Applying for I-131 Reentry Permit After Long Stays Abroad

[sim32]

Hey everyone,

I need some advice regarding my green card and applying for a reentry permit (Form I-131). Here’s my situation:

• I received my green card in July 2023 and first traveled to the U.S. in September 2023.
• I stayed for about a month, then returned to Germany in October 2023.
• I went back to the U.S. in March 2024 for two weeks and then returned to Germany.
• I visited the U.S. again in September 2024 for another two weeks and plan to return permanently in March 2025.

When I arrived in the U.S. on March 1, 2025, a CBP officer at the airport told me that I might lose my green card because of my long stays abroad. Every time I’ve been questioned, I told them I was in Germany visiting my fiancée—which is true—but I was also there to complete my master’s degree (which I will finish in May 2025).

Now that I’m in the U.S., I want to apply for a reentry permit to protect my green card while I complete my studies. My main concern is how to present my reason in a way that increases my chances of approval.

Would listing my master’s degree as the primary reason for my absences be a strong argument? Should I include other details, like my job search in the U.S.? Also, what documents should I submit to prove my intent to maintain U.S. residency?

I’d really appreciate any advice or experiences from anyone who has been in a similar situation. Thanks in advance!

 

[SusieQQQ]

You want a re-entry permit for a course that finishes in two months’ time, do I understand this correctly? There seems little point in applying now. It will probably be a few weeks before you even get a bio appointment for that (so will you still be in the US then?j and it seems unlikely the permit will even be issued by May. Seems like average processing time is currently over a year long if the USCIS processing times website is accurate.
if you meant May 2026, then it makes more sense to apply.

 

[sim32]

You want a re-entry permit for a course that finishes in two months’ time, do I understand this correctly? There seems little point in applying now. It will probably be a few weeks before you even get a bio appointment for that (so will you still be in the US then?j and it seems unlikely the permit will even be issued by May. Seems like average processing time is currently over a year long if the USCIS processing times website is accurate.
if you meant May 2026, then it makes more sense to apply.

Thanks for your answer.
Yes, I meant May this year.

I can extend my graduation date if necessary( for 6 months). However, my main concern is this: If I get my biometrics appointment, attend it, and then travel back to Germany the next day, there are two possible outcomes:

1. If my application is approved, I will be safe and can return to the U.S. later with my reentry permit.
2. If my application is denied, I will be outside the U.S., and I’m worried that I could lose my green card.

Would my green card be at risk in this situation?

 

[Sm1smom]

Why extend the graduation for another six months? Like Susie already noted, it makes no sense applying for a re-entry permit if your program will be finishing in two months in line with your original plan of fully relocating at the end of the program in May.

 

[SusieQQQ]

1. If my application is approved, I will be safe and can return to the U.S. later with my reentry permit.
2. If my application is denied, I will be outside the U.S., and I’m worried that I could lose my green card.

And you likely won’t know which it is until early 2026 at best, so what’s the point in doing it now? It won’t make any difference to you returning in May or 6 months time,

I know this doesn’t help, but the time to apply was back when you left the first time after landing to activate your green card.

The only think I can suggest at this point is come back as soon as you can with as short a time out as possible, and make sure you come back on a one way ticket next time, to use that as proof that you are back for good.
Also remember that a CBP officer cannot take your green card away (even if they try pressure you to sign it away). They can make you appear before an immigration judge to argue your case, as only an IJ has the authority to revoke LPR status (but those courts are backlogged and Trump just fired a bunch of them, so you’d be back in the US for so long hefore you saw one it would probably be moot by then)

 

[sim32]

Why extend the graduation for another six months? Like Susie already noted, it makes no sense applying for a re-entry permit if your program will be finishing in two months in line with your original plan of fully relocating at the end of the program in May.

Thanks for your reply.
The thing is, I am currently in the U.S. (I arrived today) and had planned to return to Germany in two weeks (March 17, 2025) to finish my program and then come back permanently. However, the CBP officer already warned me that next time, they may not let me enter the U.S. again.

 

[sim32]

And you likely won’t know which it is until early 2026 at best, so what’s the point in doing it now? It won’t make any difference to you returning in May or 6 months time,

I know this doesn’t help, but the time to apply was back when you left the first time after landing to activate your green card.

The only think I can suggest at this point is come back as soon as you can with as short a time out as possible, and make sure you come back on a one way ticket next time, to use that as proof that you are back for good.
Also remember that a CBP officer cannot take your green card away (even if they try pressure you to sign it away). They can make you appear before an immigration judge to argue your case, as only an IJ has the authority to revoke LPR status (but those courts are backlogged and Trump just fired a bunch of them, so you’d be back in the US for so long hefore you saw one it would probably be moot by then)

Thanks Susie

 

[SusieQQQ]

Thanks for your reply.
The thing is, I am currently in the U.S. (I arrived today) and had planned to return to Germany in two weeks (March 17, 2025) to finish my program and then come back permanently. However, the CBP officer already warned me that next time, they may not let me enter the U.S. again.

Well you almost certainly wouldn’t even get a bio appointment before then.