Protecting Your Green Card While Working Abroad

Introduction

For U.S. Green Card holders, the opportunity to work abroad can be exciting but comes with critical responsibilities to maintain lawful permanent resident (LPR) status. Extended absences from the United States can jeopardize your Green Card, as the U.S. government may interpret prolonged stays abroad as abandonment of residency. This presentation outlines the requirements Green Card holders must follow when working away from the U.S. for long periods, with a focus on the Re-Entry Permit, other travel considerations, and additional obligations to preserve your status.

Understanding Permanent Resident Status

A U.S. Green Card grants lawful permanent residency, allowing individuals to live and work in the U.S. indefinitely. However, LPR status is contingent on maintaining the U.S. as your primary place of residence. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) considers absences longer than six months as potentially disruptive to your residency status. Absences exceeding one year without proper documentation can lead to a presumption of abandonment, potentially resulting in the loss of your Green Card.
To mitigate these risks, Green Card holders must take proactive steps, such as obtaining a Re-Entry Permit, maintaining ties to the U.S., and complying with immigration and tax regulations. Below, we explore these requirements in detail.

The Re-Entry Permit: A Critical Tool for Green Card Holders

What is a Re-Entry Permit?

A Re-Entry Permit is a travel document issued by USCIS that allows Green Card holders to remain outside the U.S. for up to two years without being considered to have abandoned their permanent residence status. It serves as proof of your intent to maintain your LPR status while abroad for extended periods, such as for work, family obligations, or other reasons.

Subject: Going Abroad to Live & Work? Protect your Green Card with a Re-Entry PermitAre you a U.S. Green Card Holder with a job opportunity overseas? If so, it’s crucial to protect your permanent residency status while you’re away.When living or working outside the U.S. for an extended period, you’ll need a Re-Entry Permit to maintain your Green Card and avoid complications upon your return.At the Law Offices of Chris M. Ingram, we specialize in preparing and filing Re-Entry Permit applications – accurately, efficiently, and with your long-term goals in mind.

Expert Guidance throughout the process.

Quick and reliable application preparation.