How to Keep a Green Card While Living Abroad
Living abroad can be an exciting and enriching experience, but for those who hold a green card, maintaining their status while living outside the United States can be a bit more complex. Keeping a green card while living abroad is essential for individuals who plan to return to the U.S. in the future. Here are some tips on how to keep your green card while living abroad.
1. Maintain a Physical Presence in the U.S.
One of the most critical aspects of keeping your green card while living abroad is to maintain a physical presence in the United States. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) expects green card holders to return to the U.S. at least once every two years. To prove your presence, you can provide evidence of travel, such as flight records, hotel bookings, or rental agreements.
2. Keep in Touch with the U.S. Embassy or Consulate
It is important to keep the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your host country informed about your whereabouts. You should update them with your current address and contact information. This ensures that you remain in their records and can receive any important updates or notifications regarding your green card status.
3. File a Report of Alien’s Presence (Form I-539)
If you plan to be abroad for an extended period, you may need to file a Report of Alien’s Presence (Form I-539) with USCIS. This form allows you to maintain your green card status while living abroad. Be sure to submit the form before your authorized stay in the U.S. expires and provide documentation of your intent to return to the U.S.
4. Keep Your Passport Valid
Your passport must remain valid at all times while you are abroad. This includes any visas or other travel documents required for your stay in the host country. If your passport expires, you will need to renew it promptly to avoid any complications with your green card status.
5. Update Your Address with USCIS
It is crucial to keep USCIS informed of any changes to your address, both in the U.S. and abroad. You can update your address online through the USCIS website or by submitting Form AR-11. Failing to update your address can result in missed important communications from USCIS, which may negatively impact your green card status.
6. Stay Compliant with U.S. Tax Laws
As a green card holder, you are required to comply with U.S. tax laws, even if you live abroad. Ensure that you file U.S. tax returns annually and report any income earned from sources in the U.S. or abroad. Failure to comply with tax laws can lead to serious consequences, including the loss of your green card.
7. Consider a Returning Resident Visa
If you plan to live abroad for an extended period, you may want to consider obtaining a Returning Resident Visa (SB-1). This visa allows you to return to the U.S. without having to wait for an available immigrant visa number. To qualify for an SB-1 visa, you must demonstrate that you have strong ties to the U.S. and intend to return.
In conclusion, maintaining your green card while living abroad requires careful planning and compliance with U.S. immigration laws. By following these tips, you can ensure that your green card remains valid and that you can return to the United States whenever you choose.
