You must file a Form I-131 and prove supporting documents (your immigration lawyer can file this for you). Your Form I-131 must be filed while you are physically present in the United States. You must attend a biometrics (fingerprinting) appointment.
Quick Answer. From the day your reentry permit application is filed, it takes about 6 weeks for your biometrics appointment, where your digital fingerprints are taken. After your biometrics appointment, your actual reentry permit should be issued within 1 to 3 months. Total processing time: 2 to 5 months on average.
Who already have a visa in their passport. Travelers may wish to avoid buying plane tickets until they have obtained an ESTA (or a valid visa, in case the ESTA is not approved). ESTA applications may be submitted at any time prior to travel. The processing of an ESTA can take up to 72 hours.
If you are requesting expedited processing of a travel document, you generally need to apply for and obtain the document before you leave the United States. You should make your expedite request on your pending application at least 45 days before you plan to leave the United States.
The travel document usually arrives within 150 days (sometimes longer) after submitting your application. You can't leave the country until you have your approved travel document in hand, so you should expect to spend the 3–5 months after submitting your green card application in the United States.
Applications may be submitted at any time prior to travel to the United States. The Department of Homeland Security recommends that travel authorization applications be submitted at least 72 hours prior to travel.
ESTA is an automated system that determines the eligibility of visitors to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). Authorization via ESTA does not determine whether a traveler is admissible to the United States.
A Travel Authorization (TE) is used to request approval for a business-related trip. In this document, the traveler indicates trip destination(s), purpose, and dates of travel and requests advance checks. In response, the TE records trip information and schedules advance checks.
While passports issued by governments are the most common variety of travel document, many states and international organisations issue other varieties of travel documents that allow the holder to travel internationally to countries that recognise the documents.
Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) Visa Waiver Program travelers are required to apply for and receive an approved travel authorization via ESTA to board a plane or vessel bound for the United States. (A travel authorization via ESTA is not a guarantee of admission into the United States.