Out Of The Country - How Long ?

[Chicagoguy 2 27]

Now that my wife has to ROC 10 year card she was asking me how long she can be out of the country each year before there is a problem.

This came up not because of anything now but a discussion between us about the advantages of citizenship vs. 10 year card. And if something happened to me and she was alone and returned to Russia.

[ceadsearc 516]

Generally more than six months away raises eyebrows, but what they are really looking at this that she is clearly maintaining US residency and not residency abroad. So if she was only gone three months at a time but was just returning for a week in between, that could be a problem. Anything beyond a year (but less than 2) requires a re-entry permit. Once she's a citizen, of course, she can come and go as she pleases.

[Inky 1,110]

Generally more than six months away raises eyebrows, but what they are really looking at this that she is clearly maintaining US residency and not residency abroad. So if she was only gone three months at a time but was just returning for a week in between, that could be a problem. Anything beyond a year (but less than 2) requires a re-entry permit. Once she's a citizen, of course, she can come and go as she pleases.

So the 10 year GC has the same travel restrictions as the 2 year GC?

[ceadsearc 516]

So the 10 year GC has the same travel restrictions as the 2 year GC?

In terms of maintaining residency, yes. Only citizens do not have to maintain residency; permanent residents must be just that - permanent residents.

[Chicagoguy 2 27]

With ths things happening in Russia this past week she is becoming more convinced that two passports might be an advantage. Who knows what the future may bring. I don't see any downside.