How long can you travel outside of the United States IN TOTAL as PR?

[mbssss 106]

Hi everyone,

 

How long can you stay out of the US in total? I went to my home country for 1.5 weeks earlier this summer and will be going for another 1.5 weeks in December. I know that you cannot stay out of the US for more than 1 year (generally) so would all these small trips add up or are they talking more about long-term travel out of the country and also not keeping residency here? 

 

I'm just looking for some clarification on this as both me and my husband LOVE to travel and tend to go on shorter trips like this 1-2 times a year.

 

Obviously I understand that it might delay me being able to apply for citizenship under the 3 year rule by a little bit which is completely fine, we are just curious about traveling and maintaining legal status. 

 

Thanks!! 

[HRQX 4,145]

20 minutes ago, mbssss said:

and tend to go on shorter trips like this 1-2 times a year.

That is fine.

20 minutes ago, mbssss said:

How long can you stay out of the US in total?

There have even been rare cases where the LPR has left the US for years and still was admitted:

 

Here is the general guide: https://www.uscis.gov/green-card/after-we-grant-your-green-card/maintaining-permanent-residence

You may also lose your permanent resident status by intentionally abandoning it, including but not limited to:

• Moving to another country and intending to live there permanently;
• Declaring yourself a “nonimmigrant” on your U.S. tax returns; or
• Remaining outside of the United States for an extended period of time, unless it’s a temporary absence, as shown by:
  • The reason for your trip;
  • How long you planned to be absent from the United States;
  • Any other circumstances of your absence; and
  • Any events that may have prolonged your absence.