Studying Abroad while pending Adjustment of Status

[Lewis100 0]

I am currently a college senior in the United States and I was hoping to study abroad soon, but I am not entirely sure what to do. I have not received my green card yet and I only had my biometrics done two weeks ago. To apply for a visa to go to another country (for study abroad) I would need either a permanent residency card or some way of showing I can re-enter the United States. I am not sure what my options are at the moment or if traveling abroad by September would be even possible at this point. Please, any tips or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[Starkilla09 366]

Based on your situation your study abroad program might not only be possible at the moment and also very inconvenient as well. First you're gonna need an advance parole document if you plan on leaving the U.S at any point now without a green card. Second the AP also carries a slight risk especially if you adjusted your status after being unlawfully present in the U.S for a while. Third the length of the study abroad program will also have to be factored in and will be inconvenient even if you travel on AP because you'll have to be back in the U.S shortly after again to attend your interview. (Unless your happened to have entered on K1 and had been notified by USCIS for an interview waiver). The study abroad will be more convenient when you get a green card as you can have temporary absences of less than 6 months with that status ( assuming your program will be). If more than 6 months, you can still apply for a re entry permit as a permanent resident to do it which will allow you to be out of the country for up to 2 years. Looking at the national backlog right now September might not make the cut to have your green card but you should get your AP by then.

Edited May 29, 2015 by Starkilla09