I-131 Reentry Permit Complete Guide for Green Card Holders

Planning to travel outside the United States for 6 months or longer? An I-131 reentry permit protects your ability to return without jeopardizing your green card. This travel document allows lawful permanent residents to stay abroad for up to 2 years while demonstrating intent to maintain permanent residence. Without it, trips longer than 1 year may result in airline boarding denials, CBP scrutiny, or assumptions of green card abandonment.

Quick Answer: An I-131 reentry permit is a travel document that allows green card holders to stay outside the U.S. for up to 2 years without being considered to have abandoned their status. You must apply while physically present in the U.S., attend a biometrics appointment (also in the U.S.), and wait several months to over a year for approval. The permit costs $630 and is valid for 2 years (or 1 year if you’ve been outside the U.S. for more than 4 of the last 5 years). Important: I-131 protects re-entry rights, NOT continuous residence for citizenship—trips over 6 months may still affect your naturalization timeline. Check current processing times and track your trips to plan accordingly.

For a comprehensive overview of how reentry permits fit into the broader context of green card travel rules, continuous residence requirements, and citizenship planning, see our complete guide to green card travel, continuous residence, and physical presence.

What Is an I-131 Reentry Permit?

An I-131 reentry permit is a travel document issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) that allows lawful permanent residents (LPRs) and conditional permanent residents to travel outside the United States for up to 2 years without being considered to have abandoned their green card status.

Key points:

• Legal basis: 8 CFR § 223.2(a)-(d) (application requirements), 8 CFR § 223.3(a), (c) (validity periods)
• Form used: Form I-131, Application for Travel Document
• Validity period: 2 years from date of issuance (1 year if you’ve been outside the U.S. more than 4 of the last 5 years)
• Purpose: Protects re-entry rights, NOT continuous residence for citizenship

Note for Conditional Green Card Holders: If you hold a 2-year conditional green card (CR-1 or IR-1 based on marriage or investment), you can apply for a reentry permit just like permanent green card holders. However, your reentry permit won’t extend beyond your green card’s expiration date, and extended travel can interfere with your Form I-751 filing deadline and interview requirements. Learn more about travel considerations for conditional green card holders and how to plan around your removal of conditions timeline.

What an I-131 reentry permit does: ✅ Allows you to stay abroad for up to 2 years without green card abandonment assumptions ✅ Shows CBP officers you intended to maintain permanent residence ✅ Eliminates airline boarding issues for extended absences ✅ Reduces re-entry scrutiny at U.S. ports of entry ✅ Can be used for multiple trips during its validity period

What an I-131 reentry permit does NOT do: ❌ Does NOT protect continuous residence for naturalization purposes ❌ Does NOT count days abroad toward physical presence for citizenship ❌ Does NOT exempt you from the 6-month rule for breaking continuous residence ❌ Does NOT guarantee re-entry (CBP still has discretion to inspect and question) ❌ Does NOT extend beyond 2 years (cannot be renewed while abroad)

If you need to preserve continuous residence during qualifying employment abroad, you must separately apply for Form N-470. Important: N-470 protects your citizenship timeline but does NOT protect your green card re-entry rights—you still need I-131 for that. Many green card holders who work abroad apply for both I-131 and N-470 before leaving to protect both their green card status (I-131) and their path to citizenship (N-470).

Who Should Apply for an I-131 Reentry Permit?

Highly Recommended For:

Anyone planning trips lasting 1 to 2 years Required to avoid green card abandonment assumptions. Without I-131, CBP may determine you abandoned your status. Learn more about what triggers green card abandonment.

Anyone planning trips lasting 6 to 12 months Strongly recommended even though not legally required. I-131 reduces scrutiny at re-entry and demonstrates clear intent to maintain permanent residence.

Frequent travelers making multiple 5 to 6 month trips If you travel internationally several times per year for extended periods (e.g., caring for family abroad, seasonal work), an I-131 provides peace of mind and smoother re-entry.

Green card holders with elderly or ill family abroad If you anticipate needing to provide extended care (8 to 18 months), apply for I-131 before leaving to avoid emergency situations where you can’t return in time.

Business owners or employees with international assignments If your work requires 6+ month stays abroad (construction projects, consulting engagements, overseas offices), I-131 protects your status while you work.

When You Don’t Need I-131:

Trips under 6 months Green card holders can generally travel for up to 6 months without a reentry permit. However, frequent 5 to 6 month trips back-to-back may trigger scrutiny.

Trips under 1 year with strong U.S. ties Some green card holders travel for 7 to 11 months without I-131 and successfully re-enter by showing strong ties (U.S. employment, property, family, tax filings). However, this carries risk.

If you’re already abroad more than 1 year without I-131 You cannot apply for I-131 from abroad. Instead, you must apply for an SB-1 returning resident visa at a U.S. consulate to preserve your green card status.

How to Apply for an I-131 Reentry Permit: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Determine Timing

File at least 60 to 90 days before your planned departure.

We recommend filing 60–90 days before departure based on current processing times (which typically take over a year). You can leave the U.S. after your biometrics appointment. Check current processing times at the USCIS Processing Times tool.

Critical deadlines:

• File Form I-131: While physically present in the United States
• Attend biometrics: USCIS typically schedules within approximately 120 days of filing (must be completed in U.S.)
• After biometrics: You may leave the U.S. immediately

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

Before you begin your application, collect these documents:

Required for all applicants:

• ✅ Copy of both sides of your green card (Permanent Resident Card)
• ✅ Copy of your passport (identification page with photo)
• ✅ Filing fee payment ($630 total as of April 2024)

Note: Passport-style photos are NOT required for reentry permits (you’ll check Box 1.a on Form I-131). Photos are captured during your biometrics appointment at the Application Support Center. Photos are only required if you’re applying for advance parole (Box 1.c) or a refugee travel document (Box 1.b) using the same form.

Additional documents if applicable:

• ✅ Copy of previous reentry permits (if you’ve had one before)
• ✅ Explanation letter if applying for 1-year permit (when you’ve been outside U.S. 4+ of last 5 years)
• ✅ Evidence of reason for travel (optional but helpful: employment letter, family medical records, etc.)

Step 3: Complete Form I-131

Download the most current version of Form I-131 from the USCIS website.

Key sections to complete carefully:

Part 1: Type of Application Check Box 1.a – “I am a permanent resident or conditional permanent resident of the United States, and I am applying for a Reentry Permit.”

Part 2: Information About You Enter your legal name, A-Number (Alien Registration Number from your green card), date of birth, country of birth, and current mailing address.

Important: Each family member (spouse, children) who needs a reentry permit must file their own separate Form I-131 application with their own filing fee. You cannot include family members on your application.

Part 3: Processing Information

• Intended Date of Departure: Enter your estimated travel date
• Expected Length of Trip: Enter duration (e.g., “18 months”)
• Are you and/or your spouse or parent presently employed by the U.S. Government: Answer Yes/No
• Have you ever before been issued a reentry permit: Answer Yes/No (if yes, provide details)

Part 4: Information About Your Proposed Travel

• Purpose of trip: Write a brief explanation (e.g., “Family care in home country,” “International work assignment,” “Extended medical treatment abroad”)
• Countries you intend to visit: List all countries you may travel to
• Document delivery: Choose where you want the permit delivered:
  • Option A: Mail to U.S. address (must have someone who can forward it abroad)
  • Option B: Mail to U.S. consulate/embassy abroad for pickup (specify which consulate)

Part 5: Biometric Services Appointment Leave blank. USCIS will notify you of your appointment date, time, and location after you file.

Step 4: Pay the Filing Fee

Total cost: $630 (includes application fee + biometrics fee, combined as of April 1, 2024)

Always verify the current fee amount on the USCIS fee schedule page before submitting your application, as fees may change.

Payment methods accepted (as of October 28, 2025):

• ✅ Form G-1450: Credit card, debit card, or prepaid card payment
• ✅ Form G-1650: ACH transfer from U.S. bank account

Payment methods NO LONGER accepted:

• ❌ Personal check
• ❌ Business check
• ❌ Money order
• ❌ Bank draft
• ❌ Cashier’s check

Download Form G-1450 or Form G-1650, complete it with your payment information, and include it with your I-131 application. USCIS will process the payment electronically.

For current fees, always verify on the USCIS fee schedule page.

Step 5: Submit Your Application

Important: I-131 reentry permits CANNOT be filed online. You must mail your application. USCIS allows online filing for some I-131 uses (such as certain advance parole applications), but not for reentry permits.

Mailing address depends on your location:

• Check the USCIS I-131 filing addresses page for the current mailing address based on where you live
• Addresses change periodically, so always verify on USCIS.gov before mailing
• Use a trackable delivery method (USPS Certified Mail, UPS, FedEx)

Your package should include:

1. Completed Form I-131 (signed and dated)
2. Filing fee payment form (G-1450 or G-1650)
3. Copy of green card (both sides)
4. Copy of passport identification page
5. Any additional supporting documents

Note: Do NOT include passport photos. Photos are captured during your biometrics appointment, not submitted with your application.

Step 6: Receive Receipt Notice (Form I-797C)

Timeline: 2 to 4 weeks after mailing

USCIS will mail you Form I-797C, Notice of Action, confirming they received your application. This notice includes:

• Your receipt number (starts with IOE, WAC, LIN, SRC, or EAC)
• Receipt date
• Notice date
• Case type

Save this receipt notice. You’ll need the receipt number to check your case status online at USCIS Case Status or by calling the USCIS Contact Center.

Step 7: Attend Biometrics Appointment

Timeline: Typically 4 to 6 weeks after receipt notice (but may vary based on workload)

USCIS will mail you a biometrics appointment notice (Form I-797C, Notice of Action) with:

• Date and time of your appointment
• Address of the Application Support Center (ASC)
• What to bring

What happens at the biometrics appointment:

• Arrive 15 minutes early
• Bring your appointment notice, green card, and a government-issued photo ID
• USCIS staff will take your fingerprints, photo, and signature
• The appointment typically takes 15 to 30 minutes

Can you reschedule? Yes, but USCIS operational practice typically requires completion within approximately 120 days of filing. To reschedule:

• Use your USCIS online account (at least 12 hours before appointment)
• Call USCIS Contact Center at 800-375-5283 (if less than 12 hours or you missed it)

Consequences of missing your appointment: If you miss biometrics without rescheduling, USCIS may consider your application abandoned and deny it.

Can you leave the U.S. after biometrics? Yes. You are not required to be in the U.S. when USCIS approves your application or when the permit is issued. However, make sure you’ve specified where you want the document delivered (U.S. address or consulate abroad).

Step 8: Wait for Approval and Document Issuance

Timeline: Several months to over a year after biometrics (varies by service center and workload)

USCIS will process your application. You can track status online using your receipt number at USCIS Case Status. Check current processing times at the USCIS Processing Times tool.

Possible case statuses:

• Case Was Received: Initial status after filing
• Fingerprint Fee Was Received: After biometrics appointment
• Case Was Approved: Your reentry permit has been approved
• Document Was Mailed: USCIS has sent your permit to the address you specified

Step 9: Receive Your Reentry Permit

Delivery options you selected in Part 4:

Option A: Mailed to U.S. address USCIS will mail the permit to the U.S. address you provided. A family member or trusted person can receive it and forward it to you abroad (via DHL, FedEx, UPS international).

Option B: Pickup at U.S. consulate abroad USCIS will mail the permit to the consulate you specified. The consulate will notify you when it’s ready for pickup. Bring your green card and passport to collect it. Check the specific consulate’s website for pickup procedures (requirements vary by location).

What your reentry permit looks like:

• Small booklet (similar to a passport)
• Contains your photo, name, date of birth, A-Number
• States validity period (2 years or 1 year)
• Includes your fingerprint

Check the permit immediately:

• Verify all information is correct (name spelling, date of birth, A-Number)
• Note the expiration date
• If there are errors, contact USCIS immediately

Processing Times and Delays

Current Processing Times

IMPORTANT: Processing times change frequently and vary significantly by USCIS service center. Always check the official USCIS Processing Times tool for current estimates specific to your service center.

General timeline pattern (typical but may vary):

• Receipt notice: 2 to 4 weeks after mailing application
• Biometrics appointment notice: 4 to 6 weeks after receipt notice
• Biometrics appointment: About 2 weeks after notice
• Approval and issuance: Several months to over a year after biometrics (varies significantly)

To check your service center’s current processing time:

1. Visit https://egov.uscis.gov/processing-times/
2. Select “Form I-131”
3. Select “Reentry Permit” (NOT Advance Parole or Refugee Travel Document)
4. Select your service center
5. View current estimates (updated monthly)

Why Processing Takes So Long

USCIS processing times for reentry permits have increased significantly since 2020 due to:

• COVID-19 pandemic backlog
• Staffing shortages at Application Support Centers
• Increased application volume
• Security background checks (FBI, DOS)

Can You Expedite I-131 Processing?

No premium processing is available for Form I-131. Unlike some other forms (e.g., I-129 for H-1B visas), reentry permits do not have an expedited processing option.

Expedite requests are rarely granted. USCIS may consider expediting in extraordinary circumstances:

• Severe financial loss to company or individual
• Emergency situation (death, serious illness)
• Humanitarian reasons
• USCIS error

To request expedite, call the USCIS Contact Center at 800-375-5283 and explain your situation. Approval is discretionary and uncommon.

What Delays Your Application

Common reasons I-131 applications are delayed:

• ❌ Incomplete application (missing signatures, sections not filled out)
• ❌ Missing supporting documents (green card copy, photos)
• ❌ Incorrect or missing fee payment
• ❌ Biometrics appointment not completed within 120 days
• ❌ Address changes not updated with USCIS (notices sent to old address)
• ❌ Security clearance delays (background check flagged for additional review)

How to avoid delays: ✅ Double-check every section of Form I-131 before mailing ✅ Include all required documents in your initial packet ✅ Use correct fee payment method (G-1450 or G-1650, NOT check) ✅ Attend biometrics appointment on time ✅ Update your address with USCIS immediately if you move ✅ Respond promptly to any Request for Evidence (RFE) if USCIS sends one

Using Your Reentry Permit

Validity Period

Standard validity: 2 years from date of issuance

Your reentry permit is valid for 2 years starting from the issue date printed on the document. You can travel multiple times during this 2-year period.

Exception: 1-year validity

If you have been outside the United States for more than 4 of the last 5 years since becoming a lawful permanent resident, USCIS will generally limit your permit to 1 year. This applies even if you had a previous reentry permit during those absences.

Exception to the 1-year limit: You may still receive a 2-year permit even if you’ve been abroad 4+ of the last 5 years if you fall into one of these categories (8 CFR § 223.2(c)(2)):

• U.S. government employees (including military personnel) stationed abroad in official capacity
• Employees of public international organizations of which the U.S. is a member
• Professional athletes who regularly compete in the U.S. and internationally

These exceptions recognize that certain absences are in the national interest or for official duties. If you believe you qualify, include a detailed explanation and supporting documentation with your I-131 application.

Multiple Trips

You can use your I-131 reentry permit for multiple trips during its validity period. Each time you re-enter the United States:

• Present your reentry permit to the CBP officer
• Also present your green card
• Answer questions about your trip and ties to the U.S.

Important: Even with a reentry permit, each trip counts toward your continuous residence and physical presence requirements for citizenship. Track every trip carefully if you plan to apply for naturalization.

Re-Entering the United States

What to present at the port of entry:

• ✅ Valid reentry permit (within 2-year validity)
• ✅ Green card (Permanent Resident Card)
• ✅ Passport from your country of citizenship

What CBP may ask you:

• Why were you outside the U.S.?
• Where do you live when you’re in the U.S.?
• Do you have family, property, or employment in the U.S.?
• Did you file U.S. tax returns while abroad?
• When do you plan to return to the U.S. permanently?

Answer honestly and provide evidence of U.S. ties:

• U.S. address (lease, mortgage, utility bills)
• U.S. employment (offer letter, recent pay stubs)
• U.S. tax returns filed for years abroad
• Family in the U.S. (spouse, children, parents)

If Your Reentry Permit Expires While You’re Abroad

If your 2-year reentry permit expires while you’re still outside the United States, you have three options:

Option 1: Return before expiration The safest option. Make sure you re-enter the U.S. before the permit expires.

Option 2: Apply for SB-1 Returning Resident Visa If your permit expires and you’ve been abroad more than 1 year total, you must apply for an SB-1 visa at a U.S. consulate. SB-1 applications have a high denial rate and require proof of circumstances beyond your control.

Option 3: Return to U.S. and risk secondary inspection If your permit expires but you’ve been abroad less than 1 year total (even with an expired permit), you can try to re-enter with just your green card. CBP may allow entry but will question you extensively. Risk of being found to have abandoned status increases significantly.

Renewing Your Reentry Permit

You cannot renew an I-131 reentry permit while abroad. If you need to stay outside the U.S. beyond your permit’s 2-year validity, you must:

1. Return to the United States
2. Apply for a new I-131 reentry permit (file while physically present in U.S.)
3. Attend a new biometrics appointment in the U.S.
4. Wait for the new permit to be approved (14 to 17 months)

Can you apply for a second reentry permit while the first is still valid? Yes. If your current permit expires in 6 months and you want continuous coverage, you can file a new I-131 before the first expires. However, the new permit’s validity will start from its issue date, not when the old one expires.

What an I-131 Reentry Permit Does NOT Protect

Many green card holders mistakenly believe an I-131 reentry permit fully protects their path to citizenship. This is false. Here’s what I-131 does NOT do:

Does NOT Protect Continuous Residence for Citizenship

The 6-month rule still applies: Trips longer than 6 months create a rebuttable presumption that you broke continuous residence, even with an I-131. You can overcome this presumption with evidence of strong U.S. ties, but USCIS may challenge it during your naturalization interview.

The 1-year rule still applies: Trips longer than 1 year automatically break continuous residence, even with an I-131. After a 1-year+ trip, you have two recovery timeline options: (1) Minimum: 4 years and 1 day from your return date—you CAN apply for citizenship, but you’ll face a rebuttable presumption that you broke continuous residence (which you must overcome with evidence of U.S. ties), or (2) Recommended: 4 years and 6 months from your return date—waiting the extra 5 months allows you to avoid the presumption entirely.

If you want to preserve continuous residence during employment abroad, you must separately apply for Form N-470 (which protects citizenship timeline but NOT green card re-entry rights). Learn more about the 4-year-1-day recovery rule and how breaking continuous residence works.

Does NOT Count Days Abroad Toward Physical Presence

Even with a reentry permit, every day you spend outside the United States does NOT count toward the physical presence requirement for naturalization:

• 5-year path: 913 days (2.5 years) of physical presence required
• 3-year path (married to U.S. citizen): 548 days (1.5 years) of physical presence required

Time abroad reduces your total physical presence, regardless of having I-131.

Does NOT Guarantee Re-Entry

A reentry permit is not a guarantee that CBP will admit you. CBP officers have discretion to inspect any person seeking entry and can:

• Deny entry if they determine you abandoned your green card status
• Refer you to secondary inspection for additional questioning
• Request additional evidence of your intent to maintain permanent residence

However, having a reentry permit significantly reduces the likelihood of these issues.

Does NOT Protect Against Deportability Grounds

If you become deportable while abroad (e.g., commit a crime, violate immigration laws), a reentry permit will not protect you from removal proceedings upon return.

Does NOT Extend Your Green Card Expiration Date

Your Permanent Resident Card (green card) has a 10-year expiration date. A reentry permit does not extend this date. If your green card expires while you’re abroad, you should renew it before traveling to avoid complications with airlines and re-entry.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake #1: Filing Too Close to Departure Date

The problem: Current processing times are 14 to 17 months. Many applicants file 30 to 60 days before departure and don’t receive approval until they’ve been abroad over a year without the permit.

Why it matters: You can leave after biometrics, but you won’t have the physical permit for months. If you’re abroad more than 1 year before the permit is issued, you may face re-entry issues.

How to avoid: File at least 90 days before your planned departure. If your trip is urgent, consider postponing departure until after biometrics or filing earlier.

Mistake #2: Leaving the U.S. Before Biometrics Appointment

The problem: You must complete biometrics within 120 days of filing. If you leave before biometrics and can’t return in time, USCIS will consider your application abandoned.

Why it matters: Your application will be denied, you’ll lose the $630 filing fee, and you may have issues re-entering if you’re abroad longer than expected.

How to avoid: Wait until you receive your biometrics notice and attend the appointment before leaving the U.S. You can leave immediately after biometrics.

Mistake #3: Not Specifying Document Delivery Clearly

The problem: Part 4 of Form I-131 asks where you want the permit delivered (U.S. address or consulate abroad). Some applicants leave this blank or provide unclear information.

Why it matters: USCIS may mail your permit to the wrong location, delay issuance, or request clarification (further delaying your application).

How to avoid: Clearly specify:

• If U.S. address: Provide a reliable address where someone can receive and forward the permit to you
• If consulate abroad: Write the full name and address of the specific U.S. consulate or embassy

Mistake #4: Using the Wrong Payment Method

The problem: As of October 28, 2025, USCIS no longer accepts checks, money orders, or cashier’s checks. Applicants who mail these payments will have their applications rejected and returned.

Why it matters: Your application won’t be processed, delaying your case by weeks or months.

How to avoid: Use only Form G-1450 (credit/debit card) or Form G-1650 (ACH bank transfer). Always verify current payment methods on USCIS.gov before mailing.

Mistake #5: Confusing I-131 Reentry Permit with Advance Parole

The problem: Form I-131 is used for multiple types of travel documents. Reentry permits are for green card holders; advance parole is for adjustment of status applicants. Applicants sometimes check the wrong box in Part 1.

Why it matters: Checking the wrong box will result in denial or delay. The two documents serve completely different purposes and have different eligibility requirements.

How to avoid: In Part 1, check Box 1.a – “I am a permanent resident or conditional permanent resident of the United States, and I am applying for a Reentry Permit.” Do NOT check Box 1.c (advance parole) if you already have a green card.

Mistake #6: Assuming I-131 Protects Citizenship Timeline

The problem: Many green card holders believe that having an I-131 means their trips won’t affect their naturalization eligibility. This is false.

Why it matters: Trips over 6 months (rebuttable presumption) or over 1 year (automatic break) still affect continuous residence for citizenship, even with I-131. Applicants may unknowingly delay their path to citizenship by years.

How to avoid: Understand the difference between continuous residence and physical presence. If you’re working abroad in qualifying employment and want to preserve continuous residence, apply for Form N-470 in addition to I-131. Remember: I-131 protects green card re-entry, N-470 protects citizenship timeline—you need both for complete protection.

Mistake #7: Not Tracking All Trips Carefully

The problem: Even with a reentry permit, you must track every single trip outside the U.S. to calculate continuous residence and physical presence for citizenship.

Why it matters: When you apply for naturalization, USCIS requires you to list every trip (dates, destinations, durations) for the last 5 years (or 3 years if married to a U.S. citizen). Missing or incorrect trip records can delay or deny your N-400 application.

How to avoid: Track all your trips with Green Card Trips, and the app will automatically calculate your citizenship eligibility. Every entry and exit matters for your citizenship timeline.

To understand how all these reentry permit requirements fit together with travel time limits, continuous residence, and citizenship planning, review our complete green card travel guide.

Understanding Travel Limits:

• How Long Can You Travel Outside the U.S. with a Green Card? – Learn the 6-month and 1-year rules
• Continuous Residence vs. Physical Presence: What’s the Difference? – Understand the two requirements for citizenship

Protecting Your Status:

• I-131, SB-1, and N-470: Which Green Card Travel Document Do You Need? – Compare all three document options
• Breaking Continuous Residence Without Losing Your Green Card – Learn the 4-year-1-day recovery rule

Planning for Citizenship:

• When Can You Apply for U.S. Citizenship? – Calculate your N-400 eligibility timeline

Track All Your Trips: Use Green Card Trips to track every trip, and the app will automatically calculate your physical presence and know exactly when you can apply for citizenship.

Need help tracking your trips and citizenship timeline? Download Green Card Trips to automatically calculate your physical presence, continuous residence, and know when you need a reentry permit.