Maintaining permanent resident status

[bluenwhite]

Hello,

I self petitioned and became a US Permanent resident in October 2010, while in the US. In December 2010 I took a contract for a job abroad, which will end in July 2011. There are more work opportunities for me outside the US, but I do not want to be considered to have abandoned permanent residence in the US.

In order to maintain permanent resident status;

From July 2011, how long is it advisable for me to stay in the US, before taking another 6 month contract abroad?

If I were to work onboard a cruise ship, which departs from and returns to the US (such as Royal Carribean), would this be considered working in the US or abroad?

I look forward to reading your help with these questions. Thank you.

 

[Jackolantern]

From July 2011, how long is it advisable for me to stay in the US, before taking another 6 month contract abroad?

That's hard to say, as it is a matter of discretion when immigration officers evaluate your situation (or an immigration judge, if it goes as far as that). But given your existing 7-month contract, I would advise waiting at least another 6 months. Working abroad is a major negative factor keeping the green card; you should keep those work stints short and far apart.

Working on a cruise ship that leaves US waters to dock at other countries would be considered working abroad ... except maybe if the ship is domiciled in the US (not sure about this - check out the rules elsewhere). But very few cruise ships are US-based.

However, if the ship returns to the US multiple times per month, and you also leave the ship and stay overnight in the US multiple times per month, it would have less impact on maintaining your permanent resident status.