A lawful permanent resident (LPR) normally may travel outside the United States and return; however, there are some limitations. A reentry permit can help prevent two types of problems: (1) Your Permanent Resident Card becomes technically invalid for reentry into the United States if you are absent from the United States for 1 year or more; and (2) Your U.S. permanent residence may be considered as abandoned for absences shorter than 1 year if you take up residence in another country. A reentry permit establishes that you did not intend to abandon status, and it allows you to apply for admission to the United States after traveling abroad for up to 2 years without having to obtain a returning resident visa. Reentry permits are normally valid for 2 years from the date of issuance. 

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