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A passport is one of the most important identification documents that an individual can possess. It serves as a key that allows the bearer to enter countries other than their own for a variety of reasons.
Passport colors are far from random; countries deliberately choose certain colors for their cultural or religious significance and sometimes for more practical reasons. Like most countries around the globe, the U.S. issues blue passports to its citizens. However, for many years, a certain type of travel document issued in the U.S. was referred to as a “white passport.” Despite the name, the most important thing to understand is that these documents are not actually passports.
What Is a White Passport?
A white passport is officially known as a Reentry Permit, which allows U.S. lawful permanent residents to live and work outside the U.S. for up to two years and reenter without risking their status. Reentry Permits used to have white covers when they were issued as plain identification documents. However, over time, the covers changed from white to green, and the documents came to resemble regular passports, with a U.S. logo on the cover and security features inside.
Who Needs a White Passport?
If you are a U.S. lawful permanent resident who plans to travel and remain outside the country for at least one year, you will need a reentry permit (white passport) to return to the U.S. without issue. There are numerous reasons why you may wish to embark on an extended trip abroad, such as accepting a work opportunity, receiving medical treatment in another country, or caring for an ill family member in your home country. Whatever the reason, having a reentry permit will help ensure that you can easily return to the U.S. when you are ready. Bear in mind that even if you plan an extended trip outside the U.S. for less than one year, you may still face scrutiny when returning without a reentry permit, as immigration officers may want to determine if you have taken up residence abroad.
What Are the Benefits of a Reentry Permit?
- Allows lawful permanent residents to remain outside the U.S. for up to two years
- Can be renewed twice for a total of six years
- Protects holder from unintentionally abandoning their lawful permanent resident status
- Can sometimes be used in lieu of a passport for entry into some countries
If you plan to be outside the U.S. for at least one year and you do not acquire a reentry permit first, you may be deemed to have abandoned your lawful permanent resident status when you try to reenter. You will then face the difficult task of attempting to have your status reinstated.
Consequently, if you need to travel abroad for an extended time but are uncertain how long you will be outside the U.S., it is best to apply for a reentry permit before you depart. Since processing times generally take three to four months or longer, you should aim to apply well
before your intended departure date. You cannot apply for a reentry permit outside of the U.S. Additionally, you will need to attend a biometrics appointment in the U.S. before your permit is approved.
If you are a lawful permanent resident who plans to live abroad for an extended period and need a white passport, or if you have questions regarding another immigration legal matter, contact U.S. Immigration Law Counsel for a strategy session to discuss your case.
