International Travelling while on conditional status

[ljujas2019 23]

Hi everyone!

 

I immigrated here to reunite with my wife on a CR-1 visa on January 24, so I have been here for almost two months now. My question today is related to international travelling while on conditional (CR-1) status. I have not yet received my green card by mail, but hoping to get it very shortly, because I did notice some limitations to not having it (DMV gave me a hard time, employers hesitate etc.). Anyway, my question is this - can I travel to my home country anytime soon, and if so, how long is reasonable? Some people have told me that you cannot leave the United States during your first year as an immigrant/ green card holder, especially on my status, given that I will have to remove conditions in two years or so. 

 

The reason why I am asking this question is because my grandma is sick, and I would like to spend a couple of months (maximum 5 months) with her, to take care of her, because I am afraid that she might not have much more time. Do you think this is possible? Would I, with my particular status, have problems getting back to the US when returning? And would working temporarily in my home country to support myself those months be a problem that would complicate this case?

 

Sorry for overwhelming you with questions - best of luck to all of you! 

Edited March 8, 2020 by ljujas2019

[Liam2021 583]

Don't listen to these people. You can travel ASAP with the I-551 stamp on your passport.

[Crazy Cat 41,845]

Your stamped passport serves as a full Green card if you have not yet received the plastic card.  You absolutely CAN travel and re-enter with a 2 year GC....

[Crazy Cat 41,845]

There is so much misinformation out there....this is not the first time this "cannot leave the United States during your first year as an immigrant/ green card holder" has appeared.....

[Lil bear 4,201]

You are fine to travel and reenter. Avoid staying out over 6 months if possible, so you minimise the CBP  concern at entry  about you residence intentions and any impact on a later naturalisation application. 

[Lil bear 4,201]

11 minutes ago, ljujas2019 said:

Hi everyone!

 

I immigrated here to reunite with my wife on a CR-1 visa on January 24, so I have been here for almost two months now. My question today is related to international travelling while on conditional (CR-1) status. I have not yet received my green card by mail, but hoping to get it very shortly, because I did notice some limitations to not having it (DMV gave me a hard time, employers hesitate etc.). Anyway, my question is this - can I travel to my home country anytime soon, and if so, how long is reasonable? Some people have told me that you cannot leave the United States during your first year as an immigrant/ green card holder, especially on my status, given that I will have to remove conditions in two years or so. 

 

The reason why I am asking this question is because my grandma is sick, and I would like to spend a couple of months (maximum 5 months) with her, to take care of her, because I am afraid that she might not have much more time. Do you think this is possible? Would I, with my particular status, have problems getting back to the US when returning? And would working temporarily in my home country to support myself those months be a problem that would complicate this case?

 

Sorry for overwhelming you with questions - best of luck to all of you! 

Working may be seen as an indicator if abandoning your us residency.. 

[xyz12345 260]

2 minutes ago, Lil bear said:

Working may be seen as an indicator if abandoning your us residency.. 

I was thinking about that but if only for 5 months and reporting it on your tax return though?

[Just Paul 4,595]

2 hours ago, ljujas2019 said:

My question today is related to international travelling while on conditional (CR-1) status.

You can travel on the visa stamp.   We entered from Mexico on a Sunday and was back to the Mexican beach Friday.   Traveling by air on just the stamp is no issue either.

[Ryan H 3,812]

Moved from IR-1/CR-1 Process & Procedures to Working & Traveling During US Immigration forum.

[Lil bear 4,201]

3 hours ago, xyz12345 said:

I was thinking about that but if only for 5 months and reporting it on your tax return though?

Tax return has nothing to do with USCIS status. As an LPR you are a resident for tax purposes no matter how long you are outside the US .. until you relinquish the status or lose it by staying out too long . 

[African Zealot 1,455]

20 hours ago, ljujas2019 said:

And would working temporarily in my home country to support myself those months be a problem that would complicate this case?

 

It could but that presumption of abandonment can be overcome based on the totality of your profile and circumstances and evidence you have proving your continued ties to the USA. It is not a black and white case.

[Sarah&Facundo 595]

My husband and I have left so much on his conditional green card. We just went to his home country for a month and got back a couple of weeks ago. We traveled to backpack Europe for four months last summer. We went to his home country for 6 weeks the Christmas before that on his Advanced Parole card. You can absolutely travel.