Re-entry Permit - Personal Experience

[sunyata]

So I've been studying abroad for 2 years now after getting my GC through the diversity lottery. I plan to stay aborad for a few more years. Here is what my experience has been so far with flying back to the US:

I applied for a re-entry permit and got it before leaving 2 years ago. came back for the first time after about 11 months and wasn't asked too much at the entry point...they just scanned my GC and I was ready to go..

Just came back a few days ago for the second time. This time around, I have been out of the country for about 11 months and 2 weeks, so still below a full year. However, the immigration officer asked me if I had a re-entry permit with me. Fortunately I still did, so I showed that to him and he stamped it along with my passport. Apparently, being close to one year abroad is enough to get them suspicious, so I would advise to get the re-entry permit if you plan to be outside the country for more than 6 moths...

the guy advised me to get a new one also if i plan to be out of the country longer, even though i fly back in once every year....

just like they said it, a greencard is a "priviledge," not a right...

[toysolv6]

Sunyata,

did you apply for re-entry permit yourselves or did you go through a lawyer? any reason to go through a lawyer? what kind of supporting documents did u have to subit along with form I-131?

Any info is appreciated