Yes. You can apply for a reentry permit (on Form I-131) before you leave the U.S. You can depart before the reentry permit is approved. With such a reentry permit, you can return to the U.S. even after ONE year until the reentry permit's EXPIRATION date. Reentry permits are normally valid for TWO years. You cannot renew a reentry permit, but you can return to the U.S. for a short time and apply for a NEW one. The second such reentry permit will be granted for two years, but subsequent reentry permits MAY only be approved for one year at a time.

Yes. You can apply for a reentry permit (on Form I-131) before you leave the U.S. You can depart before the reentry permit is approved. With such a reentry permit, you can return to the U.S. even after one year until the reentry permit's expiration date. Reentry permits are normally valid for two years. You cannot renew a reentry permit, but you can return to the U.S. for a short time and apply for a new one. The second such reentry permit will be granted for two years, but subsequent reentry permits may only be approved for one year at a time.