Immigration Site

I just received my Greencard and Im having to go back to my country of origin for 10-11 months to finish my education (I have one year left in my program and US universities wouldnt accept all of the 3 years worth of credits Id accumulated).

I understand that for the purposes of my Greencard, I can be out of the country for less than a year without having to file a re-entry permit for my return.

I also understand that for purposes of naturalization, I should return to the US within 6 months.

I have also been given what seems like good advice that I should apply for a re-entry permit before I leave, even though I will be gone for less than 12 months, to show my intention to return to the US and not intending to abandon my status.

Im planning to come back for a visit within 6 months.

My question is: should I apply for a re-entry permit, then leave for 5 months, return for my visit, then apply for another re-entry permit for the next 6 months? (fees are about to go up...that would add up to about 800 bucks!) Is that the best thing to do? Id like to avoid paying 800 extra dollars for these re-entry permits, but Id also like to keep in status toward getting naturalized.

Thank you so much for all your help.

SEHMUZ

if you are planning to come back within 6 months, do not bother with reentry permit. Its a waste of money if you are not going to be gone for more than a year. Absences of less than 6 months will not interrupt your naturalization timeline.

Dont forget to obtain an SSN, State ID, ties to the US.

Thanks for your help, LucyMO.

So Its not going to be a problem for naturalization even though Im going to be coming back for a week or so within 6 months and go back to Turkey for my last semester and come back within 5 months after that visit for good?

Ill be coming by myself for the first visit. Do you think I should tell the officer at the airport that Im just coming for a short visit in order to retain my natz timeline? Should I tell the officer if he asks why I was absent for 5.5 months that I was studying in Turkey and I could also show him a document I will get from school? I think my next visit, 11 months from now, shouldnt be a big problem in terms of getting into the US since Ill be coming with my wife and son who are both US citizens.

I have a bank account here and my wife and son are American. My mother-in-law will still be here living where we live now which will still be our address in the US. Also, well be applying for graduate schools in the US. I dont think there are many other connections other than these. On the other hand, I do have a SSN and can obtain a state ID if so necessary.

One more question... We live in Ann Arbor, MI now and I was planning to go to NY for my short visit. Do you think that might possibly be a problem? Man these people turn you into such a freak!

Thanks a lot for your help again.

Sehmuz

Anybody there to help?