GC holder/Cdn citizen: Get re-entry permit or just use GC for returns?

[pcalarco]

I am a Canadian citizen and US employment-based GC holder since July 2008. I plan to accept a position starting in July 2011, and expect to be a US resident for tax purposes (>183 days in US) for 2011.

I have looked at N-470, and am not eligible since I have not been in the US for 1 year uninterrupted. I wish I had known about that before, as my current employer, a university, is willing to write me a contract July 2011-July 2013 to perform research in my field for them while employed in Canada. But as I read the appeal decisions, the uninterrupted stay is absolutely necessary.

So, I will likely be applying for a re-entry permit. I would eventually like to naturalize, but I will still be two years away when I leave the US for the job in Canada,

Here is my question:

If I will be coming down to our US home frequently for weekend stays (at least one weekend per month), plus vacationing in US, should I get a re-entry permit, or just rely on the GC?

Thanks much for your advice in advance.

 

[Jackolantern]

Even if you obtained an N-470, you still would need a reentry permit to preserve your green card. The N-470 serves a different purpose -- it preserves your continuous residence for naturalization but doesn't preserve your green card. Without a reentry permit your green card could be canceled right after a long trip, before you get the chance to apply for naturalization.

I plan to accept a position starting in July 2011, and expect to be a US resident for tax purposes (>183 days in US) for 2011.

You are considered a US resident for tax purposes as long as you have a green card, regardless of where in the world you live and work.

If you make frequent trips back to the US and remain employed by a US employer, you don't strongly need the reentry permit, but having the permit can save you a lot of hassle if you face any hostile officers who make an issue of your several consecutive trips abroad.

After completing your research in Canada, stay in the US for about 6-12 months before applying for naturalization. You will have to depend on the leniency of the interviewer because of that 2-year stretch in Canada, and if you apply too soon your chances of getting that leniency are decreased.