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Leaving the US after getting the Green Card - pls. advise

A

Asya

New Member
DV 2011 lottery winner. Got my immigrant visa. Am suppose to enter the US by Sept. 29, 2011. I plan to enter the US around June 20th, 2011 and hope that within 6 weeks I'll receive a 'green' card (not sure if its actually green in color, is it? :) My plan is to leave the US and travel back home (for work) for about 3 months, then travel back to US for about 2 months (all for work, again), then travel back home for another 3 months.... In other words, I'm planning to go back-and-force between the USA and my home country within the first 12 months after getting the 'green' card. Is it going to be a problem (from the maintaining the resident status point of view)? After reading all the correspondence on related issues it seems like I don't have file for re-entry permit given the fact that I do not plan to be absent from the US for more than 3 months between my travels.

Also, I do not really understand whether or not everyone should go through biometrics and fingerprinting or only those filing for re-entry permit. Could someone pls. clarify? I didn't really find an answer to these questions (but, of course, i wasn't able to go through all postings...).

Would greatly appreciate guidance and sharing of people's experiences.
Many thanks in advance to everyone investing their time in responding to this note.
 
You will not invoke the rath of immigration for the length of your stays outside the US but you risk getting in a bit of trouble over your total length of time outside the US. They have stepped up enforcement of the resident part of LPR status. If you don't spend more than half your time in the US you are probably going to get a warning and then if you continue they may just take your card.
 
Asya said:
DV 2011 lottery winner. Got my immigrant visa. Am suppose to enter the US by Sept. 29, 2011. I plan to enter the US around June 20th, 2011 and hope that within 6 weeks I'll receive a 'green' card (not sure if its actually green in color, is it? :) My plan is to leave the US and travel back home (for work) for about 3 months, then travel back to US for about 2 months (all for work, again), then travel back home for another 3 months.... In other words, I'm planning to go back-and-force between the USA and my home country within the first 12 months after getting the 'green' card. Is it going to be a problem (from the maintaining the resident status point of view)? After reading all the correspondence on related issues it seems like I don't have file for re-entry permit given the fact that I do not plan to be absent from the US for more than 3 months between my travels.

Also, I do not really understand whether or not everyone should go through biometrics and fingerprinting or only those filing for re-entry permit. Could someone pls. clarify? I didn't really find an answer to these questions (but, of course, i wasn't able to go through all postings...).

Would greatly appreciate guidance and sharing of people's experiences.
Many thanks in advance to everyone investing their time in responding to this note.
Click to expand...

Nowadays, the GCs are processed faster so you may likely receive it in 3 weeks time. I think 3 trips within your first year in the US will not be a problem. You don't need re-entry permit so far as you will not be away for more than 1 year. During your first entry to the US, they will take your fingerprint and photo - this is a standard procedure for all first time entrants. You only need to book an appointment for biometrics if you will be away for more than 1 year and needed a re-entry permit.
 
Thank you for response. Another question then: if I enter the US say on July 20, 2011 that would mean that between July 20, 2011 and July 20, 2012 I have to make sure I spend at least 6 months in the US to maintain the resident status without anyone questioning it and without having to apply for re-entry?
 
You should not leave US for 6 months CONSECUTIVELY, by "RULE" AFAIK.
You "better" stay more that 6 months for any period of 12 months, but it's just a "better".

Correct me if wrong.
Asya said:
Thank you for response. Another question then: if I enter the US say on July 20, 2011 that would mean that between July 20, 2011 and July 20, 2012 I have to make sure I spend at least 6 months in the US to maintain the resident status without anyone questioning it and without having to apply for re-entry?
Click to expand...
 
Asya said:
Thank you for response. Another question then: if I enter the US say on July 20, 2011 that would mean that between July 20, 2011 and July 20, 2012 I have to make sure I spend at least 6 months in the US to maintain the resident status without anyone questioning it and without having to apply for re-entry?
Click to expand...

You don't need to spend 6 months in the US for your 1st year. You only need re-entry permit if you will be out of the US for more than a year not when you will spend less than 6 months in your 1st year in the US.
 
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