Lawful Permanent Residence in the United States

A lawful permanent resident may apply for admission to the U.S. using his/her Permanent Resident Card, provided he/she has remained outside the United States less than one year and has maintained an unreliquished domicile in the United States. More information can be obtained from Customs and Border Protection.

What if I wish to remain outside the United States for longer than 12 months

A permanent resident that has sufficient cause to remain outside the United States for more than one year may apply for a Reentry Permit. The application for issuance of a Reentry Permit, Form I-131, must be submitted prior to departure from the United States. Form I-131, with supporting documentation and fee, must be mailed to the following address:

United States Citizenship and Immigration Services
Nebraska Service Center
P.O. Box 87131
Lincoln, NE 68501-7131

Reentry Permits are valid for two years from issuance and cannot be extended or revalidated. Permanent Resident Cards cannot be extended or reissued outside the United States. Failure to return to the United States within the validity of either of these residency documents may jeopardize permanent residence status.

What if I have been outside the United States for longer than 12 months

Persons who have remained outside the United States for more than one year without a valid Reentry Permit, or beyond the validity of a Reentry Permit, may be eligible to apply for returning resident status.

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