Travelling outside USA for 9 months

[minadent 1]

Hello everyone,

I am a green card holder. I got my green card last August. I travelled back to Egypt as my mom is sick and needed someone to take care of her. My brother is working abroad so I am the only one available.

I will be in Egypt till May as my brother will be in Egypt in May and he will take care of her. 

My question is what should I expect when I arrive to the point of entry ?

Thanks

[Boiler 45,657]

Abandoning Permanent Resident Status

You may also lose your permanent resident status by intentionally abandoning it. You may be found to have abandoned your status if you:

• Move to another country, intending to live there permanently.
• Remain outside of the United States for an extended period of time, unless you intended this to be a temporary absence, as shown by:
  • The reason for your trip;
  • How long you intended to be absent from the United States;
  • Any other circumstances of your absence; and
  • Any events that may have prolonged your absence.
  • Note: Obtaining a re-entry permit from USCIS before you leave, or a returning resident visa (SB-1) from a U.S. consulate while abroad, may assist you in showing that you intended only a temporary absence.
• Fail to file income tax returns while living outside of the United States for any period.
• Declare yourself a “nonimmigrant” on your U.S. tax returns.

Do you have a re entry permit?

[Roel 7,192]

Should have get a re entry permit before you left. 

[minadent 1]

I know Green Card is for living inside USA and that's what I want.

[minadent 1]

A re-entry permit is for absence up to 2 years. Isn't it?

 

[Going through 5,671]

The main issue will be two-fold:

 

*You were outside of the US for 9 months (without a reentry permit)

*It appears you left the US the very same month you received your green card (based on the "August" you wrote above and the 9-month calculation since)

 

Now, the first one can cause issues if determined that you abandoned your residency status...this happens even in cases of trips 6 months or less sometimes---all depends on the officer you encounter at POE as to how much scrutiny you will receive.

 

The second one can cause issues if determined/assumed by the POE officer that you are using the green card as a glorified "tourist visa" (not saying you are, but it can be perceived as such by a stringent officer.)

 

Combining the two above, not the greatest of situations---but not the first time POE has seen it happen either.

 

Do you have proof of your mother staying in a hospital, procedure done etc., or was all care done at her home privately by you only?

 

 

Edited February 5, 2018 by Going through

[Going through 5,671]

2 minutes ago, minadent said:

A re-entry permit is for absence up to 2 years. Isn't it?

 

Doesn't mean you can't return to the US under those 2 years, though.  2 years is the maximum, not the requirement.

Edited February 5, 2018 by Going through

[Andsco 89]

39 minutes ago, minadent said:

A re-entry permit is for absence up to 2 years. Isn't it?

 

My advice is that you get a letter in English from a Doctor (either her own doctor or maybe from a Hospital, etc.) stating that your mother is ill, what's her illness, since when is she suffering it, etc. Like that you have a proof that you had to fly back to Egypt ASAP. You should find a way to proof that you got NO ONE in Egypt that can take care of her. Sadly they might put a little bit of a fight but if your reasons are true and legit, they will call it good and let you back in. 

Remember, is all about proving that what you are saying it's true by showing official documents or even letters from people like your brother explaining why you and not him had to go take care of her as well.