Re entry permit questions

[Lil bear 4,201]

Hi friends. I’m about to do my own search through the google pages .. but wondered if there was any wisdom regarding the reentry permit conditions. 
My parents .. 91, in Australia, high risk for fatality if they contract COVID. I’m 3 1/2 years into the 5 year period of LPR so I can’t naturalise yet. 
I’m considering applying for a reentry permit in case I need to be in Australia to care for them in the future. I know it allows for up to 2 years out of the US .. but

i need to establish when that  2 year period starts .. 

When I leave the country ... when the permit is issued ... or looking backwards 2 years if I return from

a long trip .. 
I don't need to use it now .. I may never need to use it .. but can I get one now and know that I can use it into the future if needed ? 
Appreciate your help ! 

[geowrian 22,337]

It’s 2 years from the date of issue, constrained by the validity period of your green card.

 

You can apply before needing to actually use it, although it would be limiting the usable validity period as a result.

 

If you do have to use it due to being abroad for 6+ months, expect your naturalization timeline to be extended due to continuous residency requirements.

[Lil bear 4,201]

5 minutes ago, geowrian said:

It’s 2 years from the date of issue, constrained by the validity period of your green card.

 

You can apply before needing to actually use it, although it would be limiting the usable validity period as a result.

 

If you do have to use it due to being abroad for 6+ months, expect your naturalization timeline to be extended due to continuous residency requirements.

Yes. Thx.GC is unconditional  I’ve gleaned the same info from the instructions sheet and understand the n400 implications. Can live with that. Just have to weigh up doing it and not needing it or not being prepared. 
I can leave the US after biometrics  and have it sent to the US consulate in Australia for pick up right ? Is biometrics still sitting at 4-5 weeks from NOA1 ? Processing times for the permit is minimum 5 months so

thay would help if I did have to go 

Edited March 16, 2020 by Lil bear

[geowrian 22,337]

13 minutes ago, Lil bear said:

Yes. Thx.GC is unconditional  I’ve gleaned the same info from the instructions sheet and understand the n400 implications. Can live with that. Just have to weigh up doing it and not needing it or not being prepared. 
I can leave the US after biometrics  and have it sent to the US consulate in Australia for pick up right ? Is biometrics still sitting at 4-5 weeks from NOA1 ? Processing times for the permit is minimum 5 months so

thay would help if I did have to go 

Yes, you can leave anytime after filing the I-131. The biometrics have to be done in the US, but you can technically leave the US beforehand and come back just for that if really needed.

Not sure on current timelines, sorry. Typically biometrics are a month or so out, and I-131s over 3-5 months.

[Lil bear 4,201]

3 hours ago, geowrian said:

Yes, you can leave anytime after filing the I-131. The biometrics have to be done in the US, but you can technically leave the US beforehand and come back just for that if really needed.

Not sure on current timelines, sorry. Typically biometrics are a month or so out, and I-131s over 3-5 months.

Thx. Appreciate the input confirming my understanding. 

[SusieQQQ 11,586]

The biometrics situation may depend where you are and any COVID impacts. Example we are currently in a shelter in place order and I expect any routine USCIS appointments to be cancelled during that time. It may be worth applying now to get that done with if you think you may need it at some point. 
 

I’m so sorry about this stressful situation. I also have an elderly at risk parent in my home country, i guess many of us do, it’s a horrible situation, especially for those from countries quarantining new arrivals.