How can a US green card holder travel abroad for an extended period?

A US permanent resident who wants to travel abroad for an extended period should apply for a Reentry Permit using Form I-131 before departing. The reentry permit is valid for two years from the date of issuance and allows the holder to re-enter the US after an absence of up to two years without the green card being considered abandoned.

You must be physically present in the US when you file the I-131 and should attend biometrics before departing. The reentry permit is mailed to the address you designate (which can be overseas). Without a reentry permit, absences of six months or longer can raise questions about abandoning your permanent residence, and absences over one year generally result in denial of admission unless you have a reentry permit.

A reentry permit does not help with meeting the continuous residence requirements for naturalization. If you plan to eventually naturalize, consult an attorney about how extended absences affect the continuous residence and physical presence requirements for citizenship.

This is general information only, not legal advice. Consult a qualified immigration lawyer or registered migration agent for your specific situation.