Re-Entry Permits for US Green Card Holders: Maintaining US Permanent Residence Status

By Michael Niren May 8, 2009 1 min. read


Re-Entry Permits for US Green Card Holders

For those that have U.S. Permanent Residency (Green Card Holders) but are planning on leaving the United States for an extended period of time (over a six-month period), one should file for the I-131 Re-Entry permit. Those that have not filed and have been absent from the United States for a long duration, can risk having their Green Cards confiscated, or can be made to “give up” their Green Cards while attempting to re-enter the U.S. as they have “abandoned” their Legal Permanent Resident (LPR) status.

How to apply for a US Re-Entry Permit

In order to apply for the I-131, one has to be physically within the U.S. when applying and should have a valid reason for leaving the U.S. Further, one should continue to maintain strong ties to the U.S. (which can come in a variety of different forms) as even with the I-131, there have been cases that an over-zealous officer has attempted to make the LPR give up their status. Cases such as these can be rectified slightly easier because of the I-131 but unfortunately, there are no guarantees.

If you are a LPR and are planning to leave the United States, it’s best to speak to an immigration attorney to discuss your specific situation. Further, if you are a Permanent Resident that has already left the U.S., and you have not abandoned your status, there are different options that can be explored in your case as well. From what we have seen, a struggling economy, brings about different and varied results from officers and immigration officials in general. Being proactive with any potential Green Card issues that can arise by applying for a US Re-Entry Permit will save you much grief rather than waiting for the unsettling to occur.

 

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Ljiljana Pavkov

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Lisanne Cholette

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BERLITA COLLADO

I am so very thankful to the VISAPACE team for making it all come true and possible from my Open Work Permit to my Permanent Residence, you make it all happen .Thank you very much from the bottom of my heart , Thank you for being part of my achievements. Now I am now a Permanent Residence through the effort, power and knowledge of VISAPLACE LEGAL TEAM.
Sending you my best appreciation and thank you.

Berlie Collado

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Shahrzad Sh

“I truly want to thank Mansi. Her patience and thoughtful advices made a big difference for me. Her recommendations were not only helpful but also gave me clearer insight. Words can’t fully express how grateful I am for her support.”

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kevin geoffrey

Visa place helped me with my daughter’s sponsorship 3 years ago. Last week I contacted them for some clarification on a different matter. It was about an issue which technically was a problem of CIC’s software glitch and had nothing to do with Visa Place.
Yet Reena Sandu was assigned for my case. she helped me with enthusiasm and showed no hesitation despite me being an ex-client from 3 years ago.
I was very happy that even after 3 years of finishing business, Visa Place were respectful of their clients. Special thanks again to Reena for her enthusiasm and support.

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Nessie Leigh Ilarde

Thank you very much for helping me get my new visa! I appreciate Ms. Felicita and her colleagues for guiding us through the process making sure that everything is precise. Highly recommend your firm. Thanks again 🙂

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parker ellis

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