AOS FILERS: DECEMBER 2008

[Diazy 10]

Or... even better... is there something on the USCIS website about length of allowed stay out of the country while on a Permanent Resident card?

Oh here it is... I thought to search the USCIS site after I posted.

"International Travel

A Permanent Resident of the United States can travel freely outside of the US. A passport from the country of citizenship is normally all that is needed. To reenter the US a Permanent Resident normally needs to present the green card (Permanent Resident Card, Form I-551) for readmission. A reentry permit is needed for reentry for trips greater than one year but less than two years in duration."

So it looks like for a 7 week trip all she needs is her passport and her green card.

Yes, you are right=)

When I spoke about second advance parole, i meant the reentry permit

[aravis227 1]

Hi everyone! I haven't been around for awhile, how is everyone doing? Also, congrats to everyone who has been approved and good look to anyone who is still waiting!

[aravis227 1]

When does a short trip become a long trip? I mean that is sort of an arbitrary term isn't it? She is going for about 7 weeks to visit her mom who she hasn't seen in a year now. Her mom is old(ish) and she wants to take her to the doctor for a heart exam etc.

I didn't see an answer to this anywhere, I just pulled this off of the USCIS website...I know only the bold part pertains to your question, but I thought the other stuff was good to know also.

Maintaining Permanent Residence

Maintaining Permanent Residence You may lose your permanent residence status if you commit an act that makes you removable from the United States under the law in section 237 of the Immigration and Nationality Act. If you commit such an act, you may be brought before the immigration courts to determine your right to remain a Permanent Resident.

You may be found to have abandoned your permanent resident status if you:

* Move to another country intending to live there permanently.

* Remain outside of the US for more than one year without obtaining a reentry permit or returning resident visa. However in determining whether your status has been abandoned any length of absence from the US may be considered, even if it is less than one year.

* Remain outside of the US for more than two years after issuance of a reentry permit without obtaining a returning resident visa. However in determining whether your status has been abandoned any length of absence from the US may be considered, even if it is less than one year.

* Fail to file income tax returns while living outside of the US for any period.

* Declare yourself a “nonimmigrant” on your tax returns.

[aravis227 1]

Blah...it just killed my edit on that post.

Someone on another website recommended that you contact the US embassy where you are visiting if you're going to be gone for more than six months, but less than a year...just as a failsafe in case immigrations wants to make any trouble later on. Copies of a certified letter sent to the embassy stating that you are abroad for study/visit/etc and fully intend to return to the US under the one year limit would be pretty good proof to USCIS if they tried to say "you were gone for 10 months, that's evidence you were planning to not come back." I also saw someone mention that absences of at least a year can affect your residency timeline if you're planning to go for citizenship. I know you didn't mention being gone that long...I just like information gathering and it maybe be useful to someone later on.

[Diazy 10]

I got my Welcome letter and my hubby got approval of I130 letter.

Also I received "Card production ordered" again. I think my Green card is on the way.

[desain 0]

I got my Welcome letter and my hubby got approval of I130 letter.

Also I received "Card production ordered" again. I think my Green card is on the way.

Hey Diazy:

Congratulations on your approval. I am so happy to see almost everybody on the forum has been approved. For those waiting...I am sure things will work out.

Cheers,

Desain

[Diazy 10]

I received the green card!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!=) I'm so happy!