Applying for I-131 Reentry Permit After Long Stays Abroad

[sim32 0]

Hey everyone,

I need some advice regarding my green card and applying for a reentry permit (Form I-131). Here’s my situation:

I received my green card in July 2023 and first traveled to the U.S. in September 2023.

I stayed for about a month, then returned to Germany in October 2023.

I went back to the U.S. in March 2024 for two weeks and then returned to Germany.

I visited the U.S. again in September 2024 for another two weeks and plan to return permanently in March 2025.

When I arrived in the U.S. on March 1, 2025, a CBP officer at the airport told me that I might lose my green card because of my long stays abroad. Every time I’ve been questioned, I told them I was in Germany visiting my fiancée—which is true—but I was also there to complete my master’s degree (which I will finish in May 2025).

Now that I’m in the U.S., I want to apply for a reentry permit to protect my green card while I complete my studies.

My main concern is how to present my reason in a way that increases my chances of approval. Would listing my master’s degree as the primary reason for my absences be a strong argument? Should I include other details, like my job search in the U.S.? Also, what documents should I submit to prove my intent to maintain U.S. residency?

I’d really appreciate any advice or experiences from anyone who has been in a similar situation.

 

Thanks in advance!

[wildbug100420 197]

47 minutes ago, sim32 said:

Hey everyone,

I need some advice regarding my green card and applying for a reentry permit (Form I-131). Here’s my situation:

I received my green card in July 2023 and first traveled to the U.S. in September 2023.

I stayed for about a month, then returned to Germany in October 2023.

I went back to the U.S. in March 2024 for two weeks and then returned to Germany.

I visited the U.S. again in September 2024 for another two weeks and plan to return permanently in March 2025.

When I arrived in the U.S. on March 1, 2025, a CBP officer at the airport told me that I might lose my green card because of my long stays abroad. Every time I’ve been questioned, I told them I was in Germany visiting my fiancée—which is true—but I was also there to complete my master’s degree (which I will finish in May 2025).

Now that I’m in the U.S., I want to apply for a reentry permit to protect my green card while I complete my studies.

My main concern is how to present my reason in a way that increases my chances of approval. Would listing my master’s degree as the primary reason for my absences be a strong argument? Should I include other details, like my job search in the U.S.? Also, what documents should I submit to prove my intent to maintain U.S. residency?

I’d really appreciate any advice or experiences from anyone who has been in a similar situation.

 

Thanks in advance!

Do you maintain a US driver license or state ID? Bank account? Apartment lease? Sounds like you're getting too casual with your coming and goings. 

[sim32 0]

 

11 minutes ago, wildbug100420 said:

Do you maintain a US driver license or state ID? Bank account? Apartment lease? Sounds like you're getting too casual with your coming and goings. 

I only have a bank account here.
I live with my brother when I am in the U.S