Re-entry Permit
Legal Permanent Residents (Green Card holders) who know in advance that they will need to remain outside the U.S. for more than one year may apply for a re-entry permit. A re-entry permit preserves the green card and proves that you do not intend to abandon permanent residence while outside the U.S. Re-entry permits are issued for a period of two years and may be extended, under certain circumstances, for an additional period of two years. Re-entry permits are filed on form I-131.