International Travel U.S. Immigration law assumes that a person admitted to the United States as an immigrant will live in the United States permanently. Remaining outside the United States for more than 12 months may result in a loss of lawful permanent resident status.

Do I have to stay in US after getting green card?

To qualify, you must continuously reside in the United States for five years after attaining lawful permanent residence (or three years if you are the spouse of a U.S. citizen); you must also be physically present in the United States for at least half of that period (two and one-half years for most aliens, one and one …

How to become a permanent resident of the United States?

Learn how to get a Green Card to become a permanent resident, check your green card case status, bring a foreign spouse to live in the U.S. and what documents you need when traveling back to the U.S. Also, find out how to enter or check your results for the Diversity Visa Lottery program.

What happens when a permanent resident leaves the US?

When a permanent resident remains outside the United States for an extended period, it can lead to suspicion that he or she has abandoned residence in the U.S. But time abroad isn’t the only factor to consider. Immigration officials will evaluate other factors when determining abandonment. Every situation is different.

When do you become a long term resident of the US?

You are a long-term resident for U.S. federal income tax purposes if you were a lawful permanent resident of the United States (green card holder) in at least 8 of the last 15 tax years ending with the year your residency ends.

Can a lawful permanent resident work or study abroad?

Working or Studying Abroad as a Lawful Permanent Resident. You’ve acquired lawful permanent resident (LPR) status after weeks, months, or even years of filling out forms and complying with requirements. You don’t want to jeopardize your status, but you have the opportunity of a lifetime, working or studying abroad.