Reentry permit

[werneruk 0]

I am about to apply for a re-entry permit. On the form it asks you how long have you been out of the country since you have had your green card. 0-6mths,6-12mths 1-2 years. I have been out a lot as I have been working abroad. I am worried that this will effect whether I receive the permit. Does anybody have any info on this please. Also how long does it take to get one?

Thanks

[YuAndDan 153]

Working abroad can affect your LPR status, a green-card of for permanent residence in the USA, it is NOT a "Permanent Visa" for temporary residence in the USA.

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

[Mononoke28 137]

I was under the understanding that people should file for a Re-Entry permit before traveling abroad, not after. And that if the person had already left the US, that they would have to contact their closest US Embassy to file.

Diana