Do I have to return my first re-entry permit if I need to apply for another one?

Normally you need to return your re-entry permit. Since you obtained your permanent residency already, you can certainly come to the U.S. with your permanent resident card. Once you are in the U.S., you should apply for the re-entry permit and get your biometrics done.

You&#39ll need to have a call with an immigration attorney to discuss the timelines and options involved. This is a little too involved for an online Q&A.

You are required to be in the U.S. to file for a new re-entry permit. As a matter of rule, the current re-entry permit must be returned when you file for the new permit. You do not wait until the new permit is approved. You can pick up the new permit up from the U.S. consulate or embassy in the country where you will be residing. Also, it is advisable that you should wait for at least few actions on the new application before you leave the U.S. again, such as waiting for your biometrics appointment or waiting for the receipt of your filing from the USCIS.

The next time you are back in the U.S., you should apply for a new U.S. re-entry permit on Form I-131. You do not necessarily have to return your existing re-entry U.S. permit. However, you do not need a U.S. re-entry to travel to the U.S. if you have been out of the U.S. for a relatively short period of time. Typically, if you&#39ve been out for a continuous period of less than six months, you should have no difficulty whatsoever of being re-admitted.

No, you do not need to return the re-entry permit in order to apply for another re-entry permit.

It is advisable to not be away from the U.S. for more than six months. Otherwise, the immigration inspectors can presume that you have abandoned your residency. Then you will need to show proof, including the re-entry permit, of your continuous intent to be permanent in the U.S.

Yes, you are expected to return the re-entry permit when you apply for a new one. However they do take several months to adjudicate these, so maybe you can file when you return and submit a copy of the re-entry permit later and explain that you need it to return to the USA. They should give you an opportunity to mail it in when they adjudicate the matter.

You can come back with your permanent resident card if the trip less than 180 days after the last visit. Yes, you have to surrender current re-entry permit if it is still valid.

If you have a valid re-entry permit in your possession, you will need to send it in when you apply for a new one. You need not send in an expired re-entry permit. For security reasons, USCIS will not issue a new re-entry permit to someone who already has a valid one in his or her possession. If you need a new re-entry permit because your previous one was lost, stolen or destroyed, please indicate this on your application for the new permit. Thus, we recommend that you apply for the re-entry permit and wait until biometrics are done before leaving U.S.