How long outside US before GC revocation?

[jbond_46254]

I have the following Qs regarding the length of stay outside US for a Green Card holder:

1. How long can a GC holder stay outside US (without ever returning to US) without a re-entry permit?

2. What is the length of time, that is a GC holder stays outside US without a re-entry permit, that the GC will be revoked?

3. Regarding Q2, how does the GC revocation occur? Who initiates it, the local US consulate or the CIS? Is there a process for GC revocation at all, or is it just that the person will be denied entry if he/she arrives at a US port of entry?

4. For a person who stayed too long outside US and got their GC revoked, what are the options open? Can they get a non-immigrant visa to visit US? Can they re-apply for a GC at all?

5. Regarding Q4, does it change things at all if the person vountarily gave up GC (instead of just over-staying outside US and defaulting on it)? Can they apply for non-immigrant visas or re-apply GC to visit US?

6. For a person who is outside US and realizes he/she won't be able to return to US for some time, can he/she apply for a re-entry permit from outside US? If so, what it the process for that?

[ginnu]

Originally Posted by jbond_46254

I have the following Qs regarding the length of stay outside US for a Green Card holder:

1. How long can a GC holder stay outside US (without ever returning to US) without a re-entry permit?
----------------- he should be back before hits 1 year from US departue date
2. What is the length of time, that is a GC holder stays outside US without a re-entry permit, that the GC will be revoked?
------------- reentry permit is valid2 years from date Re-entry was approved

3. Regarding Q2, how does the GC revocation occur? Who initiates it, the local US consulate or the CIS? Is there a process for GC revocation at all, or is it just that the person will be denied entry if he/she arrives at a US port of entry?
--------------one can be denied entry at POE, one can fill up form before US consulate officer to Surrender GC
4. For a person who stayed too long outside US and got their GC revoked, what are the options open?
----------depends on persons situation why GC was revoked
Can they get a non-immigrant visa to visit US? Can they re-apply for a GC at all?
-------------depends on persons situation why GC was revoked
5. Regarding Q4, does it change things at all if the person vountarily gave up GC (instead of just over-staying outside US and defaulting on it)?
--YES, one may get non-immigrant visas
Can they apply for non-immigrant visas or re-apply GC to visit US?

6. For a person who is outside US and realizes he/she won't be able to return to US for some time, can he/she apply for a re-entry permit from outside US?
----NO
If so, what it the process for that?

read the below links:
Maintaining Legal Permanent Resident Status
http://www.hooyou.com/reentrypermit/...glegalPRS.html
Maintenance of Lawful Permanent Residence
http://www.americanlaw.com/maintlpr.html
http://www.twmlaw.com/resources/immi...grant6cont.htm

http://careers.the-scientist.com/ind...article_id=789

http://immigration.about.com/library/blpermres.htm

http://www.quanlaw.com/ls_presidency.asp
Very good legal guide for US Citzenship or to maintain Permanent Residence of US, very good reading

http://www.illinoislegalaid.org/UPLO...88natguide.pdf
http://www.immihelp.com/greencard/retain-greencard.html
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