Overview
- A lawful permanent resident who stays abroad for a year or more without valid reentry authorization can be found to have abandoned U.S. residence and risk losing their Green Card.
- Trips lasting more than six months but less than a year can trigger questioning of whether the person intended to maintain permanent residence in the United States.
- Adjudicators weigh duration of absence, reasons for travel, intent to return, and continuing ties; a reentry permit (Form I-131) supports planned long absences but does not guarantee admission.
- Abandonment findings can lead DHS to issue a Notice to Appear (Form I-862) and can break continuous residence required for naturalization.
- Guidance emphasizes documenting U.S. ties, filing online where eligible including Form I-485 for adjustment, carrying proof of status during ICE encounters, and using faster naturalization routes for spouses of U.S. citizens or qualifying military service.