Reentry within a year?

[Mac An Lighiche 1]

Hi there,

I'm a US resident, conditionals removed last year. I've left the country almost 8 months ago on family emergency. I ended up staying longer than expected. My wife remains in America and has come to visit. I"m in the UK right now and was in two minds about whether to stay or go back. I was in the US for 4 and a half years. After talking with my wife however I'm worried that if we do decide to focus our lives there, I might not be allowed back in or that I might run into issues at customs when heading back. I paid my taxes and everything for this year even though I wasn't in the country.

Any help or advice would be great thanks in advance.

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

I doubt you'll have any trouble. A GC holder is allowed to be outside the US for a year. You have a good reason for being out and you were firmly established in the US before that. Good luck.

[mindthegap 2,590]

You should have no issues as it has been less than 12 months outside the country, especially as you have maintained ties to the US.

If becoming a US citizen was on your radar, just be aware that as you have a period exceeding six months outside the US, your naturalization clock has been reset.

[nightingalejules 678]

You should have no issues as it has been less than 12 months outside the country, especially as you have maintained ties to the US.

If becoming a US citizen was on your radar, just be aware that as you have a period exceeding six months outside the US, your naturalization clock has been reset.

I didn't know this... I thought it was just a total allowable time outside the US during the 3 yrs (i.e. Less than half). Not planning on spending 6 mo away, but does that actually reset the clock? Does that only apply to 3yr petitioners, or all?

[Mac An Lighiche 1]

All good responses thank you sorry for my late reply. Well, I could you explain my rights to me a little, it's like my biggest fear being stopped at customs and treated like a liar. I have nothing to hide but my leaving date was January 11, I had a return flight for May but I over stayed because my cousin had leukemia and he was only 18. Since it's September now, I have until Jan 11 before it's a year again. I just don't know if I should leave it much longer, if I flew back in December would I have trouble? I brought savings with me but they are running out and I can make some money between now and then to take back with me. Is this acceptable? Or am I pushing it, should I leave now?