How long can my wife stay outside country on GC

[kulkarni_ash]

How long can my wife stay outside USA on GC, she is currently visiting family and would like to stay for 5 months,

 

[BigJoe5]

How long can my wife stay outside USA on GC, she is currently visiting family and would like to stay for 5 months,

A greencard holder is viewed as "seeking entry" just like any other alien once they stay outside the U.S. for 180 days (6 months) with or without a re-entry permit. Remaining abroad for one year without a Re-Entry Permit (applied for while in the U.S. and before departure---must get fingerprinted but can come back for that) VOIDS the greencard. IF that should happen, the LPR may apply for an SB-1 returning resident visa at the Consulate/Embassy but has to prove that the long stay was unanticipated, unavoidable, and beyond his/her control. With a Re-entry permit, the LPR may stay abroad for 2 years as long as they commence their return to the U.S. before the REP expiration date. A re-entry permit does not preserve residence for naturalization purposes.

 

[sanjoseaug20]

A 5 month trip occasionally is not an issue.