Questions about forfeiting green card and re-entry permits

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buttercup1

New Member
Hello.

I am currently a holder of a valid green card and a valid passport.

For the past few years, I have been living the majority of each year outside of the US. I come back every year before year is up so as not to have my GC taken away.

This last time, I was questioned a bit more at the airport. So I've been considering getting a re-entry permit for two years or just giving up my GC (I do not see having a future in the US for at least the next 10 years).

I have some questions about both situations.

1. Does getting a re-entry permit mean that I can definitely get back into the US with my GC, passport, and permit? I don't want to go through all the trouble and expense if I get the permit and they reject me at immigration because I do not have "intent" to live in the US (though I do have "ties").

2. After I get my biometrics done for the re-entry permit, can I leave and have the permit sent down to me in the US consulate of my resident country?

3. If I give up my GC, will it be difficult for me to get a tourist visa to visit my parents once a year or so?

I do understand that it will be really hard to get another GC in the future, but right now, my life is not in the US. I am really not a resident of the US anymore. I also know that popping in and out of the US every 6 months does not necessarily guarantee my re-entrance.

Please help me with these two questions. Thanks in advance!!!
 
1. It will decrease the chances of being hassled, but no guarantee, especially with you already having a history of long absences outside the US.

2. Yes. You must be in the US when the application is filed (including when USCIS receives it), and you can leave right after giving biometrics. You can also leave the US for the few weeks between USCIS receiving the application and going to the biometrics appointment.

3. It's easy to get a tourist visa after officially and voluntarily surrendering your GC with form I-407. You can even apply for the visa in the same visit to the consulate when you surrender the green card.
 
hi... I had a question on reentry permit too that is related to the OP.

I applied for reentry permit in June 2011, did biometrics in July 2011, left the States in August 2011, and got my reentry permit issued in September 2011. I haven't been back to the States since August 2011.

My question is, do I need to come back by August 2011 (i.e. at exactly 2 years after I left) or I can come back in September (i.e. stick with the expiration date of my reentry permit)?

Thanks in advance.
 
You can stay out until the expiry date on the permit but leave a few days extra on the permit in case something happens and your travel is delayed.
 
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