debs744

Hi we moved to LA from the UK with my husbands work 3 years ago we both have a green card.

My 24 year old son would love to move out here now we are settled, any one know how long the green card process for family members takes these days?

Our 22 year old step son was given a green card because he was under 21, but is at Uni in the UK. Is he in danger of loosing it because he is studying abroad? He was coming over twice a year, but because he has done a years internship hasn't been here for 11 months.

Look forward to your responses
Debbie

Jerseygirl

Your stepson should have applied for a re-entry permit. It must be submitted while in the US.

My daughter went to uni in Canada...used to spend at 3 months in the US during the summer, visit every month or so for a long weekend, US bank account and credit card, drove US licensed car with US insurance. One time going to the US the IO told her she must get a re-entry permit before she entered the US again. She didn't apply because her next visit was for her US citizenship interview and oath ceremony and she had the letter with her.

scrubbedexpat099

unmarried

8 years

ian-mstm

For an unmarried son/daughter over age 21... about 7 or 8 years... possibly 9.


Note that it's not the card that's in jeopardy... it's his status as a US permanent resident. The card is only proof of the status... but it's the status that's important. Generally speaking, studying abroad is considered an acceptable reason for being outside the US - so that, by itself, is likely not a reason for the status to be deemed abandoned.

There is a greater danger though... his GC is only valid as a travel document for up to 12 months - so, if he's been outside the US for 11 months, he needs to get back ASAP or he might not be able to get back at all.

Ian

S Folinsky

Good questions.

The one piece of general advice is that the I-130's should be filed for the 24 year old ASAP.