What is my status? very confused. Really appreciate any help.

[automotive_student]

Hi,

I am a graduating engineering student that studies in Canada. I am looking forward to pursue a career in automotive firm in the States.

I got my green card and social security card when I was about 10 years old, but my family decided not to stay in the States, and I somehow ended up in Canada studying. Because I need to attend some competitions in the States, I have to surrender my green card and apply for visitor VISA, and I was told that I can reapply the green card.

Recently I am looking for jobs, pretty much all the jobs in the States has this requirement.
(*Candidates must have the legal right to work for Honda R&D in the United States.)

So my question is,

1)Do I have legal right to work in the States? Can I not reapply for green card before I can hired?

2)What is my status? Permanent resident? returning resident? nobody? How should I state it in my resume?

Really appreciate if anyone can make this clear to me.

[immihelp]

There is no way to resume your status just like that.

You have no legal status in the US. You will have to reapply for the green card all over again, just the way you originally got it. Or by other means, same as the persons who never got green card before.

[automotive_student]

Thank you, it's good to know.