PR out over 1 year and wondering what problems i'll have at POE

J

JackL12

New Member
Hello,
I'm a PR and i've been out of the US for over 1 year now. I am due to go back soon and I realise that it might be difficult for me at the POE.
I was wondering are all departures from the US documented e.g. nobody ever stamps my passport when i exit the country.

Also, what kind of questions will I be asked at the POE? Will I be asked 'how long have I been out of the US'?

I'm curious why they ask that question if they have my departure recorded? Unless they don't have it and in that case i'm ok?
Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks.
 
If you left by air, they probably have your departure date recorded. The airlines transmit passenger manifests of all incoming and outgoing flights to CBP.

The green card by itself is not a valid entry document if you have left the US for over 1 year. You'll need to apply for a Returning Resident visa (SB-1) at a consulate. I assume you don't have a reentry permit.
 
No I don't have a reentry permit. Yes I departed by air. I didn't realise that the airlines transmit all the passenger manifests to CBP. Seems like alot of work for the airlines to do. Do these go into a database for immigration?
I might just take a chance and reenter the US and hopefully the immigration guy won't ask me how long was I out for?
Thanks for your help.
 
JackL12 said:
No I don't have a reentry permit. Yes I departed by air. I didn't realise that the airlines transmit all the passenger manifests to CBP. Seems like alot of work for the airlines to do. Do these go into a database for immigration?
Click to expand...
It is a lot of work, but the law since 9/11 requires them to do it. The arrival/departure records go into a database which can be accessed at the port of entry and in the citizenship process.

I might just take a chance and reenter the US and hopefully the immigration guy won't ask me how long was I out for?
Click to expand...
You're risking being detained if they know about your 1 year of absence.
 
You won't get any reentry permit since for this document you can file application only while in the U.S.

What was the reason of being outside for so long? If you had a good reason, then applying for returning resident visa shouldn't be hard.
 
Hello there,
I meant to say that i'll more than likely apply for a 'Returning Resident' visa instead of 'Reentry' permit!!!
I've been out of the US for 13 months now. I left the US to do some travelling around Europe and also to visit my family. My mother was ill and I stayed to look after her.
In response to the last question, I was going to tell the immigration officer I was out just 12 months.
Thanks alot folks for your help...
 
JackL12 said:
I've been out of the US for 13 months now. I left the US to do some travelling around Europe and also to visit my family. My mother was ill and I stayed to look after her.
Click to expand...
Seems like you have a good case for the SB-1 visa.

In response to the last question, I was going to tell the immigration officer I was out just 12 months.
Click to expand...
Which could land you in trouble if they see 13 months in the system.
 
You will almost certainly be asked how long you were out. In my various experiences with CPB officers, that's one thing which has been constant. And quite likely, they will have your departure record. Even if they don't they might be able to figure it out from the entry stamps in other countries.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top