When I immigrate to the US, how long should I live there before I can visit the country where I came from?

Question

Hi!

I was thinking of continuing to pursue my studies at my present university in my country if I don't get admitted to a better university in the US, because my school is acknowledged internationally. But I have to fly to the States because my Visa will expire in 6 months. The next schoolyear here starts June, and I'm flying to the US this September. Can I do it without harming my immigrant status? I mean there is this "abandoned whatzit something status" which I don't want happening to me. Oh, and can I bring with me 30 or so pieces of soap for personal use when I immigrate? I found it very effective in erradicating pimples and I want to make sure I have enough supplies.

Thanks very much! :)

Answer 1

There is no minimum length of time you must stay on your first arrival.  You must, however, get your green card in hand and you must be able to assure the CBP officer every time you return that you actually do live in the US, you're just studying outside.  The longest you can stay away is 365 days, not an hour more.  (Don't believe the folks who will come along and say that it's six months.  It's not.

Here is more to read on maintaining your permanent residency:

http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/m...

There are actually a lot of US green card holders who do what you do:  live in the US but continue their studies abroad.

And yes, you can bring along a supply of soap for personal use.  ;-}

ADDED:

By the way, when you enter the US with your immigrant visa, the CBP officer will stamp your passport with something like "Processed for I-551, valid for work and study until ------" and will put a date there, which used to be a year hence; now I don't know what it is.  But that means that even before your green card comes you can use that stamp to work, study, apply for a social security card and, yes, travel back outside and back into the US until the card comes or until the stamped date expires, whichever comes first.