Will I lose my green card if I claim my spouse?

[zzzzzz10]

My fiancee and I plan to marry at the end of 2003. She currently holds an H-1B visa. I have a green card, but I left the US for about 3-4 years to go to college without filing for a re-entry permit. I am now back in the US and have been here since July of 2002.

My question is...will INS find out about my leaving and revoke my green card once I file for my future wife's I-130? What kind of background check will the INS do on me if we file for an I-130?

PLEASE HELP!!

[Vmartin]

Part of the petitioning process for your wife is Form G-325A. This form requires you to list your addresses for the past five (5) years. This will alert the INS to your absence from the U.S. and could result in revocation of your permanent residence.

If you apply for Naturalization, this will also be a factor.

Also keep in mind that, as a permanent resident, your spouse will not acquire permanent residence immediately through your petition and that there is a waiting period of approximately 5 years for spouses of permanent residents.

Good luck.