How long can I stay out of the U.S with the temp Green Card

[Steph0814 1]

These are just tentative right now, but my husband was looking at getting a masters abroad. So I wanted to ask how long I am allowed to live outside of the US with my temp Green Card?

Thanks all!

[Tsup2 0]

You cannot leave the country for more than one year at a time without abandoning your residency status.

[Krikit 1,166]

CBP FAQ: I am a lawful permanent resident of the U.S., can I leave...?

[YuAndDan 153]

Keep in mind the green card is for residency in the USA, NOT for living abroad. The conditional one tends to be more critical of this than the permanent one.

Maintaining Permanent Residence

You may lose your permanent residence status if you commit an act that makes you removable from the United States under the law in section 237 of the Immigration and Nationality Act. If you commit such an act, you may be brought before the immigration courts to determine your right to remain a Permanent Resident.

You may be found to have abandoned your permanent resident status if you:

• Move to another country intending to live there permanently.

• Remain outside of the US for more than one year without obtaining a reentry permit or returning resident visa. However in determining whether your status has been abandoned any length of absence from the US may be considered, even if it is less than one year.

• Remain outside of the US for more than two years after issuance of a reentry permit without obtaining a returning resident visa. However in determining whether your status has been abandoned any length of absence from the US may be considered, even if it is less than one year.

• Fail to file income tax returns while living outside of the US for any period.

• Declare yourself a nonimmigrant on your tax returns.

http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/men...00045f3d6a1RCRD Edited April 1, 2008 by YuAndDan

[Steph0814 1]

Ok Wonderful! Thank you all so much!

We are looking at France and Japan. Me so excited! Love to travel!

[Krikit 1,166]

Ok Wonderful! Thank you all so much!

We are looking at France and Japan. Me so excited! Love to travel!

Wow. How exciting! Have fun!

[Steph0814 1]

I will definitely keep this in mind, it looks as if this might not occur till I have the permanant Green Card. I just wanted to be sure I could do it before actually becoming naturalized.

Thanks so much

Keep in mind the green card is for residency in the USA, NOT for living abroad. The conditional one tends to be more critical of this than the permanent one.

Maintaining Permanent Residence

You may lose your permanent residence status if you commit an act that makes you removable from the United States under the law in section 237 of the Immigration and Nationality Act. If you commit such an act, you may be brought before the immigration courts to determine your right to remain a Permanent Resident.

You may be found to have abandoned your permanent resident status if you:

• Move to another country intending to live there permanently.

• Remain outside of the US for more than one year without obtaining a reentry permit or returning resident visa. However in determining whether your status has been abandoned any length of absence from the US may be considered, even if it is less than one year.

• Remain outside of the US for more than two years after issuance of a reentry permit without obtaining a returning resident visa. However in determining whether your status has been abandoned any length of absence from the US may be considered, even if it is less than one year.

• Fail to file income tax returns while living outside of the US for any period.

• Declare yourself a nonimmigrant on your tax returns.

http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/men...00045f3d6a1RCRD