BooLeeNut

Hi, so I'm back in the US. Flew to Atlanta via LAX from Hong Kong. LAX CBP asked me to go into a room full of people where I waited for an hour. Then my name was called to the counter. They left my passport on the counter but I waited. Then, an officer said you're done. So I took it and gave it to another officer at the exit who recorded my details and mentioned a code 271. Then I was out the door for my next flight. No questions asked. Yayyy.

Thank you for your advice.  Will update once I get in next year. 

16 minutes ago, SusieQQQ said:

They might ask about the absence - or for example ask if you are aware of residency requirements or a similar question - if they do just tell the truth - that you needed a few months to wrap everything up and now you are returning for good on your one way ticket. 

Tq for your advice.  I hope I can get back in without any trouble. When I came in, I noted that the Officer has written no B class on the page in my packet and B class - yes on my husband's.  

Hi SusieQQQ.  Yes, I am returning with a one way ticket.  I guess that's it - an account and a one way ticket since I cannot file taxes yet.

Meantime, what questions would they normally ask at customs for my case - 7 months stay outside the US.

Hello there, I am back from the US after activating my GC on June 1st. I have few more questions:-

-I managed to open a joint account with my husband.  Is that ok?  

-How do I file my taxes (as US resident) from my home country?  

-What other documents should I bring to show my ties to the US when I return in January?

1 hour ago, SusieQQQ said:

All LPRs are the same. The above technically means you get questioned more after 6 months out but honestly, it depends on the officer and your situation. Come back after 5 months but on a return ticket out again in 2 weeks, you'll get questioned brutally. Come back in after 8 months on a one way ticket having filed taxes and with your husband waiting for you - you'll satisfy them very easily. 

Thanks again for the advice.  

3 hours ago, SusieQQQ said:

There's no problem staying out longer than 6 months - just don't do it repeatedly. This is very common for DV winners who unlike family visas have not had years to get ready for the move! Like Emily, we stayed out much longer than 6 months.

and if your husband is staying in the US the whole time you can certainly use that to show ties!!

Hi SusieQQQ,

Thank you for the assurance.  Just so many info out there, I get scared.  With ref to CBP Q& A excerpt below, does it apply to DV winners as well?  Appreciate your advise.  

Thank you.

What documents, identification, and paperwork does a Lawful Legal Permanent Resident (LPR) Green Card holder need to travel internationally?

LPRs who are out of the U.S. for more than 180 days are subject to new immigrant inspection procedures as per 8 USC 1101.

2 minutes ago, EmilyW said:

I left after a three week activation trip and returned nearly 8 months later and it wasn't a problem.  You'll be fine.

wow!  just the answer i was looking for.  thank you so much.

2 minutes ago, EmilyW said:

1) Yes

2) Yes

3) Open a bank account (takes an hour to do) and file your taxes.  When you return, make sure you return with a one way ticket.

Hi EmilyW,

Thanks so much for your reply.  Means, I can get back in even after being outside over 6 months?  I have read so much sources online and they seem to suggest that it's risky to go out right after activation and return over 6 months later.  I do have a lot to settle before I can make the final move.

Hi there, my husband has been approved for the DV and we are going to the US end of May.  I will follow him, he will stay to work but I will return to my home country after 9 days.

I need to settle work responsibilities (I am still working), sell apartment and make the final move in January 2018.  I will not have time to get strong ties within the initial 9 days.  

I would like to know:-

1) if I can return to my home country after only spending 9 days in the US;

2) can I stay outside the US (after activating the GC) for more than 6 months (7 months in my case - Jun 2017 to Jan 2018);

3) what proof can I show that I did not abandon my GC if i had no time to rent apartment, open accounts etc while i was in the US.

Thank you.