Reentry Permit Applicants May Request Expedited Biometrics Appointments  Posted Jan 09, 2009
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The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) established a biometrics (fingerprinting) requirement in March 2008 for applicants for reentry permits. Reentry permits are travel documents used by U.S. permanent residents (green card holders) who need to remain outside of the U.S. in excess of one year. This requirement has created a number of concerns and generated various logistical issues for applicants, as reentry permits must be filed from within the United States. The Nebraska Service Center (NSC) has issued some clarification and suggestions regarding requests to expedite the biometric process for those applying for reentry permits.
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Expedite Means Fewer Than Thirty Days
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The NSC, which processes all reentry permit cases, advises that the normal time required for scheduling fingerprint appointments in reentry permit cases is thirty days. If an applicant needs an earlier appointment, it is possible to request expedited scheduling. These requests need to be clearly set out on the reentry permit application, and must be justified and documented. The applicant needs to include a pre-paid overnight mail envelope or eMail or fax contact information for transmission of the fingerprinting appointment notice.
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Approval of the request to expedite depends upon the availability of appointments, as well as the reason provided in the request for the expedited appointment. Even if approved, the scheduling could take approximately two weeks.
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Walk-In Requests with Notice
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If an individual is scheduled for a biometrics appointment on a date occurring after his/her scheduled departure from the United States, it is possible to appear at the Application Support Center (ASC) with the appointment notice and request the fingerprinting prior to the scheduled date. In order to make this request, it is necessary to have proof of the planned departure date and the urgent need for the travel abroad. If the ASC cannot or will not accommodate this request, it will be necessary either to change one's travel plans or request a rescheduled appointment.
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Departure without Biometrics
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The USCIS, through the NSC, has confirmed that it is possible to depart the U.S. without obtaining fingerprinting. This is different from the initial instructions on this matter. However, if the applicant departs, s/he will have to return to the U.S. for fingerprinting. If an applicant fails to appear for the fingerprinting appointment, and has not requested rescheduling, the case will be denied for abandonment. The rescheduling request must be made before the fingerprint appointment date.
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Conclusion
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When there are downturns in the economy, we at the Murthy Law Firm tend to see an increase in the number of permanent residents who wish to spend extended periods abroad due to employment opportunities or other matters. These permanent residents need to be aware of the rules for requesting reentry permits, including the additional requirement for biometrics appointments. MurthyDotCom and MurthyBulletin readers can continue to find useful updates on this and other matters, as information becomes available.