As a permanent resident card holder (through marriage) who has to return to the U.K. for work for a while (couple of years min) can anyone advise how I can maintain my Greencard? I've heard that I must return to the U.S for a minimum of 24hrs once or twice a year?
Anyone got any experience of this?
Thx
UCIS state that you can lose your PR status if you:
[list]Move to another country intending to live there permanently.
Remain outside of the US for more than one year without obtaining a reentry permit or returning resident visa. However in determining whether your status has been abandoned any length of absence from the US may be considered, even if it is less than one year.
Remain outside of the US for more than two years after issuance of a reentry permit without obtaining a returning resident visa. However in determining whether your status has been abandoned any length of absence from the US may be considered, even if it is less than one year.
Fail to file income tax returns while living outside of the US for any period.
Declare yourself a “nonimmigrant” on your tax returns. [/list:u]
To stay out of the country more than six months, I think you have to apply for a reentry permit. I would doubt the UCIS would miss the fact you are not really resident in the US any more, if you apply for permits continuosly and your status would probably be at risk. The way to guard against this is to apply for citizenship as soon as you qualify and then it's no longer a problem.