rg585 said:
Since I have been out of the US for over a year now and my 2 year limit on the Re-entry Permit expires in December 2006, I was wondering if there are others out there who have actually re-entered using an REP and whether they had any problems during re-entry.
I have been taking all the required precautions to maintain US connections like Credit Card, active Bank accounts with US address, filed taxes etc.
Yes, my uncle got in with his reentry permit just fine after 1 ½ year of stay abroad. He was just asked at POE about where his permanent residence is in the U.S., what he did outside for 1 ½ year, and if he will be currently working in the U.S. from now on. Of course the questions asked at POE totally depends on CBP officers, it’s a case to case basis. You should be alright though, as it seems to me you’ve applied for a reentry permit in good faith (meaning you have a valid purpose for your travel, after your reason has been satisfied you have every intention of going back from your temporary stay, and you remain to have strong ties in the U.S.). As long as your purpose for a reentry remains to be valid (and reentry permit is not yet expired), you’re really returning from a temporary stay abroad, you’ve maintained strong ties to the U.S., and you are admissible in all other respects of immigration law, you should be fine.
rg585 said:
I was also thinking about surrendering the Green Card and getting a 10 year multiple entry B1 visa also but now sure how they will treat this at a Consulate abroad.
Please don’t mind my asking, but why do you want to do this? Are you not sure of your ongoing ties to the U.S.? If you still want to keep your LPR status this is one of the things you should not do, this is a big no-no. Upon surrendering your green card to the U.S. Consulate abroad, CO will hand you over I-407 form: Abandonment of Lawful Permanent Resident Status to sign. Once the I-407 is completed, you will revert to your previous status as a non-immigrant and may apply for admission into the U.S. in the manner of any other person of common nationality (in your case, you want B1 visa). Abandoning your green card and PR status does not affect your ability to apply to immigrate to the United States at some future time. However, you will have to begin the process anew and apply through the usual application process. Unless that’s really your intention (abandoning PR status), don’t do it, otherwise it‘ll be a terrible mistake. Only people who no longer have ongoing ties to the U.S. surrender their green card and abandon their PR status.
rg585 said:
I am sorry to see JoeF off this site.
I am sorry to read that too, I don't know what happened and why JoeF suddenly decided to leave this forum, but I hope he'll reconsider. He's really a great help around here with his inputs and postings. JoeF, if you're reading this, thanks again for all your help and I wish you good luck!!
Disclaimer: Not a legal advice, just some of my opinions and personal experience. Please use at your own risk. It is best to seek counsel from qualified and certified immigration attorneys.
