Leaving the US to live else where

[East Coast 1]

Hello,

I recently received my CR1 family green card. Moved to the US but my husbands work is taking us to Africa. I am suppose to renew my CR1 September 2014. We will be leaving the USA in January 2014 for Africa. I don't want to loose my US status as it took so much work and time. Does anyone know if there is such a thing as a waiver to leave and beable to still have keep the green card even though you are not living here.

Thanks

[Kastrs 723]

In order to maintain your status in general you must spend more time n the us than out of it

[didopage 337]

Do you know how long would you stay in Africa? If it's just a temporary travel, you may be able to keep your green card. Read this link: http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.eb1d4c2a3e5b9ac89243c6a7543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=0c353a4107083210VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD&vgnextchannel=0c353a4107083210VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD

[Inky 1,111]

Moved from AOS to working and traveling during immigration.

CR-1 holders do not file AOS they file ROC before expiration. Make sure you are looking at the correct forms when you need to file to remove conditions.

[Harsh_77 718]

Hello,

I recently received my CR1 family green card. Moved to the US but my husbands work is taking us to Africa. I am suppose to renew my CR1 September 2014. We will be leaving the USA in January 2014 for Africa. I don't want to loose my US status as it took so much work and time. Does anyone know if there is such a thing as a waiver to leave and beable to still have keep the green card even though you are not living here.

Thanks

Unfortunately your GC is not an open ticket.

I know you spent the time and money to go thru CR1 process but if you are not going to live in US there is not much you can do.

How long are you guys planning to be in S.Africa?

You can get and extension but I believe it is only for 2 years or less - if you planning to stay out of US for more than 2 years you will have to do the DCF from whichever country you are living at that point.

[Dave&Roza 748]

Hello,

I recently received my CR1 family green card. Moved to the US but my husbands work is taking us to Africa. I am suppose to renew my CR1 September 2014. We will be leaving the USA in January 2014 for Africa. I don't want to loose my US status as it took so much work and time. Does anyone know if there is such a thing as a waiver to leave and beable to still have keep the green card even though you are not living here.

Thanks

Travel outside the US from 1 day to 6 months is not a problem. Travel outside the US from 6 months to a year can have problems or not. Travel outsdie the US for more than 1 year and you can kiss your GC good-bye. If you plan to be outside for more than 6 months but less than 2 years, I would recommend applying for a re-entry permit. That show your intentions are to remain a LPR. Do not forgot to continue to FILE US income taxes and to document other items that show you are maintaining residency to the US and will return. Do not think remaining outside the US for a few months and then returning for a short visit and then returning will work as the CBP knows how people try to "game" the system in order to remain a LPR while actually living abroad.

You may also look at how this trip will impact your ROC as you should be eligile to file in June 2014 and will have at least a biometics appointment and possible an interview that both you and your husband must attend. Any possibility of living with your husband for the first 6 months; return to the US and file the ROC and wait to for your 10 year GC and then return to your husband?

Good luck,

Dave

[East Coast 1]

I just went on the USCIS website and I can keep my GC and leave the US. I just need to apply for an exception if out for more than a year. We will be coming and going from Senegal to the US.

Thanks for all the replies

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

You can get a reentry permit which will allow you to be out of the US for 2 years. You apply for a reentry permit on form I-131.

[hmh33 117]

Reentry permit might be a good idea even if you expect to be visiting the US more than once a year.