Living outside US on CR-1 visa

[ucaj 0]

Not really sure if this is the right place to post this and I'm thinking a few years into the future so for all I know the rules may have changed by then, but I'm curious to hear your thoughts on my situation.

I'm currently living in Peru and will shortly marry my Peruvian fiancee. We'll be staying here for probably nine months to a year after that as she finishes her degree, and then, assuming her CR-1 visa comes through, will likely move to the US for a time. The problem is that my field is international development, and while I may be working in Washington DC for a year or even two, my strong preference is to transfer to a third country as soon as possible. Obviously the hope is that she would be able to come with me.

However, my preliminary research suggests that a prolonged absence from the US on her part (i.e. longer than six months, though I don't know if this is the official limit) could invalidate her residency and get her deported upon returning. Are there any allowances/work-arounds for my situation? Is it as simple as coming back to the US for a visit once every six months, or is she required to keep her primary residency in the US? Thanks for your help!

[Penguin_ie 5,994]

She would usually be required to have her primary residence int he USA and spend more than half her time in the USA, as that is what a Permanent Resident is. There are some work-arounds, depending on your exact situation. For example she can apply for a re-entry permit before she leaves, that usually gives her 1-2 years abroad. Also, if your work is for a US government organisation, then she can move with you as special rules apply.