Leaving the country during I-751 processing

[davlor 0]

My wife just filed her I-751 a couple of months ago. In the meantime, we both have lost our jobs due to the great depression.

The industry we both work in is a shambles, and there aren't too many hopeful prospects for us in the US right now. We're thinking about looking for work in other countries (Canada, or possibly China). If we were to move to another country for work for 1 or 2 years (with the full intention of eventually moving back to the US), what's the likelihood of this jeopardizing the I-751 application? We would come back to the US to visit at least every 6 months; as far as I can tell, there's no absolute prohibition on this, but USCIS can always decide that my wife doesn't intend to reside here.... Does anyone have experience relevant to this?

Thanks!

Edited June 26, 2009 by davlor

[Otto 83]

Obviously you don't want to miss the biometrics appointment and/or the interview if one were scheduled.

Past that - there are guidelines on maintaining residency which do not include moving to another country and simply returning to the US every now and then to visit. See USCIS link below for some further reading.

http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/men...00045f3d6a1RCRD

[Dakine 26]

Get the 10 year GC in hand before going anywhere.

After that she can go work abroad. Main thing is NOT to show signs she'll give up her permanent residency. Excessive time abroad will "cut into" the time required to apply for US citizenship.

Obviously it's best to wait for US citizenship.

[Ed+Cindy 1]

Get the 10 year GC in hand before going anywhere.

After that she can go work abroad. Main thing is NOT to show signs she'll give up her permanent residency. Excessive time abroad will "cut into" the time required to apply for US citizenship.

Obviously it's best to wait for US citizenship.

I second this...you are only a year from citizenship. I would wait for it. Does what you need to in the meantime to make ends meet.