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Moving to States after Green Card
My boyfriend received his Green Card (via the DV-Lottery) in August 2005. He has been to the States several times since then but, on the last trip just two days ago to Atlanta, the officer questioned him thoroughly, demanding to know why he hadn't already moved and warned him that he had better do so soon otherwise he could lose his visa.
We were both shocked, as he's only had the Green Card for a few months and it takes time to organise an international move. Additionally, he is a pilot and has to convert his license to an FAA license so that he can fly American aircraft. He is planning to do this next year, but we are now obviously worried about what happens if we don't move to the US in the next few months.
It seems that the policy is somewhat nebulous - you'll definitely have problems if you're out of the States for more than 12 months, but the specific officer could deem a shorter amount of time unacceptable.
We were planning on moving to the States in the next 2 years (we would be back regularly visiting every few months until then), but now that seems a bit risky. Any advice on this or what to say to immigration when entering. On this last trip he tried to explain why he hadn't moved yet, but the officer seemed completely uninterested in the details.
Thanks in advance!
Ashley
We were both shocked, as he's only had the Green Card for a few months and it takes time to organise an international move. Additionally, he is a pilot and has to convert his license to an FAA license so that he can fly American aircraft. He is planning to do this next year, but we are now obviously worried about what happens if we don't move to the US in the next few months.
It seems that the policy is somewhat nebulous - you'll definitely have problems if you're out of the States for more than 12 months, but the specific officer could deem a shorter amount of time unacceptable.
We were planning on moving to the States in the next 2 years (we would be back regularly visiting every few months until then), but now that seems a bit risky. Any advice on this or what to say to immigration when entering. On this last trip he tried to explain why he hadn't moved yet, but the officer seemed completely uninterested in the details.
Thanks in advance!
Ashley
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