General Query Green Card/DV Lottery

[vinitkumar]

Hi All

after attending interview at the consulate and granted visa? is the visa valid for 6 months? suppose i attend USA within the 6 months period? can i return to my home country then? i need to atleast leave USA for 2 years? i know there is something called re-entry permit, however request if someone can explain how it works?

once i attend usa how long will it take to get biometrics done? after getting biometrics done then i can apply for re-entry permit?

 

[SusieQQQ]

Visa will be valid for maximum 6 months - it may be shorter depending on your medical expiry.

You can apply for a re-entry permit if you will be gone for longer than one year but less than two. You will need to submit a form (I can't remember form number) then you will get an appointment for biometrics once the form is processed. After that you can organize to get the permit sent to your local consulate so you must wait for the biometrics appointment but you can leave after that. As to time - at least a month but may be more - I saw on another forum a while ago that there was a big backlog processing the relevant form (which is used for other things too) and could take a few months. You will also need a valid reason for applying for the re-entry permit.

Bear in mind the documentation also warns you that while the reentry permit shows intent to return it is no guarantee - the CBP officer will still probably ask you questions to ensure you have not abandoned residency. Suggest you google "rights and responsibilities of a green card holder" for the USCIS docs with more details.