Lawful permanent residents or conditional permanent residents who wish to remain outside the US for more than one year, but less than two years, may apply for a reentry permit to return to the US.

Permanent residents who leave for less than one year can generally re-enter the U.S. through the use of their “green card” plus their passport. However, permanent residents who remain outside the U.S. for more than one year CANNOT use their “green card” for this purpose. Consequently, they must obtain a Re-entry Permit IN ADVANCE, PRIOR TO LEAVING THE U.S.

Lawful Permanent Residents (green card holders) use reentry permits to reenter the US after travel of one year or more. For LPRs returning to the US., reentry permits are generally valid for two years from the date of issuance of the reentry permit. The LPR should apply for this benefit before leaving the US.