Reentry Permits (I-131)
Applications for reentry permits must be filed while applicants are physically in the United States. Reentry permits cannot be created or extended overseas. After filing an application for a reentry permit in the United States, however, applicants may have it mailed to a USCIS office overseas or the consular section at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate. If you are notified that your reentry permit was sent to USCIS Athens, you may walk in or make an appointment to pick it up by contacting us via email at uscis.athens@dhs.gov, noting “Reentry Permit Appointment” on the subject line.
Instructions on how to obtain or replace a reentry permit are found at this link to the USCIS website: Emergency Travel.
What if I Have Been Outside The United States For Longer that 12 Months?
Individuals who have remained outside the United States for more than one year without a valid reentry permit or beyond the validity of a reentry permit may be eligible to apply for returning resident status (also called an SB-1 visa) with the consular section at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate within the jurisdiction of USCIS Athens.