Are you a green card holder who needs to leave the U.S. for an extended time but still wants to keep your permanent resident status? Then, you may need a re-entry permit. At Rivas & Associates, we help immigrants protect their future in the U.S., even when life takes them outside the United States for extended periods.
In this blog, we’ll explain how to get a re-entry permit, who needs one, and how our team can help you through every step.
What Is a Re-Entry Permit?
A re-entry permit is a travel document for lawful permanent residents (green card holders) who need to leave the U.S. for more than 6 months but less than 2 years. It helps prove that you didn’t abandon your lawful permanent resident status, making returning to the U.S. much easier.
Without a re-entry permit, being gone too long may lead to questions at the border—or worse, you could risk losing your green card altogether.
Why Do People Apply for a Re-Entry Permit?
There are many reasons why green card holders might need to travel abroad for extended periods, including:
- Taking care of sick family members
- Long-term work assignments
- Studying abroad
- Dealing with personal emergencies
No matter the reason, if you’re a green card holder planning to be outside the U.S. for a long time, a re-entry permit is important to protect your permanent resident status.
What Are the Requirements for a Re-Entry Permit?
To apply for a re-entry permit, you must:
- Be a lawful permanent resident (have a valid green card)
- Be physically present in the U.S. when you apply (you must file Form I-131 while still in the U.S.)
- Plan to be outside the United States for extended periods (usually more than 6 months)
- Show you intend to return and keep your home in the United States
You’ll also need to provide:
- A copy of your green card (front and back)
- Two passport-style photos
- A detailed explanation of why you need to travel abroad
- Fingerprints (biometrics), which are taken at a USCIS office in the U.S.
Important: If you’ve spent a lot of time outside the U.S. in the past or if this is not your first re-entry permit, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) may ask more questions or limit the validity of the new permit.
How To Get a Re-Entry Permit: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Talk to an Immigration Lawyer
Before doing anything, talk to a trusted immigration lawyer for green card. They can review your situation and help you avoid mistakes. At Rivas & Associates, we’ve helped many people in Tulsa and across the United States understand if a re-entry permit is right for them.
Step 2: Complete Form I-131
This is the official application for a travel document. You’ll fill it out with personal information and the reason you’re requesting the re-entry permit.
Step 3: Submit Supporting Documents
These may include:
- Your green card
- Proof of your planned travel abroad
- Documents showing ties to the U.S. (like a lease, job, or family)
Step 4: Attend a Biometrics Appointment
After you apply, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will schedule a biometrics appointment. You must be in the U.S. to complete this step. They will take your fingerprints and photo for background checks.
You’ll also be required to attend your biometrics appointment even if you’ve done one before. Missing this step could result in a denied application.
Step 5: Wait for a Decision
If approved, you’ll receive the re-entry permit by mail. It’s usually valid for up to 2 years and lets you return to the U.S. without needing a returning resident visa.
Common Questions About Re-Entry Permits
Q: Can I leave the U.S. while the application is pending?
A: Yes—but only after you complete your biometrics appointment. If you leave before biometrics, USCIS may deny your application.
Q: How long does it take to get approved?
A: It can take 8 to 12 months or more. Applying early is important if you know you’ll need to travel abroad.
Q: Do I need a re-entry permit for a short trip?
A: No. If you’re gone for less than 6 months and don’t travel abroad often, your green card alone is enough. But if you plan to be gone for extended periods, apply for a re-entry permit.
Q: What happens if I return without a re-entry permit?
A: Border protection officers may question your intention to keep your permanent resident status. In some cases, they may refuse entry or recommend removal proceedings. That’s why having the proper travel document is so important.
Why Work With “Green Card Lawyers Near Me”?
Immigration paperwork is serious business. One small mistake can lead to delays—or even worse, loss of permanent resident status. By working with “green card lawyers near me,” you get experienced, hands-on help from people who understand what’s at stake.
Our immigration lawyers in Tulsa, Oklahoma and Oklahoma City will:
- Guide you through the process
- Submit all documents correctly
- Help avoid unnecessary delays
- Be there if any issues come up with border protection
We help lawful permanent residents avoid risks that could cost them their status and peace of mind.
Don’t Risk Your Green Card Status
Leaving the country doesn’t have to mean risking your future. If you’re a green card holder planning to leave the U.S. for more than six months, don’t wait until it’s too late.
At Rivas & Associates, we make the process easier and more understandable. When you work with us, you’re not just hiring an immigration lawyer—you’re gaining a team that genuinely cares about your future.
You’ve worked hard to earn your lawful permanent resident status. Don’t risk losing it because of a long trip abroad or paperwork errors. Whether you’re leaving to care for family, work overseas, or handle a personal emergency, we’ll help you protect everything you’ve built here in the U.S.
Contact us today at (844) 37-RIVAS(844) 37-RIVAS or complete our online contact form to schedule a consultation. We’re proud to serve the immigrant community in Tulsa and across the United States.
Empowering Immigrants, Building Futures!
Copyright © 2025. Rivas & Associates. All rights reserved.
The information in this blog post (“post”) is provided for general informational purposes only and may not reflect the current law in your jurisdiction. No information in this post should be construed as legal advice from the individual author or the law firm, nor is it intended to be a substitute for legal counsel on any subject matter. No reader of this post should act or refrain from acting based on any information included in or accessible through this post without seeking the appropriate legal or other professional advice on the particular facts and circumstances at issue from a lawyer licensed in the recipient’s state, country, or other appropriate licensing jurisdiction.
Rivas & Associates
2930 S Yale Ave STE A
Tulsa, OK 74114
(844) 37-RIVAS(844) 37-RIVAS
https://www.rivasassociates.com/
