How to get Your Reentry Permit Expedited: 6 Reasons USCIS will Expedite Your Application

In this guide, I’ll go over the reasons why USCIS may expedite a reentry permit application. I’ll also go over the instructions for how to request expedited processing from USCIS. If you need help with your reentry permit, feel free to email me at contact@ashoorilaw.com. I’m very responsive via email and would be happy to help you.

Introduction

To get a reentry permit, you must be physically present in the U.S. when your Form I-131 (reentry permit application) is filed and accepted by USCIS, which is why some applicants consider submitting an I-131 expedite request. You also must attend a biometrics appointment (digital fingerprinting) in the U.S. sometime after your reentry permit application is filed.

Usually, the biometrics appointment is scheduled about 6 weeks from the date you file your reentry permit application. For many green card holders, staying in the US for 6 weeks until the biometrics appointment is not an option. It is very common that US permanent residents applying for a reentry permit are in a rush to leave the US to get back to work, return to school, take care of a relative, or attend to other similar obligation.

If you are in this situation, here are 2 options to consider:

• Leave the US once your reentry permit application is accepted by USCIS and then return to attend your biometrics appointment.

• Or request to get your reentry permit expedited

Reentry Permit Expedited

In certain situations, USCIS will expedite cases. This is part of the broader green card expedite process, where USCIS may process a request faster than normal based on specific criteria. This means that USCIS will review and process a case much faster than it normally would. Whether USCIS will grant an expedite request is completely at USCIS discretion.

There are 6 reasons why USCIS may expedite a reentry permit application:

1. Severe financial loss to the reentry permit applicant

2. Extreme emergent situation

3. Humanitarian situation

4. National interest situation

5. USCIS error

6. Compelling interest of USCIS

• Here is a link to the USCIS website which goes over the reasons why an expedite may be approved.

To get your reentry permit expedited, your situation should fit into one of the above categories. You should also provide evidence which clearly shows how you fit into one of the above categories. For example, if you will experience severe financial loss without expedited processing, you should include documents (such as contracts, letters, and other similar evidence) which will prove your argument.

How to Request to get Your Reentry Permit Expedited

The official USCIS instructions for the Form I131 include some instructions for how to request expedited processing.

USCIS Specifically Asks you to do the Following:

• Type or print the work “EXPEDITE” on the top right corner of your reentry permit application (in black ink).

• Provide email addresses and a fax number.

• Include a written statement explaining the reason you are requesting expedited processing.

• Include evidence which supports your reason for requesting expedited processing.

• The USCIS Form I-131 (Application for Travel Document) page provides information on reentry permits and includes official filing instructions. 

Additional Good Practices for Expediting Your Reentry Permit Application

• You should also include prepaid self-addressed envelopes with your reentry permit application for USCIS to send your receipt notice/biometrics appointment notice/and reentry permit.

Conclusion 

Getting your reentry permit expedited is not easy. USCIS approves expedite requests at their discretion. They do so for applicants that have a strong reason which justifies speedier processing.

I’ve listed the criteria that USCIS is looking for above. These expedite criteria can be confusing to interpret. If you need help requesting expedited processing of your reentry permit application, feel free to email me directly at contact@ashoorilaw.com. As an immigration lawyer, reentry permits are a large part of my immigration practice. I’d be happy to review your case and can prepare and file your reentry permit application for you.

Resources:

• USCIS I-131, Application for Travel Document

• USCIS Expedite Criteria

• Reentry Permit Guide – Ashoori Law