NSC Reentry Permit Processing Time Error
Posted Apr 04, 2003

Some individuals have received receipts for applications for reentry permits from the Nebraska Service Center (NSC) that indicate a processing time in excess of 900 days. This is an error. The processing time for reentry permits, as of March 2003, is approximately 180-190 days. The confusion arose because the NSC must categorize the filing of the Form I-131, used for the reentry permit. The NSC does have one category of I-131 that takes over 900 days. This applies to cases filed under a special program for certain nationals of Haiti known as HRIFA. Unfortunately, the NSC experienced problems with issuance of receipt notices and the HRIFA category was wrongly selected as a "default."

As an important note to MurthyDotCom and MurthyBulletin readers, the reentry permit should not be confused with advance parole. Although the same form is used for both types of cases, they are different types of permission to reenter the U.S. The advance parole is for individuals who have pending adjustment of status cases. The reentry permit is for individuals with permanent residence who plan to travel or live abroad for extended periods of time. See our article entitled, Reentry Permit for Travel, for more information on reentry permits. Extended travel by permanent residents is covered in our April 19, 2002 article, Immigration Rumor: Travel by Permanent Resident, both available on MurthyDotCom.