Hi everyone

I'm currently a permanent resident(greencard holder) and I am considering studying abroad. Does anyone if there is some sort of student leave visa available for those wanting to study abroad but don't want to let there greencard become invalid(i was told that there is some sort of law that if you are a permanent resident and leave the country for more than 6 months your greencard becomes invalid)? I don't even know if it is a called a visa. If anyone knows any info on this please let me know.

thank you so much.

yes, i am in the same situation.. does anyone have any information on this??

I actually called INS dept of Homeland security to ask this question, apparently as a permanent resident you are allowed to leave the US for no longer than 1 year, but as long as you are able to return periodically, say on school break for a minimum of a few days, you should be fine.

In one year, do not stay away for the entire year, come back, leave again, and you should not be affected or your permanent status will not be voided.

Hi there! I just recently had to make a stop at the American Embassy in Germany where they questioned me regarding re-entering the US without my green card (lost). So, here is what he told me after I asked for a bit of education...

1. You may leave the country for up to 364 days- then you must return to retain your residency. A short visit of a few days is sufficient. Then you can leave again for up to 364 days.

2. If you are a student who wishes to study abroad (outside of US) you may ask for a 2 year student visa. You may only do this two times; and you can do it back to back. So, a total of four years abroad is feasible. However, you must prove that you are in school on a full time schedule. Then you must return to retain residency.

And that was the extent of my lesson.

Hope this helps.

~Nina~