How Long Can US Green Card Holders Stay Outside the US?

Learn the rules for US green card holders on staying outside the US without jeopardizing residency.

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US green card holders can stay outside the United States for up to 6 months without any issues. For stays between 6 months and 1 year, they might face questions about maintaining residency. To avoid problems, they should apply for a Re-entry Permit if planning to be abroad for more than 1 year, which allows re-entry for up to 2 years.

FAQs & Answers

  1. Can a US green card holder lose their residency while traveling? Yes, if a green card holder stays outside the US for more than a year without a Re-entry Permit, they may lose their residency.
  2. What is a Re-entry Permit and how do I apply for one? A Re-entry Permit is a document for green card holders planning to stay outside the US for 1 year or more. It allows re-entry for up to 2 years.
  3. How can a green card holder maintain their residency while abroad? To maintain residency, green card holders should limit their time outside the US to less than 6 months, or apply for a Re-entry Permit for longer stays.
  4. What happens if a green card holder is outside the US for over 6 months? They may face questions at re-entry and should be prepared to prove they have maintained their residency.

Watch More

For more insights on US immigration and green card requirements, check out our related videos on maintaining residency and travel tips for green card holders.

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