Re-Entry Permit Application in Hemet: Protect Your Green Card During Extended Travel

Quick Answer

Hemet is home to a growing Arab community with deep ties to family overseas. Many green card holders in Hemet need to travel abroad for extended periods to care for aging parents, manage property, or attend to family obligations in the Middle East. A re-entry permit (Form I-131) is the essential document that protects your permanent resident status during these longer trips.

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Maria Santos

DOJ Accredited Representative • 15+ years experience

Understanding the Re-Entry Permit (Form I-131)

A re-entry permit is a travel document issued by USCIS that allows lawful permanent residents to remain outside the United States for up to two years without abandoning their green card status. The permit serves as evidence that you intend to maintain your permanent residence in the U.S., even while abroad for an extended period. Without this document, any absence longer than six months creates a presumption that you have abandoned your residency. The re-entry permit does not replace your green card; you must carry both documents when returning to the United States. USCIS processes approximately 85,000 re-entry permit applications each year, and approval rates exceed 90% for applicants who file correctly and attend biometrics on time.

•Valid for up to 2 years from the date of issuance
•Required for absences exceeding 12 months
•Strongly recommended for absences between 6 and 12 months
•Must file while physically present in the United States
•Biometrics appointment required before departure
•Filing fee is $660 (no fee waiver available for I-131 re-entry permits)

When You Need a Re-Entry Permit vs. When You Do Not

Not every trip abroad requires a re-entry permit. Understanding the thresholds helps you plan your travel and avoid unnecessary costs. Green card holders who leave the U.S. for less than six months face minimal risk and typically need only their green card and passport. Trips between six and twelve months create a rebuttable presumption of abandonment, making a re-entry permit a wise precaution. Any planned absence over twelve months absolutely requires a re-entry permit to avoid losing your status.

Trip Duration	Document Required	Abandonment Risk	Recommendation
Under 6 months	Green card + passport	Low	No re-entry permit needed
6-12 months	Green card + passport	Medium (rebuttable presumption)	Re-entry permit strongly recommended
12-24 months	Re-entry permit required	High without permit	Must file I-131 before departure
Over 24 months	SB-1 Returning Resident Visa	Very high - status likely lost	Re-entry permit will not cover this duration

Step-by-Step I-131 Application Process for Hemet Residents

Filing your re-entry permit application from Hemet follows a structured process. Each step has specific timing requirements that you must follow precisely to avoid delays or denial. USCIS currently processes re-entry permits at the Nebraska Service Center, and the average processing time is 8 to 14 months from filing to approval.

1
Gather Required Documents
Collect your green card (front and back copies), passport, two passport-style photos, and evidence of your reason for travel. Include proof of ties to the U.S. such as tax returns, property records, and employment letters.
2
Complete Form I-131
Fill out Form I-131 (Application for Travel Document) selecting Part 1, Item 1.d for re-entry permit. Include your A-number, current address in Hemet, and detailed travel plans with dates and destinations.
3
Pay the $660 Filing Fee
Submit payment of $660 by check, money order, or credit card (Form G-1450). This fee covers both the application and biometrics. There is no fee waiver available for re-entry permit applications.
4
Mail to USCIS
Send the complete package to the USCIS lockbox facility. Hemet residents file with the Phoenix lockbox. Use certified mail with return receipt for tracking and proof of timely filing.
5
Receive Receipt Notice (I-797C)
USCIS sends a receipt notice within 2-4 weeks confirming they received your application. This receipt does not authorize travel; you must wait for biometrics.
6
Attend Biometrics Appointment
USCIS schedules a biometrics appointment at the nearest Application Support Center, typically the San Bernardino ASC for Hemet residents. This occurs 4-8 weeks after filing. You must attend in person.
7
Depart After Biometrics (If Needed)
After completing biometrics, you are permitted to depart the U.S. while your application is pending. Request that the approved permit be mailed to a U.S. address or sent to a U.S. embassy abroad.

Abandonment Risks for Green Card Holders from Hemet

Green card abandonment is one of the most serious risks facing permanent residents who travel abroad for extended periods. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers evaluate several factors when determining whether you have abandoned your residency. Simply holding a re-entry permit does not guarantee re-entry; CBP retains final authority at the port of entry. In fiscal year 2025, USCIS processed over 12,000 cases involving alleged green card abandonment, with approximately 35% of those cases resulting in formal abandonment findings.

•Failure to file U.S. tax returns while abroad signals abandonment
•Closing U.S. bank accounts or selling property raises red flags
•Taking full-time employment abroad without U.S. income is a negative factor
•Failing to maintain a U.S. mailing address weakens your case
•Letting your green card expire while abroad creates additional complications
•Children enrolled exclusively in foreign schools suggests foreign residence
•Registering to vote in another country is a serious negative indicator

Re-Entry Permit and Naturalization Eligibility

If you plan to apply for U.S. citizenship in the future, understand how extended travel affects your naturalization timeline. USCIS requires both continuous residence and physical presence for naturalization, and a re-entry permit addresses only one of these requirements. For the standard 5-year path to citizenship, you must be physically present in the U.S. for at least 30 months. For the 3-year marriage-based path, you need at least 18 months of physical presence. Extended absences, even with a re-entry permit, reduce your qualifying physical presence days and delay your eligibility date.

Naturalization Requirement	Standard (5-Year)	Marriage-Based (3-Year)	Impact of Extended Travel
Continuous Residence	5 years	3 years	Trips over 6 months disrupt; over 1 year breaks continuity
Physical Presence	30 months in U.S.	18 months in U.S.	Every day abroad reduces your count
State Residence	3 months in filing state	3 months in filing state	Must re-establish if abroad too long
Re-Entry Permit Benefit	Preserves green card status	Preserves green card status	Does NOT count toward physical presence

Our Re-Entry Permit Services for Hemet Green Card Holders

SoCal Immigration Services provides comprehensive re-entry permit application assistance to green card holders in Hemet and throughout the San Jacinto Valley. Our Arabic-speaking staff understands the unique travel needs of Arab families who maintain close ties to their home countries. We handle every aspect of the I-131 application process so you can focus on your travel plans with peace of mind. Our team has prepared hundreds of successful re-entry permit applications and understands the documentation that USCIS requires for timely approval.

•Complete Form I-131 preparation and review
•Document checklist customized to your travel situation
•Biometrics appointment preparation and scheduling guidance
•Evidence compilation to demonstrate U.S. ties
•Travel timeline strategy to protect naturalization eligibility
•Expedite request preparation for emergency situations
•Arabic and English language support throughout the process

FAQFrequently Asked Questions

Q:How much does the re-entry permit application cost?

A: The I-131 filing fee is $660, which includes biometrics. No fee waiver is available for re-entry permit applications.

Q:Can I leave the U.S. before my re-entry permit is approved?

A: Yes, but only after completing your biometrics appointment. Request the permit be mailed to a U.S. address or sent to a U.S. embassy abroad.

Q:How long is a re-entry permit valid?

A: A first-time re-entry permit is valid for 2 years. A second consecutive permit is typically valid for only 1 year.

Q:Will a re-entry permit guarantee I can re-enter the United States?

A: No. CBP officers make the final entry decision. The permit shows intent to maintain residence but does not override abandonment determinations.

Q:Where do Hemet residents attend biometrics for the I-131?

A: Hemet residents are typically scheduled at the San Bernardino Application Support Center, approximately 30 miles from Hemet.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information about immigration services in Hemet and does not constitute legal advice. SoCal Immigration Services is a document preparation company, not a law firm. For legal advice specific to your situation, please consult with a licensed immigration attorney.

Published: February 12, 2026Last Updated: February 12, 2026

Traveling Abroad from Hemet? Protect Your Green Card

Our Arabic-speaking team helps Hemet green card holders file Form I-131 correctly and on time. Do not risk your permanent resident status on an improperly filed application. Contact us today to start your re-entry permit process.

Serving Hemet and all of Southern California

Schedule Your Consultation (714) 421-8872

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