Necessity of Getting a ReEntry Permit

[gerryberry]

My grandfather petitioned my mom, and we're under category F3. It'll be our first time to enter the US this July 2013. The plan is for me to apply for a ReEntry Permit immediately upon arrival in the US because I intend to finish my studies in the Philippines. You see, I'm already a senior and set to graduate and get my degree in Apr 2014.

My question is, do I need to apply for a ReEntry permit since I plan to come back immediately to the States in Apr 2014 right after I graduate? July 2013 to Apr 2014 is less than a year and is just around 10 months. Correct me if I'm wrong, but as far as I know, a ReEntry permit is only necessary if the person is gonna stay outside the US for more than 1 year.

My parents cannot delay going to the US this July 2013 and leave instead next year after I graduate. It's not an option. I was made aware that it was necessary for our family to go to the US all at the same time. If only it were possible, the best case scenario would be for my parents to leave this July 2013 and I'll just follow right after I graduate. But I don't think that's allowed.

If I do not need to apply for a ReEntry permit, what is the shortest number of days/weeks I can stay in the US and come back immediately to the Philippines? I don't need to do biometrics, right? As much as possible, I really don't want to miss any of my classes in school.

Edit: I also read online that for naturalization purposes, I need to stay in the US for xx number of months. Is it ok if I don't satisfy that requirement and just satisfy it when I come back to the US next year?

Thank you very much.

 

[Jackolantern]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but as far as I know, a ReEntry permit is only necessary if the person is gonna stay outside the US for more than 1 year.

That is correct, but if you're already expecting to stay abroad for 10 months, it's still wise to get a reentry permit in case unexpected circumstances push it beyond a year. So if you don't want the hassle of getting the reentry permit, delay your arrival by a month or two so your stay abroad would be 8 or 9 months, giving you more breathing room in case something happens.

I was made aware that it was necessary for our family to go to the US all at the same time.

You were given wrong information. You cannot immigrate before your mother, because she is the primary applicant, but you can immigrate after her, as long as you arrive in the US before the 6-month deadline given on the immigrant visa.

Of course, if July 2013 itself is the end of the 6 month window of the visa, you won't have the option to delay your entry beyond that.

If I do not need to apply for a ReEntry permit, what is the shortest number of days/weeks I can stay in the US and come back immediately to the Philippines?

You have to be in the US to give biometrics (fingerprints) for the reentry permit, which would be about 3-5 weeks after you submit the permit application.

 

[gerryberry]

Thanks for your quick response, Jackolantern. I really have no one to ask these kinds of questions to because my parents are clueless.

However, one of your replies got me confused with what my friend told me regarding the biometrics procedure.

You have to be in the US to give biometrics (fingerprints) for the reentry permit, which would be about 3-5 weeks after you submit the permit application.

When I asked that question to which your reply to is shown above, I was contemplating of a situation wherein I would not be applying for a reentry permit anymore. I wanted to know the shortest amount of time that I would have to stay in the US if I intend to go back to the Philippines (PH) to finish my studies and come back to the US in less than a year. Sorry if I confused you.

If I don't intend to apply for a reentry permit, I won't need to take the biometrics exam, right? And I am 110% sure that I will not stay in the PH for more than a year. And since it will be our FIRST time ever to enter the US, are there any other documents that I would need to wait for to get processed before I can leave the US for the PH? Do I need to wait for my green card before being able to go back to the PH?

The reason I'm asking this is, as much as possible, I really really really don't wanna miss any of my classes in school. It will be difficult to catch up. I want to know the possibility of staying in the US for a max of just 2 weeks then come back to the PH immediately then go back to the US permanently after around 9 months of staying in the PH to finish college.

 

[Jackolantern]

If I don't intend to apply for a reentry permit, I won't need to take the biometrics exam, right?

Correct.

And I am 110% sure that I will not stay in the PH for more than a year.

You're 100% sure that you PLAN to stay in the Philippines for less than a year, but stuff can happen to extend your time there. But since your plan is 9-10 months and not 11 months, you have some breathing room if you stick to your plan.

And since it will be our FIRST time ever to enter the US, are there any other documents that I would need to wait for to get processed before I can leave the US for the PH? Do I need to wait for my green card before being able to go back to the PH?

No, you don't need to wait for the green card.

I want to know the possibility of staying in the US for a max of just 2 weeks then come back to the PH immediately then go back to the US permanently after around 9 months of staying in the PH to finish college.

2 weeks probably won't be enough to get the biometrics done. If you want the reentry permit you'll have to plan to stay in the US for 3-5 weeks, or you can leave the US shortly after USCIS receives the reentry permit application and return to the US for the biometrics appointment.

If you're not applying for the reentry permit, you don't need to stay as much as 2 weeks if you don't want to. Once you've been processed through customs and immigration, you can immediately jump on another plane and leave.

 

[gerryberry]

Thank you for your detailed answers. You are so nice for helping me. Have a great day!