SunnyMeadow

I apologise if these standard pieces of information are available somewhere (didn't know where to start searching to be honest).

I am a British citizen with a valid British passport and I left the UK in 2007.
It has now been more than a year (but less than 2) since I left the UK and I have not been back since I left.
I am now living & working in the USA but I still have a home in the UK & family.
I have to now return for a visit, which could last anything from a couple of weeks to 3 months.

How long can I stay in the UK and do I need to do anything other than booking a flight and taking my British passport with me?

For example, do I have to prove anything or explain why I have been out of the UK for so long?

If there is a site with this information, please could you provide the address.

Thanks for any help/guidance.

Norri

No need to do anything, just get a ticket and don't forget your passport.

I assume you have a green card or visa of some sort to come back the US

penguinsix

Note on the US end there may be limits to how long you can be out of the United States before re-entry becomes difficult (even if you have a green card/lpr, which can be 'abandoned' if gone too long).

All depends on your current visa situation.

SunnyMeadow

Thanks for your reply.
I have a non conditional green card, valid for 10 years from this summer.

Do you know what all the limits are for how long I can out of the US?

SunnyMeadow

Yes, I have a green card.

penguinsix

Technically, 1 day if your intent is to leave. Reality, after 6 months you might have problems. After a year you will likely have some issues at re-entry. More than that and you better have arranged for your trip in advance (there is a form you can file if leaving for certain reasons).

More here:

http://britishexpats.com/wiki/Green_Card_Abandonment

SunnyMeadow

Thanks very much for your help and the above link.

callowman

I Have a green card-went back to the UK- you could stay up to a year but not over a year but that was in the late 80s-probably all changed now.?

NC Penguin

I am moving this thread to an immigration forum for any additional replies.

SunnyMeadow

I thought that starting the thread in US Immigration section wasn't really appropriate, which is why I didn't.

NC Penguin

I wouldn't be surprised if you didn't find your answers in this very immigration forum. Please search within the forum.

ian-mstm

You're a UK citizen, you can stay in the UK as long as you like!


Generally, you can stay up to 6 months outside of the US with no problems re-entering. If you are out of the US more than 6 months but less than a year, you might have to go to secondary inspection so that your status can be verified, but even if you are denied entry (if they suspect that you have abandoned your status), you have the *right* to a hearing before an immigration judge who will make the final determination.

It's a good idea, if you're going to be outside the US for more than 6 months, to get a re-entry permit... file form I-131 (www.uscis.gov). The permit is valid for up to two years... but you should be sure to maintain ties to the US... pay taxes, keep a valid driver's license, rent/mortgage, insurance... stuff like that.

Ian

SunnyMeadow

Thanks to everyone for your useful help with this

meauxna

One important thing about "6 months" is that it breaks "continuous residence" for naturalization purposes (yes, you can be a dual citizen).

For info on your original question, you could google "Now That You Are A Permanent Resident" which explains your rights/responsibilities as a PR and the "Guide to Naturalization".

Titchski

Very good advice Meau - might well reset the naturalization cock if you're out longer than 6 months(that typo will never, ever get old)