CP wrote on 11/10/08 03:00:
> Two part question for the panel :-
>
> I have had a Green Card for 6 years and have recently been working
> overseas with my US employer for about 4 months - I intend to return
> to the US before a year has elapsed but I have decided I would like to
> naturalize and become a US citizen. I'm a UK citizen. My wife is a US
> citizen. We own property in the US, have US credit cards, pay taxes on
> time etc. No criminal records. etc. etc.
>
> Can we do that from overseas or would I have to wait until I return
> (she lives here with me) - if it's the former, how long does it
> usually take?
I suggest you read the "Guide to Naturalization" on the USCIS website.
An absence of over 6 months breaks the continuous residency requirement, and the
5-year wait for naturalization would start over.
> Secondly, I rather like my posting - I want to return eventually but
> I'd like to stay a bit longer if that were possible - how long does
> one have to stay back in the US before you can start another year out
> of the country (legally speaking of course, I want to do everything
> strictly by the book).
A Permanent Resident has to live permanently in the US. That's what "permanent
residence" means.
All trips abroad have to be temporary in nature.
The GC loses its validity as entry document after one year abroad.
-Joe
--
I am not a lawyer.
For reliable advice, consult a competent immigration attorney. |