Returning to the USA...if possible.

[VAL2322]

My story is lengthy, so bare with me please.

I am 35 years old. I arrived in the USA when I was 6 months old and have permanently resided in the US until the age of 18. I left the USA to study in Canada; I was always under the impression that this was a valid (and acceptable) reason to leave the country.

While I returned ever so often, I pursued my studies for approximately 10 years (1991-2001). I was planning to return to the USA, but as fate would have it, I met my now husband during my last year...got married...then children.

In 2006, I applied for US citizenship. Once I made it to the interview, I was denied on the basis of "too many days outside of the USA during the last 2 years." Having read the information on this site for the past few days, I am very surprised (and fortunate) that the immigration officer did not ask me to hand over my card. No...instead she said to me that I needed to come back for 2 full years--work--pay taxes and then begin the citizenship application all over. Ok...fine.

Now--2009...I am ready (and determined) to move back permanently as a teacher. My family lives in the USA and I would like my children to be raised and educated there as well.

Does anyone have any ideas, thoughts or advice as to how I should approach this very delicate and precarious situation I have put myself in? Aside from crossing my fingers, what may be some "moves" I should make to better my chances?

Or should I just drive to the nearest INS and hand over my green card shamefully....

Thanks for your time and any thoughts...

[PraetorianXI]

First answer a few questions:

On what basis did you obtain your GC?
Where are you right now?
When was the last time you entered the USA?

[VAL2322]

First answer a few questions:

On what basis did you obtain your GC? My parents came from France. I entered with them. I received the GC probably around 1976-77.
Where are you right now? Montreal, QC
When was the last time you entered the USA? Fall 2004 (stamped). Traveled to the US after that time--however, when you drive over the border, they don't stamp your passport.

Error: Typo--INS interview was 2004, not 2006.

Thanks for your time, PraetorianXI.

[PraetorianXI]

If you have been outside of the USA for longer than 1 year without ever applying for a re-entry permit. You lost your resident status.

[VAL2322]

If you have been outside of the USA for longer than 1 year without ever applying for a re-entry permit. You lost your resident status.

What about a Returning Resident Visa? Or a petition from my parents?

[PraetorianXI]

A returning resident visa would be a LONG shot... your best and safest bet would be your parents petitioning for you, but that will take years.

[PraetorianXI]

Yes.. thats an unfortunate case... My best bet would be is to visit the links below and click on US greencard... Then it directs you to another website where you could find all information about your rights and how you could handle it. You could also use lawyers and make a petition and obtain citizenship. My girlfriend did the same and her case got resolved within 4 months... These people have good understanding about the rules and would suggest you the right...
All the best...

please quit spamming the forum. get a real job.