I have been given the visa for my green card and am coming to the US in February. When I go through customs they will stamp an I-551 in my passport, which is valid for a year. I will then be sent my actual green card.
I am not emigrating in Februray, however, I am just visiting and am coming over to the US for good in June.
Is there any time limit on how long I can then be out of the US once my passport has been stamped with the I-551?
Cheers
Gary
If the stamp is valid for one year then I would assume that that is the max you could be out of the country.
I would suggest that you ask the person who stamps your passport when you arrive in Febuary.
Once you receive your green card it would still be the same 1 year but you can file for an extension with the INS to 2 years
My passport stamp was for a year but my green card, when it arrived was valid for two years. I think the difference is just so you have something to tide you over until the card arrives months later.
just to let you know, when you leave the usa, as you are only going for a holiday, you'll have to let INS or Customs know so they can stamp for passport for re-entry, as they really do not like people getting a green card and then just visiting as it seems you have aquired a Green Card simply for that purpose.
You can be out of the country for up to one year with a green card or stamp (they are the same thing). If you get stamped in Feb, you should have no worries about leaving and returning again in June. Clearly, your visa will run out before June so you don't really have any other choice.
FTR, if you plan to stay outside the US for more than 12 months, you have to get a re-entry permit from the INS before you leave. This is good for a further year out of the country.
For tax purposes, you're residency will begin in February, btw, if you are planning to file a split year return.
<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by Ameriscot on 2002-12-11 1215 ]</font>
On 2002-12-11 11:38, Luked wrote:
just to let you know, when you leave the usa, as you are only going for a holiday, you'll have to let INS or Customs know so they can stamp for passport for re-entry, as they really do not like people getting a green card and then just visiting as it seems you have aquired a Green Card simply for that purpose.
A green card holder does not have to inform the INS why he is leaving the country and for how long. As long as you return within the year, there is no issue and it is up to the green card holder; it's only if you plan to be outside the US for more than one year that you have to inform the INS and get their permission to return in the form of a re-entry permit.
Ameriscot what was the point of your last comment you just repeated yourself.
But you are right either way.
On 2002-12-12 03:37, Luked wrote:
Ameriscot what was the point of your last comment you just repeated yourself.
But you are right either way.
:???: :???: :???:
I was serious you are generally one of lifes "Right People"! It's a compliment not a put down smile smile smile smile smile smile smile smile smile smile smile smile smile smile smile smile smile smile smile smile