I-131 or N-470??

[anon 1]

While my wife was going through the process of becoming a CR, I got accepted to study for a degree in the UK next year. She has just finished the process and recently entered the US as a CR. Now we're wondering what to do about making sure she maintains status while we're abroad. We'll probably be able to return for a few days before 6 months are up and will certainly be back within a year. Is there any need to file an I-131, and is it at all possible to file an N-470?

I should add that we'll be leaving the country in August, so I doubt we'll be able to complete either application in time. If necessary, can they be filed abroad, or can they be filed here and have the biometric portion completed abroad?

Thank you very much.

Edited June 20, 2010 by anon

[payxibka 10,045]

While my wife was going through the process of becoming a CR, I got accepted to study for a degree in the UK next year. She has just finished the process and recently entered the US as a CR. Now we're wondering what to do about making sure she maintains status while we're abroad. We'll probably be able to return for a few days before 6 months are up and will certainly be back within a year. Is there any need to file an I-131, and is it at all possible to file an N-470?

I should add that we'll be leaving the country in August, so I doubt we'll be able to complete either application in time. If necessary, can they be filed abroad, or can they be filed here and have the biometric portion completed abroad?

Thank you very much.

These two forms serve two entirely different purposes.

I-131 is used to gain a re-entry permit while the purpose of the N-470 is for a permanent resident alien who must leave the United States for certain employment purposes and wishes to preserve his or her status as an immigrant in order to pursue naturalization.

I think in your situation the I-131 is what you want to submit

I-131 MUST be submitted before you depart.

Moving this thread to the Working/Traveling during immigration forum

Edited June 20, 2010 by payxibka

[anon 1]

These two forms serve two entirely different purposes.

I-131 is used to gain a re-entry permit while the purpose of the N-470 is for a permanent resident alien who must leave the United States for certain employment purposes and wishes to preserve his or her status as an immigrant in order to pursue naturalization.

I think in your situation the I-131 is what you want to submit

I-131 MUST be submitted before you depart.

Moving this thread to the Working/Traveling during immigration forum

Just to followup:

1) Is it possible for her to get a N-470 for the purpose that she has? We'd definitely like the time to count towards her naturalization requirements later.

2) Do we really need to submit an I-131 if we'll be back in the country within six months and the total travel time is less than a year? Of course, we'd prefer not to have the extra expense if it's not necessary--although we do want to make sure there isn't anything fishy with her status now so nothing counts against us if we need to apply for further reentry permits in the future (I expect my job to require a decent amount of living abroad from time to time).

[payxibka 10,045]

Just to followup:

1) Is it possible for her to get a N-470 for the purpose that she has? We'd definitely like the time to count towards her naturalization requirements later.

2) Do we really need to submit an I-131 if we'll be back in the country within six months and the total travel time is less than a year? Of course, we'd prefer not to have the extra expense if it's not necessary--although we do want to make sure there isn't anything fishy with her status now so nothing counts against us if we need to apply for further reentry permits in the future (I expect my job to require a decent amount of living abroad from time to time).

The N-470 says "certain EMPLOYMENT purposes".... you appear to be going based on educational...

less than 6 mos. contiguous out should not have an effect on naturalization or require the re-entry permit