Are you a U.S. Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) planning to stay outside the United States for more than a year? If so, applying for a Re-entry Permit before leaving the U.S. is crucial. If you are a Green Card holder who has been outside the U.S. for a year or more without a Re-entry Permit, you may face the risk of losing your permanent resident status. This permit is like a “green card sticker on a truck” – a sign that you have the right to return and continue your journey in the United States.
To apply for a Re-entry Permit, you must be physically present in the United States when you file Form I-131 and complete the biometrics requirements. After filing, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will send you an appointment notice to visit an Application Support Center (ASC) for biometrics services. Failure to attend this appointment may result in the denial of your application.
Biometrics Process and Application Submission:
- Physical Presence in the U.S.: You must be in the United States to file Form I-131 and complete biometrics.
- Attend Biometrics Appointment: This appointment must be completed in the United States and cannot be done at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate abroad.
- Wait for Adjudication Outside the U.S.: After completing biometrics, you can leave the U.S. and wait for USCIS to process your application.
You can request USCIS to send your approved Re-entry Permit to the U.S. Embassy in Hanoi or the U.S. Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City for you to pick it up in person. Detailed information on how to apply for a Re-entry Permit can be found in the document Instructions for Applying for a Re-entry Permit (PDF 667KB).
Receiving Your Re-entry Permit:
Once you receive the approval letter, you will need to go to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate you selected to pick up your Re-entry Permit. Please note that the time from when you receive the approval letter to when the Re-entry Permit is sent to the office can take at least 2 weeks. If your Re-entry Permit expires before you pick it up, it will be canceled.
When you come to pick it up, please bring a photo ID with your name matching the name on the Re-entry Permit for verification.
Checking the Status of Your Re-entry Permit:
To check if the Embassy or Consulate has received your Re-entry Permit, you can use the online inquiry form. If your Re-entry Permit has been forwarded, the Embassy or Consulate will contact you to schedule an appointment for you to pick it up.
A Re-entry Permit is an important procedure to protect your permanent resident status when staying outside the United States for an extended period. Ensure you understand the process and follow the steps correctly to avoid unnecessary risks. Just like ensuring your “green card sticker on the truck” is always clear, having a valid Re-entry Permit gives you peace of mind on your journey.
