Can I leave for work without jeopardizing my green card status?
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Can I leave for work without jeopardizing my green card status?
I intend to marry my fiancee in a couple months. The problem is that I am a navigational officer working for a cruise ship and am required to leave for 3-4 months to work. Even though I will return and live in the US after working, will this jeaopardize my “ties to America” for my green card requirements since it is required for me to stay in the US? And would a re-entry permit be required for such time while working on the ship?
Asked on May 1, 2012 under Immigration Law, Illinois
Answers:
SB, Member, California / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
No, a reentry permit is only required where you are going to be outside the US for longer than 6 months at a time. You ca n be gone for 3-4 months without jeopardizing your green card status. It is not clear though whether you plan to leave for work after you get married and file for your green card or before then. If you plan to marry and file and then leave, you will not be able to leave right away; you would have to get an advance parole travel document before being able to leave the US and then return to continue with your process.
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