moving abroad for over 2 years after GC

[eevausa]

i received my Greencard Jun 2013 via marriage (my husband is US citizen) before greencard i lived in US for 6 years with several employment based VISAs. we're now planning on moving to my home country next summer (i.e. one year after i got my GC) and plan on living there over 2 years, maybe 5. the primary reason to move abroad is my family ties -we just had a baby here in US and we're planning on having another one while abroad. I'm also offered a job transfer back in my home country with the same company that originally sent me here.

what should we do so that we still have the opportunity to move back to US one day? is there a way to retain my GC? or do i need to re-apply the GC again when decided to move back, can that be even done or is there a risk i'm never able to be more back to US?

[cafeconleche]

Get a re-entry permit before you leave (you can leave after the fingerprinting appointment). But try not to cut all your ties to the US. Keep bank accounts, your house, car, etc., if possible. Also keep your driving licence. Make sure to file US taxes too, even when you're abroad. If you want to stay out for another 2 years, you'll have to return to the US before the old re-entry permit expires, apply for a new one, and then go out again. Remember that whenever you apply for a re-entry permit and you don't get it within a year of being abroad, RETURN TO THE US BEFORE 1 YEAR ELAPSES WITHOUT HAVING A RE-ENTRY PERMIT.

If you ever lose your GC, you can and will have to apply for a new one. But, as the spouse of a US citizen, this shouldn't be too hard.