Reentry permit - why would green card holder need it?

[unsmiley 111]

Not sure whether this is the correct forum to post this query.

Wife is asking me about getting a reentry permit. She will be traveling to China at least twice a year. Is a reentry permit necessary for a green card holder? What benefits does it confer? Does it depend on what countries she visits?

[ChicagoSarah 127]

The re-entry permit is for green card holders who must spend an extended time outside of the US (6 months-2 years). In order to not be seen as abandoning their LPR status, they must receive the permit.

If your wife is just taking 2 short trips a year, she does not need one.

I suggest you both read who qualifies/needs one: http://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/USCIS/Resources/B5en.pdf

[NickD 203]

Go to the Department of State website and look up China. Will tell you everything you want to know.

[unsmiley 111]

The re-entry permit is for green card holders who must spend an extended time outside of the US (6 months-2 years). In order to not be seen as abandoning their LPR status, they must receive the permit.

If your wife is just taking 2 short trips a year, she does not need one.

I suggest you both read who qualifies/needs one: http://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/USCIS/Resources/B5en.pdf

Thanks for the link. It seems to say (in general) if she is going to be out of the US for up to one year, it is unnecessary. In her case she will go two times per year for a total of about 3-4 months/year.

[NikLR 13,227]

She should not need a reentry permit if the stay is less than 1 year.

[NickD 203]

Future problems MAY occur when applying for US citizenship if she elects to do so. Ha, it seems they want you to stay here, work, and pay taxes. And do have residency requirements. Should check into this also, all on the N-400 instruction form.

We did this on day one, didn't take that many trips, but sure had to keep track of them, after 3-4 years, tend to forget. But after you receive that certificate of naturalization, then you are finally free of the USCIS. Ha, but then have to deal with the DOS.

Ha, just noticed Obamacare bites. Darn right it does, first year high deductible skyrocketed, second year premiums, what's going to happen next year?

Edited April 8, 2015 by NickD

[Ryan H 3,812]

Moved from What Visa Do I Need - Family Based Immigration to Working & Traveling During US Immigration forum.