Renewal of Re-entry Permit

[godlikewind]

Hi everyone,

I have a question about the renewal re-entry permit and it's very urgent. My parents had the re-entry permit before they left U.S. And the re-entry permit they had are valid before February 2014. The problem is they may not come at the time of January or February. They wanted to come this Auguest instead, which is half year before the expire date. I heard there is a rule that you can not renew the re-entry permit unless it is three months before the expire date. Can they still do the renew procedure in this Auguest? Thank you very much!

 

[cafeconleche]

No, that's not true. If they apply for new permits close to their expiry date, they may retain their permits instead of sending them in (writing "set to expire on xxx date) as chances are the new permits will be issued after the old ones expire, since one person cannot 2 permits valid at the same time. If they want to apply 6 months before the expiry of their permits, it would be best for them to send in the old ones.

 

[GCman2005]

the thing is to renew a reentry permit, they would have to come back in usa......for application and fingerprint....

 

[godlikewind]

Reply

No, that's not true. If they apply for new permits close to their expiry date, they may retain their permits instead of sending them in (writing "set to expire on xxx date) as chances are the new permits will be issued after the old ones expire, since one person cannot 2 permits valid at the same time. If they want to apply 6 months before the expiry of their permits, it would be best for them to send in the old ones.

Can we send the copies instead the original version?

 

[cafeconleche]

No, copies are useless. You can try to say "set to expire," but if they start processing and are going to issue the new permits while the old ones are still valid, your case will be delayed while they send you a letter asking for them.

 

[godlikewind]

thanks

No, copies are useless. You can try to say "set to expire," but if they start processing and are going to issue the new permits while the old ones are still valid, your case will be delayed while they send you a letter asking for them.

oh, I see. So in this case my parents have to come near the expire date since then can not stay in U.S for very long. If they send the old ones they will not get in without the re-entry permit, and if they get in and send the old ones they have to wait at least a month. Now it is more clear. Thank you very much.

 

[cafeconleche]

They don't have to have the new permits to LEAVE the country. They just need to be in the country when they send the application, and CIS receives it. Then, they can either wait for the biometric appointment and then leave, or leave and come back for the appointment and then leave. So, even if they come in August, they can send in the old permits. BUT, if the new ones are NOT approved (just in case, though they will likely be approved unless this is their 3rd of 4th permit), then they'll have to return within 1 year (preferably 6 months).

Let me ask you this, though. Do they ever intend to move to the US permanently? If not, then you're wasting time and money. They can easily surrender their GCs abroad and apply for a visit visa at the same time.