Problematic to not entering usa for years after getting greencard?

[Ngimques]

Hello,

I am living in the uk with my wife
I am american and she is italian
We are not sure how long we will stay in the uk
We may return to the usa next year, or stay in the uk for two or more years
We would like to be safe and apply for the greencard now

My questions are,

If i apply for a greencard and receive one for my wife, do we have to enter the usa right afterwards?
Is there an expiration date for a greencard that has never been used?

Thanks!

[rayb]

Actually, you can't apply for a Green Card from outside the U.S. You will apply for an immigrant visa (IR-1 or CR-2). The immigrant visa must generally be used within 6 months of the medical exam or it expires.

If you do use the visa, then pay the $165 Green Card fee, then get the Green Card, you will need a Reentry Permit if you leave the States and stay out a year to 2 years.

--Ray B

Hello,

I am living in the uk with my wife
I am american and she is italian
We are not sure how long we will stay in the uk
We may return to the usa next year, or stay in the uk for two or more years
We would like to be safe and apply for the greencard now

My questions are,

If i apply for a greencard and receive one for my wife, do we have to enter the usa right afterwards?
Is there an expiration date for a greencard that has never been used?

Thanks!

[cafeconleche]

It'd be a waste of time applying for an immigrant visa without having a plan to move to the US within 6 months. In the UK, it'd take only between 3 and 6 months to get the immigrant visa, so it requires very little planning. You'll then have 6 months to use it.