r2i forum

I have posted this in another topic, admins please advise if i can post a thread in two separate topics.
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Hi,

Our re-entry permit (first time) expires in October, and I am in a dilemma whether to renew it or not. link. As it stands right now, I see three options in front of us:

1. Both of us go to US, spend one week and then come back. This extends our timeline by one year, which hopefully will give me enough time to decide about giving up (or not giving up) GC. However, does it affect our ability to request second-time REP in future?

2. Both of us go to US for a couple of weeks and apply for REP. It will be difficult to get more vacation time. Don't know if this will give us enough time until the biometrics appointment. Any thoughts, please share.

3. Only I go to the US for a week, and then come back. Wife loses her GC, and I get one year timeline extension for maintaining GC as in #1. If we ever decide to go back to the US next year, will my wife be able to get a returning resident visa based on my ties to the US? I plan on registering a PLLC in my and wife's name, when I am there. Also, I have significant amount in 401k, and maintain a couple of bank accounts as well as credit card accounts (which I use regularly). No owned property there.

4. Same as #3, but with enough time in US to apply for REP. Questions remain the same as for #3.

On a sidenote, I saw that you can apply online for REP via infopass. Can you do that from India? If so, maybe it will help in going for the biometric appointment with shorter stay in the US.

Thanks in advance for help in making the decision!

Hi there - I have had some experience in the REP process, so let me try and answer ur qns.

1) From what I understand, it does not affect ur ability to apply for addl REPs... during the gap in REPs, they will consider you as a resident ... You will be asked to provide details of other REPs you've had, so they will know it's a 2nd request. The other thing they ask in the form is how long you've been outside the US ...that might impact the effective duration of the REP ...you should be able to get a 2 year REP after you go back post 1 year.

Be aware that stays over 6months without REP are questioned and scrutinized...so even though the airline will let you board the plan in India as long as it's under a year, you should anticipate some cross questioning.

2) You need to plan for 4 weeks of stay and keep fingers crossed for everything to work perfectly. 6 weeks is a safer bet, but bare minimum is 4 weeks. This is the best option if youre undecided about R2I. An expensive option, of course.

3) Your wife has to apply for the SB1 visa at the consulate...costs around 800 USD irrespective of approval. She will have to justify why she didnt return after expiry of REP or apply for fresh REP...its a very risky option if you are keen on returning some day.

4) same response as #3.

You cannot apply for REP or do your Fingerprinting in India ... need to apply in US and get the FP done there. You can travel outside the country before you get the FP notice.... and call and reschedule the FP date a couple of times ( 1 month extensions- upto 3 are allowed, I believe).

Good luck with everything ....

Make a decision and enjoy your life whichever place .... its painful being stuck trying to keep leg in 2 boats ...I know and agree it's easy to say, but this is the truth ... we all know ... make a decision and fugetaboutit.

God bless