Tweet
Hi,
I have been a US permanent resident since 2006 and my current green card is valid for 10 years.
Last year in June of 2010 my wife and I decided to move to Paris, France due to research my wife (who is a US citizen) is doing here. We had originally planned to return to the States this June so that I could re-enter the States with my green card. But the dire job situation in the States and professional opportunities for both of us in France let to the decision to stay here for another year.
Now I wonder what the best way is for me to retain my permanent resident status. We have the full intention to get back to the States (hopefully next summer) once we can find jobs in our field, but I know that at this point I cannot apply for a re-entry permit (I-131), since you have to be physically present in the States to file it and in addition it should be filed before you go abroad.
The second option is the Returning Resident Visa. When I checked on this website, it says under "Returning Resident Visa" that "an Immigrant Petition may be filed on behalf of the past immigrant by a US relative."
What Immigrant Petition does this refer to and what is the difference between a "Returning Resident Visa" and an "Immigrant Petition?"
When would my wife have to file the latter if that is an option for retaining my status and my re-entry?
Thank you for any advice,
Viktor
I have been a US permanent resident since 2006 and my current green card is valid for 10 years.
Last year in June of 2010 my wife and I decided to move to Paris, France due to research my wife (who is a US citizen) is doing here. We had originally planned to return to the States this June so that I could re-enter the States with my green card. But the dire job situation in the States and professional opportunities for both of us in France let to the decision to stay here for another year.
Now I wonder what the best way is for me to retain my permanent resident status. We have the full intention to get back to the States (hopefully next summer) once we can find jobs in our field, but I know that at this point I cannot apply for a re-entry permit (I-131), since you have to be physically present in the States to file it and in addition it should be filed before you go abroad.
The second option is the Returning Resident Visa. When I checked on this website, it says under "Returning Resident Visa" that "an Immigrant Petition may be filed on behalf of the past immigrant by a US relative."
What Immigrant Petition does this refer to and what is the difference between a "Returning Resident Visa" and an "Immigrant Petition?"
When would my wife have to file the latter if that is an option for retaining my status and my re-entry?
Thank you for any advice,
Viktor
Comment