Leaving and coming back after activating ir2

[ClemsonC 62]

Hi everyone, 

My child is almost 17 and about to have her interview for ir2, she’s about to start her senior year of highschool.  I’m trying to get a couple what if scenarios answered. 

Let’s say she gets her ir2 visa this fall, can she activate it at the border then come back upto Canada to resume the school year? Then go back to the US when she graduates in June? 
 

I’m not sure how the returning resident thing works and how long you can be out of the country without losing your GC. 

[Chancy 6,243]

*** Moved from IR1/CR1 Process & Procedures to Working & Traveling During US Immigration -- topic is about travel after US entry with IR2 visa ***

 

30 minutes ago, ClemsonC said:

Let’s say she gets her ir2 visa this fall, can she activate it at the border then come back upto Canada to resume the school year? Then go back to the US when she graduates in June? 

 

Yes, she can enter the US to "activate" her visa, as long as her USC parent petitioner is already in the US or travelling with her.  It would be better if she can return to the US during her school breaks.  She could get hassled by CBP if she remains outside the US for more than 6 months at a time.