Green Card Status, how long must we maintain

[cmcintosh1981 0]

My wife is coming up on the end of here first Green Card. Which spurs a couple of questions.

1st I am about to start a job that will lead to us moving back to her country(where i will be working).

2nd she does not plan on working in the near future

With the above two situations, is it still necessary for her to renew the green card, or can we let it lapse and some how signify our intent to USCIS about moving out of the country without her being red flagged for anything?

Thanks

[jeffkadrliktorr 99]

Pretty sure she has to renew her green card, otherwise she cant move back to the states if you ever did that.

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

She can turn in her GC and not renew if you want; she would have to leave before it expires.

If you want to move back then you would start over with a spousal visa process.

[KayDeeCee 4,895]

You could also go ahead and file for ROC, get the 10 year green card and file for a re-entry permit. But that is only if you will be living abroad for less than 2 years. Otherwise, go with what Harpa suggested and give up the green card/residency and then file for a spousal visa if/when you plan to live in the US again. I believe you can turn in a green card with the USCIS by making an Infopass or at a US consulate abroad.

http://www.uscis.gov/green-card/after-green-card-granted/maintaining-permanent-residence

http://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/USCIS/Resources/B5en.pdf

~ Moved from AOS from Family Based Visas to Working & Traveling During US Immigration - topic about traveling outside the US and giving up permanent residency, similar topics found in this forum ~

[NikLR 13,232]

Pretty sure she has to renew her green card, otherwise she cant move back to the states if you ever did that.

Wouldn't matter, she can't leave the country for more than 2 years, with a re-entry permit.