Use the Internet to visit the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, USCIS, website.
Click on the "Forms" link at the top of the web page. Scan down the list of forms, and click on the link to Form I-131 under the "Application for Travel Document" subheading.
Download the Instructions for Form I-131, and carefully read through them. You must be physically present in the United States to file a re-entry form with the government.
Download Form I-131 from the "Application for Travel Document" web page. Complete the form in black ink. Sign and date the form.
Include, with your re-entry permit application, a copy of your driver's license, passport identity page or another official identification document that displays your photo, name and date of birth. You also must attach a copy of your Permanent Resident Card, Form I-551. If you do not have your Form I-551 yet, attach copies of your passport biographical and visa pages that show you are a permanent U.S. resident.
Download and fill out Form G-1145 on the "Application for Travel Document" web page if you want to receive notice of your application acceptance through email or text. Attach this form to the first page of your re-entry permit application.
Make a check or money order payable to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security for the required fee. Include this check with your re-entry permit application.
File your Form I-131 with either the USCIS Phoenix Lockbox or the Dallas Lockbox facility. Where you file depends on where you live. Look on the geographical chart in the Instructions to Form I-131 to determine where to send your form.
Wait to hear back from USCIS after you have filed your re-entry application. USCIS contacts you in writing and directs you to the nearest Application Support Center for your biometrics appointment. Individuals between the ages of 14 and 79, who are applying for a re-entry permit are required to attend a biometrics appointment so that they can be fingerprinted and/or interviewed.
Follow the necessary procedures at your USCIS biometrics appointment. There is a biometric service fee that you must pay.
Wait to hear from USCIS through writing or email if your re-entry application was accepted. If you have further questions about the re-entry permit, call the USCIS National Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283.
