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?
 
A one time absence of 8-9 months will be OK, you still need to maintain your residence in US. Is your wife going with you?
 
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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