Leaving USA but may return ?
 

Hello,

I have a US green card but currently in the process of selling my home and
relocating back to the UK. I want the option not to loose my green card in
case I may wish to return to the US.

Questions:

Do I need to file a AR-11 form to notify change of address (even if my new
address is outside the US). If, so is it correct that the USCIS postal
address is in London UK ?

Is I-131 the correct form to file if I wish to return to the US after an
extended stay in the UK ?

What about my domicile status on moving back to the UK. Will I become UK
domicile ? If so can I still return to the US using form I-131 ?

What about my tax status when I relocate back to the UK. Do I file a US tax
return, UK tax return or both ?

thanks

Re: Leaving USA but may return ?
 

Sai Wong wrote on 09/23/06 12:22:

    > Hello,
    >
    > I have a US green card but currently in the process of selling my home and
    > relocating back to the UK. I want the option not to loose my green card in
    > case I may wish to return to the US.


If you move abroad, you lose the GC. As a PR, you have to reside permanently in
the US. It is called "Permanent Residence" for a reason.
All trips abroad have to be temporary in nature.
Furthermore, all PRs have to file US resident tax returns and have to declare
their worldwide income on these returns. Not filing a tax return is very strong
evidence that the person abandoned the GC.
And finally, taking up a job abroad is also considered strong evidence that the
person abandoned the GC.
In short, you can't have your cake and eat it, too.

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