Reentry Permits – Staying Abroad as a Green Card Holder

As a green card holder, the U.S. is supposed to be your main place of residence, regardless of intent. So if you have plans to stay abroad for over one year, you should apply for a reentry permit.

What is a Reentry Permit?

The reentry permit is a travel document that allows you to stay outside the U.S. for up to two years at a time as a lawful permanent resident (LPR) without abandoning said status. Normally, as a LPR, you should not have any international trips that are longer than one year. In some cases, even frequent trips 6 months at a time could jeopardize your status.

So if you know you need to be outside the U.S. for an extended period of time, you should obtain a reentry permit before you leave. In some cases it’s possible to apply and go abroad while your application is pending, but you must be physically present in the U.S. to submit your application and to complete your biometrics appointment.

The reentry permit protects your LPR status while you are abroad and you won’t be questioned about your lengthy trip. However, it does not protect the residence requirements for naturalization purposes. So keep this in mind if naturalization is in your plan.

How Do I Apply for a Reentry Permit?

You must file Form I-131 with USCIS. This form is used for various travel documents so ensure you complete it correctly for just the reentry permit.

As of February 2025, the filing fee for the reentry permit is $630. You must submit a check for this specific amount or Form G-1450 with your signed and completed Form I-131.

Form I-131 and a list of basic documents to submit with your application can be found on the USCIS website here: https://www.uscis.gov/i-131.

Conclusion

As always, we advise you consult with an immigration attorney before making travel plans, to ensure you make the most of your time and money. Planning to stay abroad for years may have serious consequences on your permanent resident status, which you worked so hard to obtain!