NOA2 received! Question about length of green card!!

[CPFoster 0]

I was hoping someone might be able to help me with this... At the end of the year, we'll be looking to get married in the US through the K1 visa however, we are planning to return to China after the paperwork is sorted out in the US. How long can my wife be out of the country before her green card expires? Is there some sort of paperwork that we could file to get an extension on the green card? Will me wife be able to enter into China after we get married?

Any help on this would be GREATLY appreciated! Thanks in advance!

Chris and Daphne

[Hypnos 6,576]

In general terms a green card holder must spend more time inside the US than outside.

Usually trips of up to six months are fine; trips of between six and twelve months may require the alien to prove to CBP that they have not abandoned their residency (maintained a US bank account, US mailbox, paid federal income taxes, etc.); and trips of over twelve months would require the alien to obtain a re-entry permit, plus they may need to show the same proof of non-abandonment as I mentioned previously.

[TexasTee2u 0]

IMM is correct. Legally, you must spend more time each year inside the U.S. than outside the U.S., however, they understand if you are there with your spouse who is working. They do look at each situation and do have the right to cancel permanent residence if they feel you are abusing it.

[TBoneTX 45,498]

*** Thread moved from K-1 Process forum to the Working & Traveling forum -- topic is about post-entry travel rather than a K-1 process issue. ***