Form I-327 refers to a Reentry Permit – the document which is issued by USCIS to lawful permanent residents (green card holders) who need to travel abroad for an extended period of time and want to preserve their status. Green card holders who travel frequently or spend extended time abroad are sometimes questioned at the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) U.S. port of entry about their residence and intention to remain permanent residents. Many are warned verbally or given an “I-327 advised” (or similar) notation in their passport. Here’s what it means and what to do about it.
What Does “I-327 Advised” Passport Notation Mean?
“I-327” is the official form number of the reentry permit document. When a reentry permit (which looks a little bit like a U.S. passport booklet) is issued, its official document name is “I-327.” This is why when a CBP officer recommends a reentry permit, after observation that a green card holder is spending too much time outside of the U.S., they would write “I-327 Advised” in the passport.
There are variations to this notation but they mean the same thing – that a reentry permit should be obtained. Below are some common variations:
- I-327 advised
- reentry permit advised
- advised residency requirements
- residency advised
The purpose of this notation is to reflect a warning that CBP has determined that the green card holder may be spending too much time outside of the U.S. and that the actual green card may be put in danger. The notation is a recommendation by CBP to the foreign national to obtain a reentry permit in order to avoid risking their green card validity.
Border Scrutiny on the Rise
A notable (and increasing portion) of our reentry permit practice group’s initial inquiries come from green card holders without a reentry permit who have undergone questioning at a CBP port of entry during their recent return to the U.S. These encounters with CBP can be uncomfortable, protracted, and highly stressful for the green card holder involved. During this secondary inspection at the CBP port of entry, border officers often inquire about the duration of time the green card holder spent outside the U.S., as well as the purposes of these trips and their ongoing connections to the U.S. Essentially, the CBP officer aims to determine if the green card holder has relinquished their U.S. permanent residency.
Following such a secondary inspection, a green card holder who has spent a prolonged period abroad or has demonstrated a pattern of frequent, albeit shorter, trips abroad may receive a verbal or written advisory suggesting that they consider obtaining a reentry permit document, or they may find an “I-327 Advised” notation in their passport.
I Received “I-327 Advised” Notation – What Should I Do?
We recommend that you consider obtaining a reentry permit as soon as possible. Depending on the travel plans and how long the applicant will plan on staying in the U.S., there may be a number of filing strategies. We certainly recommend that a reentry permit is, at a minimum, filed before departing the U.S. so that during the next entry into the U.S. there will be a proof that steps have been taken to comply with the “I-327 Advised” notation. Please see our article on Reentry Permit Timing Strategies and Considerations as it discusses important factors and requirements – including the requirement to file the actual reentry permit while the applicant is physically in the U.S. and to complete the required biometrics (which can be done in the U.S. territories only but which can also be waived in certain cases).
Green card holders who are given an “I-327 Advised” passport notation (or its verbal equivalent warning) but do not apply for a reentry permit as soon as possible and while they are in the U.S. take the risk that upon their next entry into the U.S. CBP may subject them to increased scrutiny and perhaps even consider green card abandonment proceedings. And even if the CBP questioning does not result in more serious consequences, for most people who travel abroad frequently the ability to avoid the secondary CBP questioning process altogether by flashing a reentry permit upon initial CBP inspection is worth the effort to obtain a I-327 reentry permit document.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is I-327 the same as green card? What is reentry permit I-327?
I-327 refers to Form I-327 which is the official name of a reentry permit document. The reentry permit is document granting permission given to a green card holder to spend extended time abroad without jeopardizing the permanent resident status. The reentry permit is different than the actual green card (often referred to as I-551).
Can I leave the US and return without problems with a “I-327 Advised” note in my passport?
If a green card holder gets a “I-327 Advised” notation we definitely recommend immediately applying for a reentry permit (which must be done when the applicant is in the US). An “I-327 Advised” notation will not prevent departure from the US but the green card holder should be fully-prepared to show during their next US entry that, at a minimum, they are in the process of obtaining a reentry permit. This is where having a receipt notice of a pending application will help.
How long does it take to submit a reentry permit application and to complete the formalities in the US?
Our office has capability of submitting a reentry permit on a same- or next-day basis. The application must be filed when the applicant is in the US. Depending on travel plans, history of time spent in/out of the US and other factors, we can suggest the best course of action with respect to completing the biometrics, getting approval and any international travels in the meantime. These are the current application processing times.
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