How to keep my green card?

[smiro]

I am a Canadian Physician, married and father of 4, who has been working in VT on an H1-B, but who has obtained his Green Card (GC) last year. My last one was born in the US, in case that is relevant, all others are Canadian.

The hospital where I worked decided to close my position, which is in a pretty specialized field. The only place where I have found something in the lines of my work and research is back in Quebec City, in Canada. Right now, I work 4 days/week, 38 weeks /year, so a total of less than 160 days, but this is strenuous for my wife staying home with 4 kids, so we are thinkibg of moving back to Canada, until I can find something fitting my qualifications and field of research in the US.

We were wondering if there is any way to keep the Green Card, if my family moves back to Quebec. We thought of renting our home in the US, so as to keep ties here, and buy a condo in Quebec City. I have heard about re-entry permits, and of N470, but I am not quite sure what those are intended for exactly.

Can anyone help clarify the situation for me?

Thanks

Santiago

 

[hadron]

This is a difficult situation. Yes, there is a re-entry permit for stays abroad exceeding 6 months, but the key is that you have to maintain evidence of your intended return to the US at all times. A house, financial ties, ideally a regular paycheck from the US are all indicators of your intent to return to an 'unabandoned residence'. However, every time you cross the border the US officer can question you and potentially deny your entry (and cancel your GC) if he thinks that you abandoned you permanent residence. It is entirely possible to maintain a GC through regular visits to the US and by maintaining the requisite paperwork here. But you allways run the risk of loosing it if you don't actually work here.

What specialty are you in that it is easier to find a job in quebec than in the US ? Have you cast you net a bit wider than VT/New England ? There should be a well paying job for you somewhere in the US. After 5 years here you can become a citizen and from that point on you can live and work wherever you please.