Fred JS

Hello,

I have been in the US for quite a few years and got my green card 2 years ago.

Would I automatically lose permanent resident status if I accept a job offer outside the US? Or could I maintain that status and my green card if I maintain some type of connection with US Immigration, whether by coming back to the US periodically or keep a primary residence in the US.

Thanks for your feedback.

Cheers,

FSJ

ian-mstm

Automatically? No. Possibly? Yes. Likely? Hard to say.


It's possible to leave the US for years and maintain your status as a permanent resident. It's also possible to leave the US for a day and lose your status. Go figure! Don't confuse the terms "visit" and "reside".

Ian

Fred JS

Ian thanks. So keeping my condo, paying my mortgage, filing a 1040 tax return, all the while working abroad for say 2 years would increase my chances to maintain my PR status? Or could I still lose it?

Rete

If you are going to be doing this, be sure not to leave the US without having applied via form I-131 for a travel document.

Fred JS

thanks for the prompt feedback. I will look into the I131.

FJS

scrubbedexpat099

Nothing is guaranteed, believe it helps if you are working for a US Employer.

Assume thgat you will be making trips back and forth.

Worst case scenario is that you get to plead your position in front of an Immigration Judge.

DJA

You can file N-470 (Application to preserve residence for naturalization purposes) and also a re-entry permit. You can look into the eligibility requirements for N-470. You will run into problems at the time of naturalization if you come back to US for short duration every 4-5 months. That will not preserve you continuous residence and will reset your clock for citizenship.