Maintaining a physical presence in the United States is an important requirement of your status as a lawful permanent resident and green card holder. Your status is also essential for future plans to seek naturalization and become a U.S. citizen. Immigrants who leave the U.S. should consider their need for a reentry permit to protect their green card status when returning.
Our founding attorney, Shoba Jaglal, is an experienced Palm Bay reentry permit lawyer committed to helping you navigate your application process and protect your status as a lawful permanent resident while traveling to and from another country. Schedule a consultation with Jag Law, PLLC today for assistance with a reentry permit or another aspect of your immigration. Our seasoned green card attorneys are ready to help you.
A reentry permit is a formal document from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security issued under 8 U.S. Code § 1203 to lawful permanent residents or conditional permanent residents who wish to leave and return to the country. It enables you to seek re-admission into the U.S. without needing a returning resident visa from a U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate. As our lawyers can further detail during an initial consultation, the main benefit of obtaining a reentry permit before leaving Palm Bay is that it can protect your lawful permanent resident status when traveling to another country. The U.S. Customs and Immigration Office (USCIS) cannot deem an otherwise admissible reentry permit holder as having abandoned their green card status based solely on the duration of their absence from the U.S. under 8 C.F.R. § 233.3(d)(1).
You should consider applying for a reentry permit long before you plan to leave the country. The USCIS recommends applying at least 60 days before your intended travel. The benefit of a reentry permit becomes increasingly important when you plan to travel for an unknown or extended period of time. The frequency of your travel in and out of the U.S. could also establish a need for a reentry permit. In any case, travel plans can be unpredictable, which is why consultation with a lawyer can be helpful before leaving the country as a green card holder.
A Palm Bay immigration lawyer can help you apply for a reentry permit by completing Form I-131. In addition to correctly filling out the application form, there are other strict requirements a lawful permanent resident must meet to receive a reentry permit. For example, the following conditions must be met along with your application:
Reentry permits are generally valid for two years. However, the USCIS may issue a permit for only one year if you have been outside the U.S. for more than four of the five years since you became a lawful permanent resident. Some exceptions may apply to this rule that an experienced reentry permit lawyer can help you navigate.
You worked hard to obtain your green card. Do not let your extended travels outside the U.S. unintentionally jeopardize your status as a lawful permanent resident. Jag Law, PLLC is here to help you apply for a reentry permit and address other related issues in your immigration status. Contact our office today to speak with an experienced Palm Bay reentry permit lawyer.
