The ability to travel freely outside of the United States without jeopardizing your green card or status as a lawful permanent resident is an important issue for many immigrants. You may need to visit other countries for extended periods because of work, family, or other personal reasons. A reentry permit is a valuable legal document that protects your lawful status in the United States upon returning to the country. A Newark reentry permit lawyer from the Law Office of Eric M. Mark could support clients in filing for a permit before traveling. A green card attorney could also assist you with related issues when returning to the United States.
A reentry permit establishes your intent to maintain your current immigration status when returning to the United States after certain periods of travel. Reentry permits are valid for two years beginning on the date of issuance. The need for a reentry permit is most beneficial when you are absent from the country for one year or longer or are traveling for less than a year but taking residency in another country. A Newark reentry permit attorney could help you evaluate what travel documents may be necessary before leaving the United States as a permanent lawful resident.
Without a reentry permit, the Department of Homeland Security may consider you to have abandoned your residency status in the United States. As a consequence, you could be required to make an appearance before an immigration judge. Permanent residents who abandon their status may not be able to return to the United States immediately and will need to apply for a returning resident visa.
Both permanent and conditional residents (i.e., a spouse of a permanent resident) can apply for a reentry permit. A reentry permit lawyer in Newark could help you complete the necessary application using Form I-131. This is a broad application form that applies to a variety of travel documents for individuals with different immigration statuses, such as refugees or advance parolees. Some sections of the application only apply to particular immigration statuses. Working with an experienced lawyer from the Law Office of Eric M. Mark could help to limit mistakes when completing the form for reentry permit purposes.
When applying for a reentry permit, you must provide biometrics to USCIS while you are physically present in the United States. Permanent residents should apply well in advance of their anticipated travel to ensure adequate time for the processing of their reentry permit. If you currently have a reentry permit, you may need to submit it alongside your application for a new one, as the USCIS cannot issue multiple valid reentry permits at once.
As a green card holder, extended travel outside the United States requires additional care to protect the validity of your status upon returning to the country. A Newark reentry permit lawyer could help you and your family efficiently apply for the necessary travel documents.
We know the application forms and USCIS process can be complex, so we work hard to identify issues beforehand and provide clients with the support they need to meet their immigration goals. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
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