What after the 2 year GC?

[bubpce 6]

Hello people

I havent been here in a while but since we have a little one its kinda hard to find the time to even write a small post. Well here is the thing. I have a two year GC and it expires next December. Now i know im supposed to file for extension 90 days prior to expiration, but i want to travel home. And since its a long trip, i cant travel just for a week, meaning it might be longer.

Can someone please tell me how long i can be absent from US and can i apply for the extension at a US consulate instead the USCIS? Will the travel affect this whole process?

Also ... what happens if i loose my GC? Can i re-apply at some point again, since i am not divorcing my husband or anything.

I know its a lot of questions but i have to do it this way.

Thank you for your understanding

[Steve D. 22]

You still have one year till it expires so travelling with just the GC is fine. By 90 days prior to your GC expire, you will need to file for Removal of Conditions, AKA I-751.

If you loose it? Well re-entry into the States is going to be a hassle. If you are in the States? You can apply for an replacement, but it'll be a bit hassle and travel is almost impossible.

[Dave&Roza 748]

Hello people

I havent been here in a while but since we have a little one its kinda hard to find the time to even write a small post. Well here is the thing. I have a two year GC and it expires next December. Now i know im supposed to file for extension 90 days prior to expiration, but i want to travel home. And since its a long trip, i cant travel just for a week, meaning it might be longer.

Can someone please tell me how long i can be absent from US and can i apply for the extension at a US consulate instead the USCIS? Will the travel affect this whole process?

Also ... what happens if i loose my GC? Can i re-apply at some point again, since i am not divorcing my husband or anything.

I know its a lot of questions but i have to do it this way.

Thank you for your understanding

The issue of long stays outside the US is maintaining your LPR status. Stays less than 6 months in a calendar year are okay. Seveal short stays that equal less than 6 months in any 12 month period are also okay and do not raise any flags. What raises flags are a single long stay greater than 6 months but less than 1 year or several shorter stays where you are outside the US for more than 6 months in any 12 consecitive month period. Stays greater than 6 months require you to show that you have not abanded your LPR status. Stays great than 1 year require you to apply for a re-enter permit BEFORE you leave the US. If you abandon your LPR status then your husband will have to file for a spousal visa and you will have to go thru the whole process all over again while having to remain outside the US. Now that you have the GC, I would suggest you become familar on how to keep it since it took a bit of effort to obtain in the first place. I find three weeks in enough time for my wife to enjoy her homeland and decide it is time to leave for "home" and Kazakhstan is half-way around the world.

Dave

Edited December 19, 2012 by Dave&Roza