ivanbaba

Hello,

I am inquiring about the green card holders (my parents) who have been outside the country for more than 6 months. Is there any problem? Is there something like an extension form that I should fill out so they do not have to go through any hassle whenever they come back?
Looking forward to your suggestions.

postbox134

How long have they left the US and is this their first long absence?

ivanbaba

Yes, this is their first long absence. Well, they got GC last year and away since the end of July'23.

postbox134

That's only just over 6 months - I assume they don't have a re-entry permit. I'd recommend collecting evidence they intend to live permanently in the US (house purchase, lease, job etc.) and book a ticket back to the US ASAP. They'd likely just be waived through but if they have issues don't sign anything from the CBP, they will either allow entry or refer them to an immigration judge.

Didn't they just get greencards in January 2023? Do they actually intend to live in the US?

ivanbaba

Correct they got their GC approved last year, and got their card in June 2023. They are going to live here in the US, but went as they need to wind up things and had an emergency in the family.

Cook_County

Purely from a tax perspective, the absence has no effect. They will want to ensure they file their US income tax returns and FBARs for 2023 on a timely basis.

Xisle

https://lawandborder.com/risk-abando...road-6-months/

some useful information here.

LT1

As they've been out for over six months, their 5yr citizenship clock will reset from the date they come back into the US.