Hi all,
I'm new to this forum, so let me explain my situation: I spent 10 years in the US, got a GC through marriage, our first son was born in NYC. In 2010, we left NYC to move to Europe, mainly to spend some time with my elderly parents. I filed for a Re-entry Permit, which was granted, but expired on September 26th of 2012. I've been filing my US tax return each year since leaving the States, we still own an apartment in NYC, and I kept my bank account, but I have not been back since 2010. We might relocate to NYC at some point, but we're not sure exactly when.
I do want to go visit some friends in a couple of months, though, and see my in-laws, etc. I'm planning on staying for 10 days. Can I enter on a tourist visa, or will I have to go through the hassle of filing the DS -117 form, even though I'm not entering to stay but just to visit. Can I just fill out a tourist visa upon arrival and pretend I had no idea about anything else, or will I be turned right back around and put on the next plane to Germany? Does anybody know the processing time for DS - 117?
Thanks a lot in advance, and I look forward to getting some input.
I'm new to this forum, so let me explain my situation: I spent 10 years in the US, got a GC through marriage, our first son was born in NYC. In 2010, we left NYC to move to Europe, mainly to spend some time with my elderly parents. I filed for a Re-entry Permit, which was granted, but expired on September 26th of 2012. I've been filing my US tax return each year since leaving the States, we still own an apartment in NYC, and I kept my bank account, but I have not been back since 2010. We might relocate to NYC at some point, but we're not sure exactly when.
I do want to go visit some friends in a couple of months, though, and see my in-laws, etc. I'm planning on staying for 10 days. Can I enter on a tourist visa, or will I have to go through the hassle of filing the DS -117 form, even though I'm not entering to stay but just to visit. Can I just fill out a tourist visa upon arrival and pretend I had no idea about anything else, or will I be turned right back around and put on the next plane to Germany? Does anybody know the processing time for DS - 117?
Thanks a lot in advance, and I look forward to getting some input.