Questions about i-131

[Airspray]

Hi,
I want to file an application for a reentry permit (form I-131). I'm a new GC holder, and never lived in the US before.
My questions are:
1. Is there a way to pay the filing fee without an American bank account? (ie. cash, foreign credit card etc.)
2. If I resume to the US after 8 months, how long do I have to wait before applying for citizenship?

Thanks!

[manhattanite]

(1) Why do you need to file the I-131 if you have a GC?
(2) Residence in the US for 5 years with GC.

[Airspray]

1. Because i-131 is for a reentry permit for a GC holder who wants to reside outside the US for a long period of time.
2. I know that, that's not what I was asking.
I'm sorry but you clearly have no idea on the abovementioned subjects, so let's wait till someone who knows can reply.

[manhattanite]

1. Because i-131 is for a reentry permit for a GC holder who wants to reside outside the US for a long period of time.
2. I know that, that's not what I was asking.
I'm sorry but you clearly have no idea on the abovementioned subjects, so let's wait till someone who knows can reply.

Okay, just trying to be helpful. And no need to apologize for being catty—you could have chosen just to not make a comment like that.

[flyingron]

If you're paying with a check or similar bank draft, then it has to be a US bank if you're doing it from within the US.
They other option is to use a credit card: Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover. Doesn't need to be US issued.
Note you need to be careful with the latter. If your payment gets declined, CIS will just reject your application. Best to call your card issuer first and let them know.

[Airspray]

Thank you. Do you know if they accept money orders, specifically moneygram/western union money orders?

[flyingron]

Money orders and cashiers checks from US banks are OK.

[newacct]

Is this I-131 for you?
GC holders don't need I-131s. You use your GC and passport to travel.

I-131 is a form that can be used to apply for 3 types of things: Advance Parole, Re-entry Permit, and Refugee Travel Document. GC holders (and only GC holders) can apply for Re-entry Permits, and that is what the OP is applying for.

GC holders may not stay out of the U.S. for 6 months at one time. If you do your GC is considered abandoned and … it's risking a headache/expense/process that you don't want.

Not true. The GC by itself is valid for re-entry after an absence of up to one year. A Re-entry Permit (which is issued for 2 years) is valid for re-entry during the Re-entry Permit's period of validity, so allows a GC holder to stay outside for up to 2 years.

[Airspray]

I-131 is a form that can be used to apply for 3 types of things: Advance Parole, Re-entry Permit, and Refugee Travel Document. GC holders (and only GC holders) can apply for Re-entry Permits, and that is what the OP is applying for.


Not true. The GC by itself is valid for re-entry after an absence of up to one year. A Re-entry Permit (which is issued for 2 years) is valid for re-entry during the Re-entry Permit's period of validity, so allows a GC holder to stay outside for up to 2 years.

Exactly. I got my GC through the DV lottery. I know the 4 years and 1 day rule for naturalization based on an absence of a year or more, but I wonder if the same rule applies if I decided to come back after only 8 months (assuming I start from 0)...