As a permanent resident of the United States you may travel abroad for periods of less than one year and reenter the U.S. with only a valid, unexpired green card. However, you may need to apply for a Reentry Permit in certain situations. There are some things you should know prior to travel after Reentry Permit application.
Reentry Permit
If you plan to travel for a period of more than one year but less than two years, you must obtain a Reentry Permit. If you’ve filed Form I-131, Application for Travel Document, it’s ideal for you to obtain the travel document before departing the United States. Although you can have the Reentry Permit mailed to a U.S. consulate office or DHS office overseas, this can be counterintuitively slow. Many attorneys recommend having USCIS mail the travel document to another family member in the United States. That trusted family member can forward it to the applicant outside the United States.
RECOMMENDED: Benefits of a Reentry Permit for Permanent Residents
Biometrics Appointment
When you file your Form I-131 to obtain a Reentry Permit, USCIS will notify you when to appear for your biometrics appointment. The biometrics appointment must be conducted in the United States. If you leave the United States before you provide your biometrics, USCIS may deny your application.
Expedited Processing
If you have an extraordinary situation that requires urgent travel, USCIS may grant expedited processing in certain situations.
RECOMMENDED: Expedited Processing of a Travel Document