Staying out of the country

[nejay 4]

How long can a perminant resident stay out of the country? Is it 6 months or a year?

[twulf 0]

How long can a perminant resident stay out of the country? Is it 6 months or a year?

As far as I know, its 6 months, but sometimes people stay longer and its not a problem, depends on reason to stay away and your ties to/in the US, also a lot depends on the officer when you go back to the US. If its your first time staying away more than 6 months, I don't think they question you that much, but may be. On the other hand, if you've done it a couple of times, then you might be "advised" to give up your green card and apply for a tourist visa since you don't spend that much time in the US as an LPR, and they stamp your p.port with a stamp stating that that has been advised. May be others here can given you more input.

PS: If you plan to stay longer than 1 year, then apply for a Reentry Permit.

[-mitch- 3]

you are allowed less than 6 months to stay outside US with no questions ask... and if you go more than that, you have to have a reentry permit which allows you stay less than 2 years. (make sure you dont go over 6 months or else they will take your green card from you... and make sure you dont go over 2 years with your reentry or else, they will also take your green card from you...)