If I am a new immigrant outside of the U.S. without my green card, how soon should I return to the U.S.?
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If I am a new immigrant outside of the U.S. without my green card, how soon should I return to the U.S.?
I am a new immigrant with a social security number but no green card and I am outside of the U.S. I am currently experiencing issues with my current employer of over 12 years as they do not want me to obtain my government benefits and forcing me to leave prematurely. I intend to return to the U.S. permanently in about 2 months from now. Will it be a problem to do so as I first came to the U.S. 2 months ago but came back to Jamaica last month?
Asked on March 30, 2016 under Immigration Law, Alaska
Answers:
SB Member California Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 8 years ago | Contributor
If you are a permanent resident does not matter if you have the physical green card or not because that is just a proof of your status but the status exists independent of that document as well, you can be outside the US for periods of time but it should not extend beyond 6 months. However, you should probably return to the US sooner than 6 months if this is your first time outside the US after getting the green card. status.
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