Beeptweet

You have given me a new topic for PHD. I am grateful to you guys.

Happy to pay what ever is the market cost. It`s point less debate. Just wanted to have some recommendation so that I directly to a good doctor.

Good point. Appreciate your input. Do you happen to have any recommendations for a professional I could schedule a session with? I reached out to one firm, but their quote was USD 350 for a 30-minute consultation, so I thought I’d pause and seek a few recommendations first

I completely agree with your perspective and it truly reflects what I feel as well. Honestly, I believe it is better to first become a citizen and focus on building stability here in Australia. In the end there will always be an option to step back if needed. I can take extended leave later and complete the re entry permit process properly. Making an early decision is a great approach but I admit it is equally difficult for me too. l be l should give myself some time to have more thought on this.

Thanks for sharing this thought. It has been really helpful. I will make sure to have the reentry permit in hand rather than just traveling in and out without proper documentation.

To be transparent, I have not fully made up my mind yet. I genuinely respect your experience and the risks you have highlighted. Your insights are highly valuable and thought provoking. However, my initial question was mainly about understanding the standard processing timeframe for a reentry permit. The discussion naturally expanded into the advantages, disadvantages, and potential consequences of the decision. To be honest, I do not feel entirely settled in life right now to categorically decline this opportunity. Once I achieve greater stability and perhaps citizenship in another country, I might then inform the authorities that our circumstances have changed and we no longer intend to immigrate. I believe we would not be the only ones taking such a path. At this stage, my situation in Australia remains fluid. I am on a visa, the job market is uncertain, and the future is unpredictable. Given that I have the financial capacity to travel, pay the reentry fees, and stay comfortably with relatives, I see no reason to make an irreversible decision yet. I am not rushing to declare a definite no to immigration or an immediate yes to relocating to the United States tomorrow.

I completely understand your perspective and genuinely relate to what you’ve expressed, as I’m experiencing the same emotions myself. My family resides in the USA, and I also wish to visit them. Since I already hold this visa, I’m considering using it as an opportunity to spend some quality time with my family, explore a few places in the USA, and then return to Australia to continue my life here. You’re absolutely right about the challenges involved in becoming an LPR, but at the same time, letting this visa simply expire on my passport feels equally difficult for me. At this stage, my tentative plan is to travel in December 2025 for around 15 days to visit my family. My spouse and child will stay for approximately two months to complete their re-entry permit formalities. If they manage to complete their biometrics within that period, they will return to Australia with me. After about six months, once I have received my Green Card and SSN, I intend to revisit the USA to apply for a re-entry permit to buy some additional time. To be transparent, I hold a passport from a developing country and have not yet acquired Australian citizenship. Until I become an Australian citizen, I cannot afford to disregard this immigrant visa. For now, I consider it a strategic backup plan while I continue to build my life and eligibility here in Australia.

THanks for your reply. Appreciate that. Would go in Dec 2025 for 2 weeks during my break activate that visa and will try for a reentry in June 2026. That is the only viable option I can see at the moment.

Very well said. I have never been to the U.S. before, although I have some very close relatives living there. Our family moved from a third-world country to both the U.S. and Australia, so there is not much left to compare between the two in terms of lifestyle or opportunity. Whenever I talk to my relatives in the U.S., they are often surprised and curious about how I obtained an EB2 visa while living on the other side of the world. They honestly have little idea about how life in Australia compares to life in the U.S.

Yes its 6 months validity and if I do not travel to USA with in 6 months do I need file a new petition from scratch or after 3 years I just need to pay the fees of NVC and appear for the Interview again?

Considering long-term goals at my age, near 40, I do not think missing the opportunity to keep the case at NVC would be something I would deeply regret in the future. Of course, things change over time. Option 1: Could you please clarify what would happen if I simply do not travel to the U.S. and keep the visa stamped on my passport for about three years? Option 2: Alternatively, what if I visit the U.S. during my 2025 Christmas break to make the initial entry, and then return again during the next Christmas break 2026? I understand these options may sound high-risk, and perhaps even unconventional, but I believe evaluating all possibilities is the only way to make an informed decision. What is your recommendation above all?

I am well above 25 now, approaching 40, and my focus has shifted toward planning a peaceful and stable retirement. I envision a simple lifestyle, perhaps spending my time growing vegetables in my backyard and enjoying a slower pace of life.

I can see that you have a background quite similar to mine, and in fact, you are even more accomplished under the EB1 category. I am currently working in my field in Australia, but the financial figures you mentioned sound significantly higher. Even when converted to Australian dollars, we generally pay around 100 to 200 AUD for tax filing, which is claimable every year, and insurance typically ranges between 200 to 400 AUD per month. I believe that in emergencies, it is important to review your insurance policy carefully. However, here in Australia it is usually manageable even without private insurance, regardless of whether you hold a high-paying position or not. Considering long-term goals at my age, near 40, I do not think keeping the case at NVC would be something I would deeply regret in the future. Of course, things change over time. Option 1: Could you please clarify what would happen if I simply do not travel to the U.S. and keep the visa stamped on my passport for about three years? Option 2: Alternatively, what if I visit the U.S. during my 2025 Christmas break to make the initial entry, and then return again during the next Christmas break 2026? I understand these options may sound high-risk, and perhaps even unconventional, but I believe evaluating all possibilities is the only way to make an informed decision

I truly appreciate this community. Everyone here is incredibly knowledgeable and offers valuable insights. I have decided to change my plan and not rush to file the re-entry permit immediately. I may travel first to complete my initial entry, spend some relaxing time with my family there, and take the opportunity to discuss, compare, and reflect. I will likely return to this post later to share my experience and learn from you all. I plan to lodge the re-entry permit around mid-2026.

Thinking twice, holding the visa at the NVC stage, or moving out immediately are all options that have already passed. I have done my best to hold this process for a year at the embassy. Now it is time to plan and accept the situation as it is, even if it means handing over the green card. I am here simply to understand if there are any viable options to navigate this situation or if letting go of the visa is the only choice. I do not believe I have any additional budget. I would appreciate it if you could explain the OP’s age criteria, mandatory registration requirements, and any other relevant details. This information would be very helpful. I also assume the healthcare system and insurance are mandatory there as well.

I appreciate your response and the time you took to reply. Yes, I completely understand your point. What I initially thought I could achieve in the U.S., I am now able to accomplish elsewhere, and I am currently in the process of completing my citizenship here. At this stage, I would prefer to have the flexibility of being away from the U.S. for around three years. Life is unpredictable and you never know what may come next, but I do not want to let this visa go to waste. My goal is to secure a re-entry permit for at least two years, giving me time to reassess and make an informed decision. I plan to travel during the winter Christmas break to complete my first entry. Then, around June 2026, I will apply for the re-entry permit to keep my options open.

Very thorught ful words @appleblossom. Yes I have already done it once and not sure how much courage I have to left my current progression for USA. I completely agree with what you said. Its my un spoken words. So nice of you. Thank you.

Thanks alot the quote from the instructions is: "The alien must be physically present in the United States when they file the Reentry Permit application and complete the biometric services requirement. After filing the application for a Reentry Permit, USCIS will inform the alien in writing when to go to their local Application Support Center (ASC) for their biometric services appointment. (See Item 9. Biometrics Services Requirement in the Required Evidence section of these Instructions." I am now planning to just have a first entry and after 06 moth go again and apply for the re-entry. In my christman break I will just executing my first entry.

If we require biometrics, the alien must appear for any required biometric services appointment BEFORE they leave the United States I am struggling to find this statement on the form.

@appleblossom @OldUser I am grateful for your valuable insights. I am now out of my bubble, realizing that succeeding with a re-entry permit is not as simple as a drive-through pickup. I completely agree with you.

Thank you for your comment. It is true that the process is not very fast, transparent, or straightforward. I already understand that. At this stage, the only option I have is to either let go of the idea of the U.S. or make the most of the 21 days I have. I can see your point that it may feel like a losing game, but I still want to give it a try.

The United States was not the only country I applied to. It was also not the only country that offered me residency. While I fully respect U.S. immigration regulations, compliance must align with one’s broader life and career commitments. At this stage, my professional trajectory is already progressing in another country, and I cannot simply walk away overnight. I have existing obligations that I am currently fulfilling. Transitioning across continents requires time, planning, and the closure of ongoing responsibilities before starting a new chapter in a different part of the world.

@appleblossom Thanks for your response. The reason behind my current plan is that I am already an LPR in another country, and things are progressing well there in terms of both my studies and career. I don’t want to disrupt that momentum or jeopardize the foundation I’m building professionally and academically. My spouse, on the other hand, can stay in the U.S. for about 3–4 months at her sister’s place to manage a few key tasks — specifically, to collect both her SSN and Green Card, as well as mine. Once she receives her SSN, she’ll file for her re-entry permit, complete the biometrics process, and then return with both our physical SSN and Green Card documents. As for me, I only have a 21-day window to complete my first entry. My plan during that short stay is to accomplish as much as possible: Apply for the re-entry permit immediately after arrival. Open a U.S. bank account. Obtain a driver’s licence. Secure the re-entry permit receipt before returning. I understand that biometrics appointments are typically scheduled within a few weeks, but I’ve also read that certain applicants are exempted if their fingerprints are already on record. My justification for the re-entry permit is aligned with my ongoing educational commitments abroad. I just want to ensure that this approach is compliant and that I’m not inadvertently putting my LPR status at risk.

@appleblossom @OldUser I sincerely appreciate your time and the detailed responses provided. Your insights have been extremely valuable in helping me assess the situation comprehensively. After careful consideration, I believe the most prudent course of action at this stage is not to apply for the re-entry permit immediately. Before initiating that process, I intend to first complete the following foundational steps: Obtain my Social Security Number (SSN). Receive my physical Green Card. Open a U.S. bank account. Secure a U.S. driver’s licence. Return to my current country of residence. After approximately one year, travel back to the United States. Subsequently, apply for the re-entry permit. At this point, the NVC process has been finalized, and the visa is already in hand. However, I am currently navigating multiple transitions in my professional and personal life and do not feel prepared to make such significant changes immediately. While I fully recognize that many individuals wait years to reach this milestone, my decision is rooted in timing and readiness rather than lack of appreciation. I simply wish to pause, consolidate my current commitments, and proceed when circumstances are more aligned.

I am not in hurry for the decision. I just talking about the Application Received notice.