Re-entry permit - Apply -> Leave US -> Come back for fingerprinting. Possible?

If the LPR departs from the U.S while the I-131 is pending, but before biometrics are taken, then the adjudication of the I-131 re-entry permit application will not be affected as long as the applicant returns to the U.S. to attend the biometrics appointment before the first year of foreign travel has ended. In such case, the LPR could apply for reentry to the U.S. using only his or her I-551 Permanent Resident Card if he has been absent for less than one year. We further note that if it is necessary, the LPR may make arrangements to have his Re-entry Permit delivered to him through a U.S. consulate or a USCIS office abroad. 8 C.F.R. 223.2(f).

Can somebody please explain to me the meaning of this paragraph? Does it mean that i only need my green card and NOT fingerprints to apply for a reentry permit if i've been abroad for less than a year?
 
By "apply for reentry" they mean attempt to reenter the US, not apply for a reentry permit. You still need to return to the US using your green card, to show up for the biometrics appointment.
 
By "apply for reentry" they mean attempt to reenter the US, not apply for a reentry permit. You still need to return to the US using your green card, to show up for the biometrics appointment.
does this sentence...

If the LPR departs from the U.S while the I-131 is pending, but before biometrics are taken, then the adjudication of the I-131 re-entry permit application will not be affected as long as the applicant returns to the U.S. to attend the biometrics appointment before the first year of foreign travel has ended

... mean that i can choose to apply for a reentry permit, then ask USCIS to schedule a biomertrics appointment later (for example, in a few months) as long as my total absence does not exceed one year by that point? if so, how do i do that, should it write a cover letter explaining my circumstances?
 
... mean that i can choose to apply for a reentry permit, then ask USCIS to schedule a biomertrics appointment later (for example, in a few months) as long as my total absence does not exceed one year by that point? if so, how do i do that, should it write a cover letter explaining my circumstances?
They will disregard up-front requests to schedule it for a particular date or date range.

Usually the biometrics appt. is within a few weeks after applying. When you get the appointment notice, that's when you can ask for a reschedule by marking the reschedule section on the notice and sending it back before the appointment date. But they don't have to grant it, and if they grant it, they will pick another date of their choosing which could be a couple weeks or a number of months later. But even if they do that, it should still be well within a year.
 
Where will the biometrics appointment be scheduled after i apply for a reentry permit? Is it the closest USCIS office to my US address that USCIS has on file and which is indicated in the application form? For instance, if the address is in New York, will the appointment be scheduled in NY as well?
 
Yes, it will be the closest fingerprint-enabled USCIS office to your US residential address, or somewhere else reasonably close. Note that not all USCIS offices take fingerprints.
 
Re-entry permit

My wife is already out of the country and I was thinking about applying for her here in US but someone mentioned that the applicant has to be in the country at the time of the applying, can she apply for the permit outside US? Please respond as this is becoming far more complex than I initial thought!
Thanks
 
She has to be physically in the US when the application is filed. They will examine travel dates and reject the application if they see that she was outside the US at the time of applying.
 
Appointment time period

Thats quick! Thank you for your response. Can someone please respond:

- How soon do you get biometric apt date after applying (regular and expediate)?

- Whats the time period under which one needs to complete the biometric process?

Thanks.
 
Hi...

My timeline for RP...

Applied RP Jun 20 08 for 2 people. Sent Priority mail Requested Expedite Service for Bio
Got reciept Jun 23
Appt for Bio and photo July 8. Gave bio and left US.
Got RP 3 weeks later valid till Jul 10

Everything went pretty smooth.

Hope that helps.
 
- How soon do you get biometric apt date after applying (regular and expediate)?

- Whats the time period under which one needs to complete the biometric process?
The biometric appointment letter is usually delivered within a month of applying, with the appointment itself being 1-2 weeks after the date of the later.
 
expedite reason

Hi Dezi: can you and other gurus pls help as to the expedite reason used for RP? thanks
 
Actually. I just put a yellow sticky outside the application and Priority Env
saying " Please Expediate Bio Metrics". I dont know if that was the reason for fast service or just luck. But I did not put any specific reason.
 
Is it possible process re-entry permit after I mailed out I-131?

I mailed out I-131 on 10/16 and want to STOP the application for re-entry permit to be processed.

1. Is it possible? How to stop it?

2. Will it have any bad effects? My plan changed --now I will leave US for approx 11 months. I have to leave next week. Will I have problem re-entry US?

please help me! :eek:
 
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