Return to the US after almost 6 months abroad - POE experience

[Little_My 464]

Hello all,

After some months of silence, I thought I'd share my experience of returning to the US (for a visit) after almost 6 months abroad.

As a brief background, I received my marriage-based, conditional greencard in July of 2011. I lived in the US for pretty much exactly a year, and then moved abroad temporarily in July of 2012 due to my husband's job situation. I did not get a re-entry permit, as I know with 100% certainty that I will be permanently back on US soil before having been abroad for over 12 months.

I returned to the US this past December for a month-long visit. I entered through Washington Dulles International airport. At POE, the CBP officer asked me how long I had been gone (little less than 6 months), and then why I had been gone for so long. I explained that my husband runs a company that is based in India, and he had to temporarily relocate to India because of that work, and I came with him. I also told him that our intention is to return to the US this spring (2013) latest by May.

That was it. He merely noted to keep in mind the requirements for maintaining residency and continuous residency in case I plan to apply for citizenship, and reminded me that I had to file for ROC, and that was that.

Our plan is to be back in the US around April-May, and file for ROC. I am hoping I will be able to apply for citizenship in summer of 2014 around my 3-year anniversary as permanent resident, but that's still far in the future. In any case, very easy and non-dramatic re-entry. Will let you all know how things go when I return permanently later this spring.

[sweetcitygirl 0]

Thank you so much for this post it has really helped us as my husband has to travel and we feel better now after your post. I wish others would post their experiences when they have to leave and return to the US as there are only reviews of POE when they first arrive as an immigrant.

thanks so much!

[waitwaitwait 3]

Thanks one of the more helpful posts.