The re-entry permit enables a lawful permanent resident (LPR) of the U.S. to travel outside the United States for time periods longer than one year and establishes that the LPR does not intend to abandon residence in the U.S. A re-entry permit prevents two problems:
An LPRs absence from the U.S. for over one year voids their Permanent Resident Card, in turn rendering the LPR as invalid for re-entry to the U.S.
An LPR taking up residence in an alternative country to the U.S (prior to the one year point) voids their Permanent Resident Card as the U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services considers the action as an abandonment of U.S. permanent residency
If a U.S. permanent resident intends to take a trip abroad for over one year, they may apply for a re-entry permit. The resident is granted to travel for up to two years abroad without having to obtain a returning resident visa. It establishes that the permanent resident did not intend to abandon permanent resident status.[2]
Another purpose for the re-entry permit is to serve as an international travel document instead of a passport for U.S. permanent residents who are stateless, who cannot get a passport from their country, or who wish to travel to a place where they cannot use their passport.[3] A permanent resident who obtained permanent residence as a refugee may either apply for a refugee travel document or a re-entry permit, but not both.
Specimen Identity page of a USCIS issued travel document to a permanent resident.
USCIS Form I-131 (Application for a Travel Document) is used to apply for the re-entry permit and other travel documents. This form can only be filed while the applicant is still in the United States.[4]
