Lawful Permanent Residents

Lawful Permanent Residents Abroad Wishing To Extend Their Stay

A permanent resident alien who intends to remain abroad for more than a year should, at least 30 days prior to the proposed date of departure, apply while in the United States to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for a Reentry Permit. The permit is valid for two years and may not be extended. If such a permit is obtained the alien may use this card to reenter the United States within the period of validity. Every alien applying for readmission must prove to immigration authorities that he or she is eligible in all respects for admission. Such permission may be obtained only before the resident's departure from the United States. The U.S. Embassy in Tirana has no authority or jurisdiction to grant an extension of this permit.

If, however, you will remain outside the United States for more than a year and have not applied for a reentry permit with USCIS before your travel abroad, you may lose your status.  Therefore, please reconsider traveling to the United States and apply for Reentry Permit with DHS before your one year is over.

For more information on Returning Residents you may wish to visit the Department of State website at: http://travel.state.gov/visa/immigrants/info/info_1333.html.

 

 

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Page last updated on: 4/27/2009, at: 16:35