I-131 - re-entry permit processing time

[Northern Light 0]

Hi,

I have applied for a re-entry permit on 7th Aug. My biometric is done on 20th Aug. Can you share your experience on the I-131 processing time. How long it generally takes for the approval of I-131 application. Before leaving the US, I want to make sure my application is ok and USCIS does not need me here for any interview or anything.

I study in Canada and have to return back for school. I got my GC last year July. So its more than an year I have not moved permanently. But I have visited US 4 times in the last year and my wife lives in US. We also filed joined tax last year. But this time when I was entering by land, the border officer warned me and advised to apply for re-entry permit. I was also told that my GC will be taken away if I enter next time without re-entry permit.

I-131 instruction says, someone can leave US after bio-metric. Is there any chance that I can be called for an interview or something even after bio-metric? The constraint here, once I leave, I can not enter US without the permit.

Please share your experience.

Thanks

[Hypnos 6,579]

You only require a re-entry permit if you are going to be out of the US for between one and two years.

If you are "coming back for visits" then this should reset the clock on your "one year" timer. You may have to prove that you have maintained your US domicile and not abandoned your residence, but having a re-entry permit will neither help nor hinder this.

You have to show that you have maintained your permanent residence in the US and normally green card holders can travel for up to one year without issue, provided you can prove this to CBP. Having a re-entry permit simply allows you up to two years instead of one to show CBP you have maintained your US residence. Other than that it will not help you in any way.

Edited August 22, 2012 by Hypnos