How soon can Green card holders travel out of US for medical reason

[akpman 3]

Hi,

My mother has her IR5 interview on 27th July. Her medical was done on 6th July. My mother has some minor cardiac discomfort and doctors are going to run some tests. If she requires any surgery, it may not give us enough time for her surgery and recovery and the travel to US within 5 month window left.

We were debating - if my mother can travel to US and finish the formalities of immigration and fly back to India asap and then get medical procedure done. Since, she will be in California, she can apply for MediCAL / ObamaCare. But, it is likely to take 2-3 months.

Can you please advise our options.

[aaron2020 11,651]

Hi,

She can immigrate, pass through immigration to get her I-551 stamp on her visa which becomes a green card, and immediately get on the next plane to India. With the I-551 green card stamp, she can come back to the U.S.

Best of luck

Edited July 19, 2015 by aaron2020

[apple21 953]

I agree with aaron2020.

Just additional info. An LPR cannot stay outside the US for 12 months or more. If they do without first acquiring a re-entry permit, it will be considered abandonment of resideny. So if (I pray not) she does go to surgery, keep track of how long she can travel back after recovery.

Good luck!

[akpman 3]

I agree with aaron2020.

Just additional info. An LPR cannot stay outside the US for 12 months or more. If they do without first acquiring a re-entry permit, it will be considered abandonment of resideny. So if (I pray not) she does go to surgery, keep track of how long she can travel back after recovery.

Good luck!

Thanks for all the replies. We will make sure she is back in USA within 6 months.