Alter in Reentry Permit Biometrics Procedures

The Nebraska Service Center (NSC) of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has informed American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) that all applications for reentry permits will be denied if the fingerprinting is not completed within 120 days of filing. The NSC issued an advisement in June 2009 regarding a change in procedures related to requests for rescheduling biometrics (fingerprinting) appointments for applications 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. The procedures for requesting expedited fingerprinting have not changed. Applications for reentry permits must be filed from within the United States and the subsequent biometrics appointment must also be completed inside the United States. This request must occur before the appointment date. A request for rescheduling must be accompanied by a reasonable excuse for the inability to appear for the scheduled appointment. Rescheduled appointments are set within a maximum 30-day time frame. Applicants should plan their travel accordingly, as the announcement is absolute with respect to the 30-day time frame.

We will keep you posted for the changes pertaining to biometrics procedure for reentry permits.