face extensive questioning at the port of entry or even be denied admission if you’ve been gone for more than a year.

Think of it like pressing “pause” on the clock that measures how long you’ve been outside the country. The re-entry permit significantly streamlines the entry process by demonstrating that you:

• Planned your extended absence in advance
• Took proper steps to maintain your status
• Had valid reasons for remaining abroad
• Intended to return to the U.S. as your permanent home

However, it’s important to understand that even with a valid re-entry permit, you should be prepared to explain the purpose and length of your absence, maintain ties to the U.S. (like a home, job, or family), and file U.S. tax returns while abroad to further demonstrate your intent to maintain permanent residence.

What Evidence Do I Need for Reentry Permit?

As with most other USCIS forms and processes, you will need documentation to get a re-entry permit. In order for USCIS to verify your identity and your intent to maintain your permanent residence in the U.S., you’ll need: 

• Your current green card (copy of front and back)
• A government-issued photo ID (such as a passport)
• Recent passport-style photos
• Evidence of the purpose of your travel
• Proof of your U.S. ties 
• Your U.S. tax returns (if applicable)
• Evidence of U.S. property ownership or lease
• Documentation of your U.S. bank accounts or business interests
• Proof of your U.S. family relationships
• An employer letter (for work assignments abroad)
• Evidence that prior absences were beyond your control (if applicable)

Remember that providing comprehensive documentation strengthens your application and helps avoid delays or requests for additional evidence. While not all items listed may be required in your specific case, it’s generally better to provide more supporting evidence than the minimum. Check out our Travel Documents checklist for more information. 

What Is the Difference Between Re-Entry Permit and Advance Parole?

Re-entry permits and advance parole are related, but they aren’t the same. They serve different purposes and are intended for different categories of immigrants. While both allow travel outside the U.S., they operate under distinct legal frameworks and offer different protections. A re-entry permit is for green card holders who are planning to travel longer than a year, whereas advance parole is for those who do not have permanent residency and is valid for just one year. 

Another difference between a re-entry permit and advance parole is how long each is valid. The re-entry permit is valid for two years, while advance parole is only valid for one. In general, re-entry permits offer stronger legal protection for re-entry to the U.S.

IMPORTANT: Although a re-entry permit helps protect your status while you’re traveling, even with this permit, officials could think you meant to live permanently in another country. Border officials will look at the whole picture of your life to determine if you’ve kept your ties to the United States. That’s why it’s so important to maintain strong connections to the U.S. while you’re away.

Final Points About Re-Entry Permits

By planning ahead when you know you’ll need a re-entry permit, you can maintain your rights as a permanent resident of the United States while meeting your obligations abroad. However, keep mind that a re-entry permit isn’t a blank check for indefinite absence from the U.S. You’ll still need to preserve strong ties to the U.S. by filing taxes, through property ownership (when possible), through family connections, or through business interests.

By balancing your need for international travel with your responsibilities as a green card holder, you can enjoy the flexibility a re-entry permit provides. And don’t forget, if you need help filling out forms, you can always reach out to FileRight.