How Long does it Take to get a Reentry Permit?

How long does it take to get a reentry permit?

 

If you are a US permanent resident and are considering applying for a reentry permit you might be wondering: How long does it take to get a reentry permit?

 

In this guide, I’ll answer this question and I’ll also discuss different timing strategies when applying for your reentry permit.

 

If you need help applying for your reentry permit, please email me directly at contact@ashoorilaw.com.

 

Overview:

 

1. How Long does it Take to Get a Reentry Permit?

2. Why do You Need a Reentry Permit?

3. What are the Requirements to Get a Reentry Permit?

4. What Should you do if you Need to Leave the US Before Getting Your Reentry Permit?

5. Conclusion

 

1. How Long does it Take to Get a Reentry Permit?

 

To get a reentry permit, you are must file your reentry permit application with USCIS. Your physical reentry permit is then issued about 3 to 4 months after you submit your reentry permit application. While your application is processing, you are also required to attend a fingerprinting appointment at a USCIS office in the US.

 

2. Why do You Need a Reentry Permit?

 

There are 3 main reasons that a green card holder may need a reentry permit:

 

i. Leaving the US for 6 months or longer: If you are a US permanent resident and you leave the country for 6 months or longer, upon return to the US you are eligible to be questioned. Immigration officers may ask you questions to determine whether you have abandoned your permanent resident status. A reentry permit creates a legal presumption that you intend to remain a US permanent resident.

 

If you leave the US for a year or longer, your permanent resident card is no longer valid as an entry document. A reentry permit can be used to reenter the US for up to 2 years from the date it is issued.

 

ii. Frequent trips outside the US: Frequent trips outside of the US or spending more time outside of the US than inside the US can also lead to the same issues mentioned above regarding abandonment. A reentry permit can similarly help by creating a legal presumption that you intend to remain a US permanent resident.

 

iii. Cannot get a passport from your country of citizenship: If you cannot get a passport from your country of citizenship, a reentry permit can be used instead of a passport.

 

A reentry permit looks very similar to a passport. It is a small booklet with multiple pages for placing stamps/visas. It also has a biographic page with your picture and pertinent information.

 

3. What are the Requirements to Get a Reentry Permit?

 

There are 5 main requirements to get a reentry permit:

 

  • You must be a US permanent resident or conditional permanent resident
  • You must file a Form I-131 with USCIS
  • You must be physically present in the US when your Form I-131 is field
  • You must attend a biometrics (fingerprinting) appointment in the US
  • You must intend to depart the US

 

4. What Should you do if you Need to Leave the US Before Getting Your Reentry Permit?

 

Many permanent residents that need a reentry permit either have immediate travel plans or may not be in a position to wait 4 months for their reentry permit to be issued. If you are in this position, there are multiple potential solutions.

 

i. Leave after filing the reentry permit application: You are only required to be physically present in the US at the time your reentry permit application is filed and for your biometrics appointment (which is scheduled to take place about 6 weeks after you file your application). If you need to leave the US before your reentry permit is issued, you can leave after filing your reentry permit application with USICS and come back for your biometrics appointment. Your immigration lawyer can then mail you your reentry permit once it is issued.

 

Note: This option is only available if you have a valid passport. You should not leave the US without a valid travel document.

 

ii. Expedited Processing: In some cases, USCIS will expedite the processing of your reentry  permit application which can result in having your biometrics appointment scheduled within 2 weeks of filing.

 

Here are some of the main reasons USCIS will grant an expedite request:

 

  • Emergency situation
  • Humanitarian reasons
  • Severe financial loss to company or person
  • USCIS compelling interest
  • National interest situation
  • USCIS error

 

5. Conclusion

 

Once you file your Form I-131 (reentry permit application) It takes about 3 to 4 months to get your physical reentry permit. Depending on your case, there are ways to either speed up the process or to leave the US before your reentry permit is issued.

 

As a US immigration lawyer, I would be happy to help you throughout the entire process from filing to receiving your reentry permit. To get started, please email me directly at contact@ashoorilaw.com.

 

Resources:

 

Share this post...

Posted in , ,
Search
REQUEST A CONSULTATION
Excellent
Ashoori Law
Based on 958 reviews
Tom & Jess T.
Ashoori Law has been incredible to work with. They helped us secure our E-2 visas, and thanks to their guidance and expertise, we are now living in the US and growing our business. We are extremely grateful for their support throughout the entire process.

We highly recommend Ashoori Law to anyone seeking reliable and knowledgeable immigration support. Their team truly goes above and beyond.
xhensila B.
Ashoori Law Office has been outstanding throughout my immigration process. I’m especially grateful for Geo’s constant support, professionalism, and guidance. His help made a big difference. Highly recommended!
Oge A.
Exceptional Immigration Representation for EB1A

After a previous self-petition for my EB1A was unsuccessful, I knew I needed expert support from a legal team that could truly understand the uniqueness of my background and help me present the strongest case possible. Ashoori Law came highly recommended and the firm exceeded my expectations by pairing me with the perfect attorney for my case, Catalina Leff.

From the start, it was clear that Catalina brought a depth of knowledge, strategic insight, and an incredibly sharp eye for detail. My professional profile didn’t fit the “typical” EB1A mold, but that didn’t deter her. Instead, her versatility, legal creativity, and experience with complex and non-traditional cases made all the difference. She helped me organise my evidence in a way that told a compelling story and made spot-on recommendations that significantly elevated the quality and clarity of my petition.

Communication throughout the process was seamless. The coordination between Ashoori Law’s support team and Catalina was excellent. I always felt supported, informed, and confident in the next steps. Every interaction with Catalina was professional yet personal, and I was never left wondering about the status of my case. Catalonia’s guidance and complete control of the process was unquestionable.

Most importantly, the case was successful, and I believe that’s a direct result of the exceptional representation I received. It is one thing to have an attorney who knows the process and confident in her work but also most important to follow and trust the attorney’s direction(s). I enjoyed working with Catalina Leff and I am thankful for every support rendered. . I wholeheartedly recommend Ashoori Law, especially Catalina Leff, for anyone pursuing a high-stakes immigration petition such as an EB-1A. Their ability to identify the right legal strategy and deliver with precision and care was exactly what I needed, and I’m incredibly grateful.
Imthiyaz S.
I would like to express my most heartfelt gratitude and thanks to Michael Ashoori and the entire Ashoori Law team. I just received my passport with my E2 visa stamp this morning and I boarded my flight to the US tonight. It has been a long and stressful journey with many stops, starts, pivots, and redirections. Along the way my assigned attorney Pardeep Singh was patient and very generous with his time accommodating the twist and turns of my application. He understood how important the application was to me personally; it was not just “another file” for him. He used to tell me, that “on game day (interview date) to ensure the best chances of success, it is critical that the Consular officer have a well-prepared application in front of him” so he was always focused on the smallest details. He delivered on what he and Michael promised, and I was approved. My family and I are very happy!

Thank you again Michael and Pradeep!
Harsimranjit S.
Great firm followed by excellent people and very knowledgeable.. no drama and top notch professionals .. they know what they are doing…
Feel free to reach out for your immigration needs..
Raj B.
I would like to thank Michael Ashoori and his entire team for my E2 approval! I would like to give a very special thank you to my assigned attorney, Pardeep Singh for his dedication, attention to detail, mastery of the law, and the excellent application he presented to the Consulate. Being a seasoned executive with decades of business experience, routinely interacting with “icons and titans” of the hospitality industry from around the world, I already had my own vision of how to portray my business, what documents to produce, and how best it should be presented. Pardeep took all the data, completely dissected it, disregarded nonrelevant items, and reorganized the data and documents so that they were a “natural” fit with all the required elements of the visa. He over engineered my entire file, prepared me for the interview thoroughly, had me repeatedly watch Michael’s interview prep videos, and at the interview all went smoothly and I was approved. I whole heartedly endorse Michael Ashoori, his entire team, and Pardeep! To anybody looking for immigration services, the Ashoori team truly care and take a vested interest in your success.

My business is multinational and the crown jewel is opening my US office. With my E2 approval, I can now pursue my dream of expanding my business in the vast US market. Again, thank you Michael, I am glad I found you!

Raj B.
Gret B.
I have used Ashoori Law and will be using again in the future! I highly recommend them! They will not disappoint! Thank you for everything you have done for me and my family!
Ruel
A great team whose core values embody professionalism and integrity. Would highly recommend them. They also network with other immigration firms and bring you news on the latest updates.
D
“Outstanding service and exceptionally smooth experience with Ashoori law group. From the very beginning, they showed professionalism, kept clear communication, and dedication time to my case. Every step of the process was handled with care and efficiency, They made my E2 visa process stress-free. It was well managed and level of supported was phenomenal. I am truly impressed with the quality of their work and the level of attention they provide. I highly recommend Ashoori law group to anyone seeking reliable, knowledgeable, and trustworthy legal services.”
Dzidula P.
It was tough, but the Ashoori Law firm made it easier than anything. It was within 4 months, and the case was closed. Officers at Ashoori Law, including John Walton, Charlotte, Matthew Larsen, and especially Attorney RYAN MORGAN KNIGHT. Ryan was exceptionally efficient, knowledgeable, and dedicated to his clients. I was impressed by his promptness and expertise. I actually had concerns about my case and was worried when ICE was deployed to our area, so I requested Attorney Knight to accompany me to the USCIS office. He kindly accommodated my request. John Walton was always busy, but he would surely sort one out.
If you're looking for reliable and skilled immigration attorneys, I highly recommend Ashoori Law, particularly Attorney Ryan Morgan Knight.
NB: I still want to talk to Attorney Michael Ashoori himself.
REQUEST A CONSULTATION
Michael Ashoori Headshot

Michael Ashoori, Esq.

President of Ashoori Law

I’m a U.S. immigration lawyer and I help families, professionals, investors, and entrepreneurs get visas, green cards, and citizenship to the United States.

Since starting my law firm, I’ve helped thousands of people from all over the world with their immigration needs. I’m very passionate, hard-working, and committed to my clients.

Got a question? Send me an email.

REQUEST A CONSULTATION