Is transfer flight considered as entering US

[chameleon81 0]

Hi ,

I have a greencard but I still do not live in US. Currently I live/work in UK.

I was entering US every 6 months since 1 year. Now I m planning to fly to Bogota Colombia and my flight has a connection either in JFK or Atlanta.

Will be considered as entered into US?

Thanks,

Kaan

[jhm3 15]

Well, passing through the US in transit is treated as an "entry" in the sense that you will have to pass through immigration inspection and be admitted to the country, even if it's just to catch an onward flight, but you shouldn't suppose that passing through in that way will serve to keep your green card valid for another six months. If you are in fact living elsewhere, the immigration officers could -- either on this trip or in the future -- conclude that you have abandoned permanent residency and initiate proceedings to revoke the green card, regardless of the fact that you have been visiting the US at regular intervals. I have no idea how likely it is that the issue will arise at the port of entry, now or later (though the likelihood probably does increase over time), but it's a possibility you should be aware of.

[canadian_wife 1,822]

Keep your green card valid for another 6 months? What on earth does that mean?

The OP is playing with fire. He clearly does not live in the US. He lives in the UK and visits the US.

Regardless, he can be denied entry and forced to give up his green card for failure to maintain permenant residency.

OP when you enter the US every 6 months, how long do you typically stay?

Good luck

[chameleon81 0]

Keep your green card valid for another 6 months? What on earth does that mean?

The OP is playing with fire. He clearly does not live in the US. He lives in the UK and visits the US.

Regardless, he can be denied entry and forced to give up his green card for failure to maintain permenant residency.

OP when you enter the US every 6 months, how long do you typically stay?

Good luck

I usually stay for 1-2 weeks in US.

"Regardless, he can be denied entry and forced to give up his green card for failure to maintain permenant residency. " I'm aware of it but I heard that it is really unlikely that they get your greencard. Obviously I'm not planning to continue with this for many years since I costs me lots of money to go and come back plus I don't like planes

[jaycali 415]

Simply entering the US every 6 months does not qualify as premanent residence. To maintain your permanent residence status you need to be living permanently in the US. Continuous long stays outside the US will lead to your green card being considered abandoned and revoked, regardless of whether you've entered the US or not in between.

[JohnR! 5,495]

1339505082[/url]' post='5440943']

I usually stay for 1-2 weeks in US.

"Regardless, he can be denied entry and forced to give up his green card for failure to maintain permenant residency. " I'm aware of it but I heard that it is really unlikely that they get your greencard. Obviously I'm not planning to continue with this for many years since I costs me lots of money to go and come back plus I don't like planes

Chances are that at some point you will be questioned by immigration and be required to make a choice of residence. You can be proactive and straighten out your status by filing form I-131 and requesting permission to stay outside of the US for more than 12 and less than 24 months. Also make sure you file your taxes correctly, for you may be taxed on your foreign income, here in the US.

You can check the following link to make sure you meet the necessary conditions: www.uscis.gov/files/form/I-131instr.pdf

incidentally, your connection at JFK/ATL count as an entry into the US but does not help you much in keeping your residence requirements. Check out page 10 of the following document: www.uscis.gov/files/nativedocuments/M-618.pdf

Good luck!

[chameleon81 0]

Chances are that at some point you will be questioned by immigration and be required to make a choice of residence. You can be proactive and straighten out your status by filing form I-131 and requesting permission to stay outside of the US for more than 12 and less than 24 months. Also make sure you file your taxes correctly, for you may be taxed on your foreign income, here in the US.

You can check the following link to make sure you meet the necessary conditions: www.uscis.gov/files/form/I-131instr.pdf

incidentally, your connection at JFK/ATL count as an entry into the US but does not help you much in keeping your residence requirements. Check out page 10 of the following document: www.uscis.gov/files/nativedocuments/M-618.pdf

Good luck!

Thanks for everyone who replied to me and especially to you Gegel.