Confused about Re-entry while holding a GC

[katkut]

Can you please shed some light on how much can you stay abroad when you leave the country with a valid GC? What I have been hearing is a bit confusing. On I-131, it says:

If you do not obtain a Re-entry Permit and remain outside the United States for one year or more, it may be determined that you have abandoned your permanent or conditional resident status.

What I understand from this is that if you will be living abroad for 1 year or less, you don't need any special permission, so you can just come back.

But, at the same time, I have been hearing from people that you need to re-enter every 6 months?

So, what exactly is the requirement for these 3 cases? Why would you re-enter every six months, or can you re-enter if you don't apply for a special permit within 1 year?

Finally, if you apply for a re-entry permit, does it make it better/easier if you re-enter every 6 months? Is there any point in doing this if you have the re-entry permit?

Thanks in advance

 

[GCman2005]

Reentry entry is for trips more than one year and less than two years. It allows to enter in USA.

everytime you spend more than 6 months, the citizenship clock is reset to zero. you need to wait 4 years again.

in other terms, while you have a reentry permit, you should do your best not to exceed 180 days outside.

 

[pipedream]

Reentry entry is for trips more than one year and less than two years. It allows to enter in USA.

everytime you spend more than 6 months, the citizenship clock is reset to zero. you need to wait 4 years again.

in other terms, while you have a reentry permit, you should do your best not to exceed 180 days outside.

Thanks GCman2005. Do you know if one has to have a re-entry permit in case he stays out of USA for more than 6 months but less than 1 year? Does he need to apply for a permit in such situation?

Would appreciate your response.