Our office handles many I-131 reentry permit applications one of the most common questions is what are the processing times and how to manage the application process especially with respect to being in the US for filing, biometrics and receipt of the application.  Below are are providing what we believe is an accurate and realistic timeline of the reentry permit application process.

Collecting Checklist Items and Drafting Application Documents

We will collect a set of documents and information which will allow us to prepare and share for review and (ink) signature the I-131 reentry permit application documents..

Approx. 1-3 days

Prepare and File Application with USCIS

We received the signed documents and prepare and submit the reentry permit application with USCIS.

Approx. 1-3 days

The Applicant(s) must be in the U.S. at the time of filing.  If the documents are prepared and signed in advance of the US arrival, we will coordinate travel plans and we will submit as soon as possible upon US arrival.

USCIS Issues and Mails Receipt Notice

USCIS will process the application and will mail the receipt notice with the application’s tracking number.    We share a scanned copy upon receipt.

Approx. 1.5-2 weeks after USCIS receives the filing package.

Biometrics Scheduling

If biometrics are required, USCIS will schedule a biometrics appointment at an Application Support Center (ASC) and send a biometrics appointment notice.    If biometrics are not required, a notice confirming this waiver will be mailed.   In either case, our office will share a scanned copy of the notice and will advice on next steps.

Approx. 4-6 weeks after USCIS receives the filing package.

Reentry Permit Production

USCIS approves the reentry permit and sends it based on the directions provided in the application.   Most of the time we ask USCIS to mail the reentry permit to our office and we forward to the applicant at their address (normally via FedEx).

Approx. 13-15 months after filing.

Limited Expediting Options

Unfortunately, the options for expediting a reentry permit application process are somewhat limited and there is no premium processing option available as there is for some other USCIS application types.    However,  our office can manage key aspects of the application process to accomplish specific needs.

For instance,  applicants who are outside of the US may not be able to remain in the US for many weeks in order to complete the filing and the biometrics during a single US trip.   However, it may be possible to coordinate the filing and (the possible) biometrics during separate US trips.

Conclusion

One of our office’s core areas of expertise are reentry permit applications and at any given day we are working on many reentry permits.   These processing times are based on our office’s first-hand experience and estimates and not on (stale) government data.   Please do not hesitate to contact us if we can help you or complete the intake form for case evaluation and to start the process.