I just received my Greencard and I'm having to go back to my country of origin for 10-11 months to finish my education (I have one year left in my program and US universities wouldn't accept all of the 3 years' worth of credits I'd accumulated).
I understand that for the purposes of my Greencard, I can be out of the country for less than a year without having to file a re-entry permit for my return.
I also understand that for purposes of naturalization, I should return to the US within 6 months.
I have also been given what seems like good advice that I should apply for a re-entry permit before I leave, even though I will be gone for less than 12 months, to show my intention to return to the US and not intending to abandon my status.
I'm planning to come back for a visit within 6 months.
My question is: should I apply for a re-entry permit, then leave for 5 months, return for my visit, then apply for another re-entry permit for the next 6 months? (fees are about to go up...that would add up to about 800 bucks!) Is that the best thing to do? I'd like to avoid paying 800 extra dollars for these re-entry permits, but I'd also like to keep in status toward getting naturalized.
Thank you so much for all your help.
SEHMUZ
I understand that for the purposes of my Greencard, I can be out of the country for less than a year without having to file a re-entry permit for my return.
I also understand that for purposes of naturalization, I should return to the US within 6 months.
I have also been given what seems like good advice that I should apply for a re-entry permit before I leave, even though I will be gone for less than 12 months, to show my intention to return to the US and not intending to abandon my status.
I'm planning to come back for a visit within 6 months.
My question is: should I apply for a re-entry permit, then leave for 5 months, return for my visit, then apply for another re-entry permit for the next 6 months? (fees are about to go up...that would add up to about 800 bucks!) Is that the best thing to do? I'd like to avoid paying 800 extra dollars for these re-entry permits, but I'd also like to keep in status toward getting naturalized.
Thank you so much for all your help.
SEHMUZ