Travel for Study/Research Abroad on Green Card

I

IvanTheGreat

New Member
I am a conditional green card holder (received the card 1 month ago by adjustment of status from F-1 to green card through marriage to US citizen). I have been registered in a PhD program in the US since 2005. In two months, I will have to leave the US and spend 8 months in Europe in order to conduct research necessary for the completion of my degree in the US. On completion of the research abroad, I will return to the US, defend my thesis and begin looking for a job. I don’t currently own either a car or property in the US, but I will be registered in a PhD program, maintain bank accounts and credit cards, file tax returns as a resident, maintain ties to my husband’s family (my husband will also be temporarily in Europe as a postdoc).

Would this 8 to 9-month absence for study abroad jeopardize my green card? Would you recommend that I apply for a re-entry permit even if my stay will not exceed one full year? What documentation/proof should I provide at POF? Is a letter from my university in the US enough? (The letter would indicate that research abroad is a required component for completion of degree) What other documents should I be prepared to provide?

In general, would study abroad for up to 2 years as part of a US PHD (that requires research abroad for completion of degree) be considered a valid reason if documented by my US university?

Besides situations beyond one’s control, what are some of the valid reasons for extended (even if temporary) stays abroad?
 
Thanks for the reply! I am a woman despite my Ivan nickname. To answer your question, my husband (who is the USC) will be in Europe for a longer period for a postdoc (part of which overlaps with my 8 month research). He will be in Italy and I will be mostly in Eastern Europe (so you can argue that we are going together). I understand that this somewhat weakens my case for family ties. However, all my in-laws (my husband's parents and brothers will be in the US and I plan to use their address as a permanent mailing address).
 
In your case getting a REP is recommended. You can apply for one while in US and pick it up from a US embassy of your choice in Europe.
 
Immigration and Visas Specialist

See More Info at Abhinav Immigration and Visas Specialist
 
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