After the time, care and financial investment it takes to become a lawful permanent resident of the United States, care should be taken so that an individual not put their status in jeopardy. You may lose your permanent resident status (green card) if you commit an act that makes you removable from the United States under the law If you commit such an act, you may be brought before an immigration court to determine your right to remain a permanent resident.
Alternatively, USCIS may find that you have “abandoned” your permanent resident status if you:
Move to another country intending to live there permanently;
Remain outside the US for more than 183 days without obtaining a reentry permit or returning resident visa (additional conditions may apply);
Remain outside the U.S. for more than two years after issuance of a reentry permit without obtaining a returning resident visa;
Fail to file income tax returns while living outside the U.S. for any period of time;
Declare yourself a “non-resident” on your tax returns; or
At any inspection, fail to establish to the satisfaction of a U.S. Immigration Officer your intent to maintain your permanent resident status.
If you are planning to be outside of the U.S. for an extended period of time, please contact our office to ensure a plan is in place to preserve your permanent resident status.
