I-131 : travel outside the US for more than six months ?

[luciev 0]

Dear everyone, hi !

Im pretty new here, although this forum has been so helpful to fill up my AOS (still working on it right now).
If its not the right section of the forum, could you redirect me ?

So, my question is about the form I-131, Travel Authorization.
My husband got a fulbright research grant for 9 months starting March 2017, and of course i’d like to join him on this adventure.
If i file my AOS i should have received my temporary green card by then.

But I’ve heard that even as a green card holder, my stay outside the US cannot exceed 6 months, is that correct? Is there any way I can apply for a ten month travel authorization for the I-131 with evidence of the fulbright grant and maybe a cover letter?

I also hear about the re-entry form i-191 but its another 500$ or so, I’d like to avoid that..

Thank you so much for your help!

Lucie

[Darin S 0]

USCIS is more critical of 6 month absences from the US when applying for naturalization. You should be ok to leave the US for up to 1 year without losing your conditional legal resident status. I-131 is a re-entry permit if you plan to be out of the US for more than 1 year. If you have any doubts about receiving your green card prior to travel, be sure to file for Advance Parole... which is also Form I-131.

I'd recommend reading about "maintaining permanent residence" here:

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

You'll also want to be concerned with retaining documentation for Removal of Conditions. USCIS will want to see co-mingled finances, inhabit the same dwelling, etc...

Darin

Edited July 28, 2016 by Darin S

[Darin S 0]

Use Form I-131 for the purpose of a reentry permit. It shows intent to return, and establishes your absence from the US as temporary. Any absence of 6 months or more risks abandonment of their LPR status.

Form I-191 seems to be for absences of longer than 2 years.

[Ryan H 3,834]

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

[Pitaya 2,577]

Your question about an extended leave due to your husband's educational opportunity should either be made at an InfoPass appointment, and/or your AOS interview.

Edited July 30, 2016 by Pitaya