Green Card and travel outside the US
Green Card and travel outside the US
Green Card and travel outside the US
If you have a Green Card, pay attention to this post because there are several ways that you could get in trouble and lose it!
One of these ways is by leaving the country for long periods of time, another way is by violating the law.
Leaving the United States
If you are a Green Card holder, you may lose this benefit if you leave the country for long periods of time. If you intend to make another country your permanent home, you will most likely lose your residency.
In addition, if you are absent from the US for more than a year, you will probably lose your Green Card and it may be hard to reenter the country. This is why any immigration lawyer will recommend entering the United States within six months of leaving to avoid any problems. Also, avoid leaving for more than a year, and if you are planning on doing so, apply for a re-entry permit.
You can apply for a re-entry permit at the USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services) website and you will be allowed to stay outside the country for up to two years. However, you need to apply before you leave and you will have to fill out an I-131 Form.
In case you fail to get a re-entry permit, you will need to go to a consulate abroad and demonstrate that you were unable to return due to unforeseeable circumstances, such as an illness.
What happens to your Green Card if you violate the law?
There are no specifications about which laws will qualify for the deportation of Green Card holders so if you get arrested, contact an immigration attorney as soon as possible to help you with your situation.
Civil violations will also qualify for deportation, such as fraud, theft and sex offenses.
If you are changing your address, you should notify the USCIS as soon as possible of your new address within ten days of moving. You can do this online and if you fail to do so, you could be deported.
Another way to lose your Green Card is by not registering with the Selective Service System (SSS) if you are a male between 18 and 25 years old. This does not apply if you entered the country after your 26th birthday or if you are in the United States on a temporary visa.
You can also apply for citizenship and demonstrate to the US that your intended permanent address is this country. You will not be able to apply right away after obtaining the Green Card, the usual wait time is five years.
We understand that immigration is a complex topic and that is why we offer you our knowledge and assistance with anything related to your Green Card or immigration. Contact Kannan Law today and let us analyze your case individually.