Is this a valid re-entry permit purpose?

matthias000

New Member
Hello all,

I'm filling out the I-131 form for a re-entry permit and I came to the "purpose of trip" section and I'm a little bit stumped.
I will be leaving the US this summer for anywhere between 6 months to 1.5 years and I'll be going to my country for a little bit and then going to another country for the remainder of that time. While Im in that other country, I'll pretty much be living on my own ie. I'll be getting a job, renting an apartment, registering for their version of medicare, etc. I see three ways this situation ends:
a) I really like it there and stay (not very likely, but possible)
b) I finish my time and come back to the US after 1 - 1.5 years
c) I decide my decision was a mistake and I come back to the US after ~6 months

The reason it's like this is (don't laugh) a girl. After she's finished university, we might come to the US (me as a resident, her probably on a work visa) which means situation b, or if things don't work out between us then I'll probably come back earlier which means situation c.
I know that as a US resident, I would file taxes on my earnings abroad, but wouldn't getting a job abroad give ground to think I've moved for good?
Would a simple "personal reasons" suffice or should I go into more detail on the form?

Thanks!
 
"Personal reasons" is sufficient.

I know that as a US resident, I would file taxes on my earnings abroad, but wouldn't getting a job abroad give ground to think I've moved for good?
Yes, working abroad could be problematic, but usually won't result in losing your green card if it's during your first reentry permit and you don't have any prior history of extended stays outside the US as a green card holder.
 
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"Personal reasons" is sufficient.


Yes, working abroad could be problematic, but usually won't result in losing your green card if it's during your first reentry permit and you don't have any prior history of extended stays outside the US as a green card holder.

Thank you for your reply. I've only been gone for maybe 7 months for in the past 4 years. I might also be opening up a small one man contracting/consulting business, which I'll be able to run remotely until I get back. Would this alter my situation?
 
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