Distribution of Reentry Permits for Lawful Permanent Residents

A Re-Entry Permit is a travel document issued to lawful permanent resident [LPR] aliens to facilitate their travel to the United States.  The LPR should apply for this benefit before leaving the U.S.  The alien must file Form I-131, Application for a Travel Document, complete with supporting documentation, photos and applicable fees for issuance of a Re-Entry Permit.

A Re-Entry Permit may be issued for the following reasons:

• A resident alien who intends to remain outside the U.S. for a period of more than one year but no longer than two years and who does not intend to abandon residence in the U.S. may apply in order to establish his or her intention to return to the U.S. after his or her temporary absence from this country.
• Although a resident alien in possession of Form I-551 who intends to remain outside the U.S. for less than one year does not require a Re-Entry permit, a resident alien who is "stateless" or who is unable to obtain a passport from the country of his or her nationality may apply for a Re-Entry permit for use as a travel document.
• On occasion, a resident alien may apply because he or she will need a Re-Entry permit to visit a certain country because that country will not honor a passport of the resident's country of nationality.
• A resident alien may apply for a Re-Entry permit for any other bona fide reason. An immigrant visa is required of anyone who wishes to enter the United States to reside there permanently, whether or not that person plans to seek employment in the United States.

Re-Entry permits are valid for a maximum period of two years unless otherwise restricted. The validity commences from the date of issuance, not from the date the application is received. A Re-Entry permit cannot be extended.

USCIS New Delhi assists those applicants who filed Form I-131 prior to their departure from the United States and requested the delivery of their Re-Entry Permit at this Office.  Applicants, on whose behalf, Re-Entry Permits are received at our Office, are promptly sent a call-in letter to collect their travel document.  The Permits can be received from this Office on any working days between 0900 hrs to 1200 hrs.  Should an applicant fail to claim his/her document prior to its expiration, the expired permit is returned to the issuing Stateside Office.
 
Note: Please bring your Passports and Alien Registration Receipt Cards at the time of collection.

The USCIS office in New Delhi does not issue, extend or renew re-entry permits.