Working abroad while waiting for GC

[bubbu]

My priority date is June 2009 ( India) and I have EAD and AP card through EB2- National Interest Waiver ( Physician ). I am not sponsored by any employer. I am thinking about practicing in middle east for a short time ( may be 1-2 years) due to family circumstances. Is there any restrictions for doing that? Am I supposed to be in USA when they call for GC interview at some point? ( Do I have to show proof of address here?). Is there any mandatory requirement that I should be in USA for certain days per year? Anyone else think that this is a bad idea from GC approval standpoint ? Any suggestions much appreciated.

[rayb]

If you are not able to attend a scheduled "Adjustment" interview (for Green Card approval), without notifying in advance and requesting another date, you will be considered to have "abandoned" your Permanent Resident application and will have to pay a "reopen" fee ($500+ or thereabouts) to make the application active, and with appropriate explanation.

Working while waiting is not a problem, but don't miss your interview date.

--Ray B

My priority date is June 2009 ( India) and I have EAD and AP card through EB2- National Interest Waiver ( Physician ). I am not sponsored by any employer. I am thinking about practicing in middle east for a short time ( may be 1-2 years) due to family circumstances. Is there any restrictions for doing that? Am I supposed to be in USA when they call for GC interview at some point? ( Do I have to show proof of address here?). Is there any mandatory requirement that I should be in USA for certain days per year? Anyone else think that this is a bad idea from GC approval standpoint ? Any suggestions much appreciated.

[bubbu]

Thanks for the reply. Absolutely, I wont be missing the interview. My concern is when I attend the interview, does it matter that I am no longer working in USA and do not have a physical address here..

If you are not able to attend a scheduled "Adjustment" interview (for Green Card approval), without notifying in advance and requesting another date, you will be considered to have "abandoned" your Permanent Resident application and will have to pay a "reopen" fee ($500+ or thereabouts) to make the application active, and with appropriate explanation.

Working while waiting is not a problem, but don't miss your interview date.

--Ray B

[rayb]

You must have a physical address, i.e., domicile, to apply for Permanent Resident status. USCIS must have a physical location at which you can be found.

A PO or similar mailing address works for many, but if pressed about your location during the interview, lack of a physical street address might get you denied.

Most expats I know who are processing Statewide immigration procedures use relative addresses as their "base," at which they can also receive mail.

--Ray B

Thanks for the reply. Absolutely, I wont be missing the interview. My concern is when I attend the interview, does it matter that I am no longer working in USA and do not have a physical address here..