How many months can one stay out of USA

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forumuser1

Registered Users (C)
Hi,

My parent is on GC and stayed out of USA from Sept'2010 - Mar'2011 ( 6 months) and question now is he has got something to do in India now, can he go again in May'2011 and come back in June'2011 (2 months)? Will there be any questions asked at PoE?
Your answer is appreciated.

Actually how long one can stay out of USA in a calendar year and what is recommended. Thanks.
 
Thanks. Does it mean one should wait 183 days (irrespective of calendar year) before he leaves US again?
1st_Visit --> 183 days --> 2nd Visit
assuming each visit can last up to 6 months outside of USA.

Thanks.
 
That's the general rule, but it is not applied uniformly, especially for older folks, who often have a travel pattern showing very little presence in the US in some 365 day periods. So, it's hard to say if it's a problem or not. Does your parent intend to apply for citizenship?
 
If he doesn't already have a history of multiple long trips, a 2-month trip starting in May shouldn't be a problem for maintaining the green card.

But for citizenship eligibility, the 6 month trip has already done significant damage, and a 2-month trip so soon could make things worse.

However, if "apply for citizenship eventually" is more than 5 years away, the 6-month trip won't be a problem, since for citizenship applicants they just care about the last 5 years.
 
Thanks Jackolantern, my parent got his GC in Apr'2009 and say if there is no trip in May'2010 then when can he apply for USC?

Can he go to India for 3-4 months every year (with at least 183 day gap) and still maintain GC and apply for USC later on? Will it be a problem with this approach?

Thanks.
 
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