Can I live overseas (in my country) while GC is in process?

xalidag

Registered Users (C)
I got married to a USC recently and we're planning to file a petition for GC soon. However, we're planning to move to my country, maybe a year later or so. We can't do it now due to my wife's job situation. My current status will expire soon and seemingly filing a GC petition may be the only way I can stay in the US legally for another year. My question: After I file a GC petition and before it's granted, can I leave the US and live in my native country without causing any future problem with the US government?

Thanks in advance.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
you can, but, if you are planning to move home, why not do it in your home country. As if you file from here and stay at your home country, you will need to come back here for your interview and they might question as to why you have been in your home country for so long. Why don't you file your GC when you are in your home country???
 
You will not cause any future problem with the US government.

However, by filing a GC application here and then moving back you will abandon your applicaiton.
 
waitingforAOS11 said:
you can, but, if you are planning to move home, why not do it in your home country. As if you file from here and stay at your home country, you will need to come back here for your interview and they might question as to why you have been in your home country for so long. Why don't you file your GC when you are in your home country???

Thanks. Basically, I'd like to stay in the US for another year as my wife can't move to my country now due to her job situation. I'll definitely consider your suggestion, though it costs us for one year separation.
 
GeorgeF said:
You will not cause any future problem with the US government.

However, by filing a GC application here and then moving back you will abandon your applicaiton.

Thanks. So... do you think it's OK, both legally and morally, to file an application to stay for another year, knowing we may abandon it beforehand?
 
xalidag said:
Thanks. So... do you think it's OK, both legally and morally, to file an application to stay for another year, knowing we may abandon it beforehand?

There is absolutely nothing wrong with it.

Depending on where you live, the processing may even be completed within a year and who knows, maybe you will be able to maintan it afterwards.
 
GeorgeF said:
There is absolutely nothing wrong with it.
Thanks a lot!


GeorgeF said:
Depending on where you live, the processing may even be completed within a year and who knows, maybe you will be able to maintan it afterwards.
I live in NY so my understanding is it's highly unlike. :(
 
xalidag said:
I live in NY so my understanding is it's highly unlike. :(

Well, I don't follow events at NY's INS closely but I may have heard that they are currently running a pilot program where marriage based applications are scheduled for interview withing 90 days. I'm not sure about all of this, though.
 
where are you guys hearing about this 90 day pilot program?

All the info Im getting is that they are trying to speed up applications but they say that every year and it never happens.

also ny applications are way far behind.
 
Top