Retaining GC for a student who study abroad

[eldaravr]

Hi,

I got my Green card last year (2012) through family reunion, while I started my BA out of the state.
I still have around 2 years left to finish my studies and internship.
Since I got the GC I visit the US every year.

General info:
My parents and brother live in the US.
I have bank account over there and I fill my tax papers each year (no tax duty since I'm a student who doesn't have much time to work).

Altough the GC has 10 years of expiration I read that I'm not allowed to stay outside the US for more than 1 year, is it true?
Is there anything I can do, while I'm out of the country, so there will be no problems on my next entrance from the officer?

Can I ask for special permit to be outside the US for the next 2 years (just to finish the education I started and then immigrate)?

Thanks for you answers.

[rayb]

While in the U.S. you should apply for a Reentry Permit, using form I-131, fee of $445. The Biometrics must be completed before you leave the U.S. The Reentry Permit, later mailed to you, allow you to stay out of the U.S. up to two years. Frequent stays of less than one year are encouraged to have a Reentry Permit as evidence of "intent" to return to the U.S.

--Ray B

Hi,

I got my Green card last year (2012) through family reunion, while I started my BA out of the state.
I still have around 2 years left to finish my studies and internship.
Since I got the GC I visit the US every year.

General info:
My parents and brother live in the US.
I have bank account over there and I fill my tax papers each year (no tax duty since I'm a student who doesn't have much time to work).

Altough the GC has 10 years of expiration I read that I'm not allowed to stay outside the US for more than 1 year, is it true?
Is there anything I can do, while I'm out of the country, so there will be no problems on my next entrance from the officer?

Can I ask for special permit to be outside the US for the next 2 years (just to finish the education I started and then immigrate)?

Thanks for you answers.

[eldaravr]

reentry permit

Hi again,

Thanks for your answer Rayb.

How long should it take from sending the form asking a permit for reentry till giving the biometrics and should I wait till they approve my request or can I leave immediately after giving my biometrics?

[rayb]

The Biometrics appointment for a Reentry Permit is generally about 4 or 5 weeks from submittal. The resulting Reentery Permit is mailed to a designated family member in the States or to a Consulate post abroad for notification to you and pickup. After Biometrics, you are safe to leave the U.S.

--Ray B

Hi again,

Thanks for your answer Rayb.

How long should it take from sending the form asking a permit for reentry till giving the biometrics and should I wait till they approve my request or can I leave immediately after giving my biometrics?

[eldaravr]

Reentry Permit

Thanks again Rayb, I really appreciate your help.

What about things to do other then asking for this permit?
Is there other options (for example: visit there once a year for short period)?

Thanks in advance.

The Biometrics appointment for a Reentry Permit is generally about 4 or 5 weeks from submittal. The resulting Reentery Permit is mailed to a designated family member in the States or to a Consulate post abroad for notification to you and pickup. After Biometrics, you are safe to leave the U.S.

--Ray B

[rayb]

Eldaravr,

Returning to the U.S. before the year is up works for one or two visits, but on the second return a "warning" annotation is often written in the passport, and a verbal warning given that the entrant should get a Reentry Permit, even if returning in less than a year to "express intent" to keep Permanent Resident status.

--Ray B

Thanks again Rayb, I really appreciate your help.

What about things to do other then asking for this permit?
Is there other options (for example: visit there once a year for short period)?

Thanks in advance.