Returning to India

[andy_utoledo]

Hello All,

Please let me know if you can help me on my following question/concern.

I have been on H-1B since over 5 years. My green card is currently being processed. I have applied for EAD and I-485 already.

I want to return to India, for good. But I want to be able to come back to US for visits, once a year or so. What is the best way to do so? Should I wait to get the green card, hand it over and then leave OR should I leave now? Will I be applying for visitor visa to come to US? If so, can I get it for 10 years or more?
If I wait for green card and apply for reentry permit, can I keep coming to US every year and keep renewing my reentry permit?

[knowledgeable]

Permanent Resident

Become a permanent resident [get the GC]. If you're going to return to the US every year, within the year, you don't need any re-entry permit.

Do still check the laws again once you get the GC in your hands.

However, remember anytime you need a break of more than a year, you need to get the re-entry permit.

In addition, you won't be able to file for your US citizenship on this basis.

If however, you can live in the country for five years with minimal exits, then you can get the US citizenship and then be free to come and go as you choose, for life.

Good luck.

[andy_utoledo]

Re: GC and returning to India

Thank you Sir.

But I heard something different. I heard; not only I have to return to US every year, I also have to stay in US for 6 months a year to retain my GC status. Is that true?

If so, it wont work for me. I just want to be able to come to US for visiting and business once a while; not to stay for long duration.

[knowledgeable]

Where?

From where do you hear such things? Nope, you don't have to stay in the US for 6 months to retain your GC. A few or less weeks is more than enough.

Whenever you have doubts, rather than going to the rumor mill, best is always to talk to an attorney or call the USCIS hot line.

You may spend a couple of hundred bucks speaking with an attorney but you'll get satisfactory and better resolutions for your serious issues.

Good luck.

[leifbooger]

You can get information on this page about retaining your green card : https://www.immihelp.com/retain-greencard-useful-tips/

[leifbooger]

Did you already find a job in India? If yes, please share your job search strategies, what salary to expect, apartment rent, etc. Thanks