Been away too long?

Aug 24th 2006, 7:55 am

Guest

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Been away too long?

Am I understanding this correctly? I left the US for Canada in August
of 05. I returned in October of 05 for a week, then left again. I
returned in January 06 for a week, then left once again. I returned in
May 06 for a weekend, then left yet again. As of today, I am still
outside the US. My question is, is my GC status safe since I haven't
been CONTINUOUSLY away for more than about 4 months at a time.
Straighten me out if I'm wrong.

PS. Never filed an I-131, and my 10 year GC expires in 3 months. Am
about to file both the I-131 and I-90, however. Ideas?

Aug 24th 2006, 8:17 am

Joe Feise

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Re: Been away too long?

RS wrote on 08/24/06 00:55:

    > Am I understanding this correctly? I left the US for Canada in August
    > of 05. I returned in October of 05 for a week, then left again. I
    > returned in January 06 for a week, then left once again. I returned in
    > May 06 for a weekend, then left yet again. As of today, I am still
    > outside the US. My question is, is my GC status safe since I haven't
    > been CONTINUOUSLY away for more than about 4 months at a time.
    > Straighten me out if I'm wrong.

No, your GC is not "safe." A pattern like this looks as if you are living abroad
and just visit the US once in a while. That is not allowed as Permanent
Resident. It is called "Permanent Resident" for a reason. You actually have to
reside in the US. All trips abroad have to be temporary in nature.

-joe
--
I am not a lawyer.
For reliable advice, consult a competent immigration attorney.