How many times one can apply for Reentry permit?

[sshah1001]

Hi friends,

Is there any limit one can apply for the reentry permit? I have already got it once and am currently using it. I am thinking to apply again once this expires.

Also, what do I have to do with the current reentry permit when it expires?

Thanks in Adv.

Sam

[belle]

as far as i know, you can apply as many times as you want. just like EAD. I applied twice in the past 3 yrs, and they approved twice. it's a great revenue source for USCIS.

[baikal3]

Originally Posted by sshah1001

Hi friends,

Is there any limit one can apply for the reentry permit? I have already got it once and am currently using it. I am thinking to apply again once this expires.

Technically, there is no limit on the number of times you can apply for a reentry permit. I did it twice in the last 4 years with no problems.

Originally Posted by sshah1001

Also, what do I have to do with the current reentry permit when it expires?
Sam

The rules are somewhat vague about it. The I-131 instructions do say that if you are applying for a new reentry permit while the previous one is still valid, you must attach the old one to your application or prove that you lost it.

Also, in the I-131 form there is an item called "disposition" of the previous permit, with a caption underneath "attached, lost, etc".

So it is a bit unclear if you are actually required to attach the old permit if you are applying for a new one after the old one has already expired. I attached mine, just in case, but I don't know if it was really necessary. Maybe you can just write "expired" in the "disposition" box in I-131....

[howdy_howdy]

Folks, a quick question on the line of re-entry permit, since you guys have
applied and gotten it.

Does one needs to have ties with the US (like tax returns, credit cards,
mortgage, rent etc) when out of the country using re-entry permit?

Please throw some light.

Thanks
howdy_howdy
//

[baikal3]

Originally Posted by howdy_howdy

Folks, a quick question on the line of re-entry permit, since you guys have
applied and gotten it.

Does one needs to have ties with the US (like tax returns, credit cards,
mortgage, rent etc) when out of the country using re-entry permit?

Please throw some light.

Thanks
howdy_howdy
//

In short, the answer to your question is "yes".

Technically, the only thing a reentry permit does is to exempt you from having to obtain a returning resident visa when coming back to the U.S. after an absence that was longer than one year but less than two years.
You still have to maintain the PR status while abroad during such a trip, same as for shorter trips. This means that the trip must be temporary in nature, that you have to file U.S. resident income tax returns while you are away, etc, etc.

[sshah1001]

I filed US tax return, kept the credit card, paid some bills online from India when I was on reentry permit.
But, does this help to with citizenship continuity rule? I don't know.
Thanks to all for your replies.