HELP! We're getting nervous about what happens after he's here

[karakmitchell 0]

I need any help/advice I can get! After a LONG phone conversation last night with my fiance, I'm feeling really hopeless about things right now. I guess I thought he could come here, adjust his status, stay for two years, and then we'd be free to leave the US (I have plans to work abroad in his home country, but am committed to my job here for the next year). But, I started reading some posts here and something on the USCIS website that makes it seem like even after two years we won't be able to leave the states for more than a year. I'm really confused. After two years, he'll be a permanent resident. When/how can we leave the US for more than a year? How long does the naturalization/citizenship process? Is that what he needs to do before he can leave long-term?

Also, how long does the advanced parole process usually take? Both of my fiance's parents are ill and he's worried he'll come here and not be able to go home if something happens.

I really appreciate any help you have. Things are looking pretty bleak right now!

[pnd629 0]

I have a friend(US citizen) whose husband is French--he has permanent U.S. residency. They have been married for 6 years. They moved to France for a year without any problems. I think she mentioned something about needing to return to the U.S. at least once a year to keep her husband's permanent residency valid. But they only stayed a year, so I am not sure about that detail.

[karakmitchell 0]

Thanks, anything helps at this point!

[Boiler 47,201]

He has to obtain US Citizenship.

Otherwise he has to maintain the US as his permanent residence.

Or you can just start again when you want to come back.

There are some exceptions that might help, are you being moved by US Gov or US Multinational?

Edited March 31, 2006 by Boiler

[meauxna 15]

I think she mentioned something about needing to return to the U.S. at least once a year to keep her husband's permanent residency valid. But they only stayed a year, so I am not sure about that detail.

Returning once a year to maintain PR status is old info that I'm afraid will not be valid in the future. There is a lot more to keeping your PR status (details at uscis.gov for starters)

karakmitchell,

we weren't ready to give up our foreign home either, so we didn't, but we didn't take up employment abroad either (that might complicate your plan).

At its most basic, your (then) husband will be eligible to naturalize after 3 years as a PR (green card). Since he is coming on a K-1 and will still need to adjust status, and there is a delay of up to a year to complete naturalization after applying, you're looking at 5 years or so before he can come and go at will.

If you are seriously interested in pursuing a move abroad while preserving PR status in the US, you should find an immigration attorney who is *well experienced* in the topic (not all are) who can help you make a plan. It can be done, but it's very specific to your details and shouldn't be attempted on your own/via discussion group. IMO, of course.

An alternate is to go ahead with what you're doing, abandon PR and re-file when you want to return. Main drawback to that is a DCF or any Immigrant Visa case through Mexico is currently taking a year to finish.

[kyd 0]

He has to obtain US Citizenship.

Otherwise he has to maintain the US as his permanent residence.

Or you can just start again when you want to come back.

There are some exceptions that might help, are you being moved by US Gov or US Multinational?

I'm in a similar situation. I will be moved by the U.S. Government approximately 1 year after my fiancee arrives in the states & we are married. How will the move influence our situation, & will she be able to move with me?

[Boiler 47,201]

He has to obtain US Citizenship.

Otherwise he has to maintain the US as his permanent residence.

Or you can just start again when you want to come back.

There are some exceptions that might help, are you being moved by US Gov or US Multinational?

I'm in a similar situation. I will be moved by the U.S. Government approximately 1 year after my fiancee arrives in the states & we are married. How will the move influence our situation, & will she be able to move with me?

Take professional advice, but if you are moved by the Gov then she should be OK.

You need to check on any visa aspects that she may have in joining you.

[knadik 0]

kara, just in case you didnt get me email, give me a call!