I want to apply for a reentry permit (i-131)

[mosacorp 2]

Hi. I am unsure about a couple of things and would appreciate some guidance.

1) My wife (US CITIZEN) and I recently had our i-485/i-130 interview, all went well and the officer said from that day I was a conditional resident for 2 years, that my GC should arrive in the mail in 2 weeks. Also that I can use it to reenter back in the US and my passport to travel to my country.

2) I did NOT apply for form i-131 when we did all the other froms, however there are rules saying that if I wanted to then

I would not have to pay for the i-131 (since the cost is already included in that whole AOS package and that when I did

apply, to just make copies of the i-797's that I got , and also the GC, and mail it off.

3) So, I got the "Welcome to the United States of America" letter yesterday, which was about a week after the interview.

and I am expecting the GC soon, but, my wife and I want to travel to my country in about 1.5 months to visit for a

month. I know that I should be fine with just the GC when reentering the US and my wife by my side, but I am just

want to make extra certain. Also :

- can I apply for form i-131, for a reentry form before I leave or was that just for Advanced Parole and would I have to pay the $300 something fee?

-If I can apply do I have to send in photos since they have my picture?

-How long should it take, I intend sending an expedited envelope, and I have done with all the BIOMETRICS etc.?

Thank you for your advice.

[Bobby+Umit 161]

Wait for the greencard.

Since your AOS was approved, and your waiting for the greencard, (you won't have to pay for it - since you filed for the 485 - instructions state "at a later date")

Yes, if you apply now, you would need to satisfy the requirements for that form. It will be seperate from your other applications.

I would imagine it will take longer to do the AP then to wait for the greencard.

So - I say again, I would wait for the coming green card - and move my visit as needed.

Edited May 15, 2009 by Bobby_Umit

[Otto 83]

Once you get your PR/Green Card - you do not need AP/Advance Parole (which is what the I-131 is for) so don't waste your time/money.

[thetreble 19]

can this be moved into another forum?

[Kathryn41 3,205]

Moved to a more appropriate forum from the Canada forum

Note to the OP -you can expect the green card in 2 weeks and hope to travel is 6 weeks. An AP takes about 12 weeks to process so you would receive the AP well after the green card. With the green card there is no need for an AP unless you intend to be out of the country for a year or more, in which case you would then apply for a re-entry permit. A visit of a month does not require a re-entry permit if you have a green card. You should be fine.