How can I travel back to the U.S. without a re-entry permit after being outside the country for over six months?

If you have a green card and you have been out less than one year, you should be readmitted without a problem, unless you no longer live in the U.S. You may be required to explain the reason for your extended absence.

If you are outside the country for less than a year, it should not be a problem to enter with your permanent residency card.

For any travel of over one year, there is an assumption of abandonment of permanent residency in the U.S.

If you do not have a re-entry permit, you can still attempt to re-enter the U.S. It would be advisable to bring with you documentary proof of your binding ties to the U.S.

You should be able to re-enter with your permanent resident card. Typically, you have to be outside the U.S. for more than a year before the issue of re-entry permit comes in.

You could be questioned about whether you abandoned your residency, but you can overcome that with your explanation, the evidence of your ties to the U.S., and U.S. IDs in your billfold or purse.