Form I-131 Reentry Permit - a 5 year trip?

[bekoshun 0]

Hello everyone - new here....  I have 2 questions that I am hoping someone may be able to help with advice.

 

I am a US born citizen, and my husband is a Japanese citizen with a US green card for about 13 years now - received through marriage.  We are currently living in the US, but are planning to move to Japan (temporarily) with our 2 kids.  My husband wants our kids to be able to experience the Japanese culture and learn more of the language (by living there) .... and he also wants to work in Japan for a few years.  Our plan is to stay 5 years in Japan and then move back to the US permanently.  We are filing an application for a Reentry Permit since we will be away for a few years.  The reason would be "temporary employment abroad" I assume...    And I know that the permit is only valid for 2 years, however, what is he supposed to write on the form for "length of trip"??  Will the application automatically be denied if it says 5 years or should he just write 2 years each time he applies for a new permit?  

 

We plan to file US taxes while abroad, as well as keep our US bank account, credit cards and drivers license, but we don't own a home or vehicle.  My parents will hold on to some of our belongings and the rest will be given away.  We are going to Japan with the bare minimum.  Will this be an issue or are there any other things we can do to prove this move is just temporary - other than us just saying so?  He does not have an expat contract or anything saying that he will be working in Japan for a certain time period, so there is no way to show proof that his employment abroad is temporary.  He's basically going to quit when the time comes, or by chance be sent to the US by the new employer (not guaranteed).  

 

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

 

 

[Penguin_ie 5,996]

It is quite unlikely that he will get 3 consecutive re-entry permits, which is what he'd need for 5 years.

How soon are you planning to do this?  Could he go for US citizenship first?  If not, you may need to file for a IR-1 spousal visa for him again when you guys are ready to return.

[meimeiliu 3]

I think filing for US citizenship first would be more certain since re-entry permit only lasts for 2 years.

[Dashinka 24,718]

I agree with researching the citizenship option.  Otherwise I would forego the re-entry permit and just plan to file for the IR1 about 18 months prior to your return.

 

Good Luck!

[bekoshun 0]

Thank you all for the replies!  We'll be moving there in August, so just a few more months to go!  Unfortunately, naturalization is not an option as he does not want to give up his Japanese citizenship.  It looks like we may just apply for the 1st reentry permit - just in case things do not work out with his job or the kids cannot adjust - he can still come back to the US with us within those first 2 years. After that, we'll give a second reentry permit a try and hope for the best!  If that doesn't work out, then we will either have to shorten our stay, or plan for the IR1 as Bill & Katya mentioned above.  

[KierenHby 899]

That's your best option. 

Reentry permit for now.. and if staying longer, go for an IR1 approx 1 yr prior to US return.