With legal residency in the United States, you can leave the country and return, but beware of these risks

Is it possible for a lawful permanent resident of the United States to leave the country multiple times and return? Yes, but there are risks.

If you are a lawful permanent resident (green card holder), you can leave and return to the United States repeatedly, as long as you do not intend to be outside the country for 1 year or more.

If you plan to stay outside the United States for 1 year or more, you must apply for a re-entry permit from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) before leaving the country.

This permit allows a lawful permanent resident or conditional permanent resident to apply for admission to the United States after returning from abroad during the validity of the permit without the need to obtain a returning resident visa from a United States embassy or consulate.

Reentry permits are generally valid for 2 years from the date of issue. Therefore, if you remain outside the United States after the date the permit was issued, you may be denied entry into the United States.

To apply for a reentry permit, you must file a Travel Document Application (I-131) with USCIS.

If you have applied for permanent resident status but are not yet an official green card holder and need to leave the United States for emergency reasons, you must apply for and receive advance parole to leave the country by filing an I-131 with USCIS.

For additional information, see the USCIS Policy Manual.

It is imperative that you present the necessary documents before leaving the United States. Otherwise, you will be considered inadmissible and denied re-entry into the country.

If you are a green card holder and have not lived outside the United States for 1 year or more, you must have your green card (I-551) or your returning resident visa to re-enter the United States. States. It is not mandatory to present your unexpired passport; However, it’s not a bad idea to take it with you.