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Postpone immigration

L

lemmel

New Member
Let’s say, hypothetically, that you participate in the DV-lottery and “win”. You go through with the procedure and receive the visa, but you have some unfinished business in your previous country that you need to resolve before hand, say it will take over six months, but less than twelve.

It’s a random selection, I believe it’s a good idea to plan ahead and participate a few times in order to win (insert continuous probability distribution statement).

1. Is it feasible? (I realize that you need to a apply for non-abandonment [what’s it called?], right after the win, I my eyes it looks bad without a really good reason)
2. Is it a bad idea? (Better to limit your chances and apply when ready to go??)
3. Any other options?

Thank you for your response
 
say it will take over six months, but less than twelve.
Click to expand...
You must activate the GC within 6 month. Once you did it, you can return to your home country. So, no problem at all to play the lottery every time you can.
 
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Ok, so basically what you're saying is that once I've activated the GC (I just call it visa and the activation would be part of the procedure I went through) I can, without the risk of loosing it, return (meaning to where ever just not USA) for twelve months? Is there a limit and what is it?

My interpretation of what you've written is a contradiction of what I've previously read (did I understand you correctly?). If you go aboard for 6+ months your visa is considered abandoned. True or false? (Please supply a valid source if saying false)

Thanks for the response!
 
After activation, you can stay outside the US for not more than 364 days without loosing the GC. But if you stay outside often for longer periods, the immigration officer could come to the conclusion that you've no immigration intend and confiscate the GC.
 
If you know that you will have to go to your home country for a longer period (but less than two years), you can apply for a re-entry permit.
 
I will do the same, should I be so lucky to win DV-2009. I will have the temporary green card endorsed, and stay with friends until I receive the plastic card and immediately apply for a re-entry permit. I will return to my home country and finish a couple of courses left for my BA, or do my 1 year MA, depending on how much I will have done by next year ;). Just remember to file your US tax from overseas and renew your driver's license, if you have one. Of course you can't do this for years straight, but with a re-entry permit you can stay in your home country for up to two years, which should buy you enough time to care of any business you have left to finish. They don't ask for proof when you apply for the permit, just throw in some 'personal reasons', that can be anything.
 
Thank you! That clearly answers my question and resolves my hypothetical problem. Very nice.

Re-entry Permit: A travel document that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services issues to lawful permanent residents (LPRs) who want to stay outside of the U.S. for more than one year and less than two years. LPRs who cannot get a passport from their country of nationality can also apply for a re-entry permit. You can put visas for foreign countries in a re-entry permit.

More info:
http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=fe17e6b0eb13d010VgnVCM10000048f3d6a1RCRD&vgnextchannel=4f719c7755cb9010VgnVCM10000045f3d6a1RCRD
 
and remember - you cannot work outside the US unless you are on a temporary work visa in that country. And you have to pay taxes on your worldwide income.
 
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