It is extremely important to consult with a Smith & Garg attorney before traveling outside of the United States for a prolonged period of time.  The USCIS has discretion to determine that a person intends to abandon permanent resident status if that person has traveled outside the U.S. for 180 days or more. Under the Immigration and Nationality Act, a permanent resident who travels outside of the U.S for one (1) year or more, without obtaining a re-entry permit or travel document, has abandoned his or her permanent resident status.  Therefore, permanent residents planning a trip outside of the U.S. for up to six months or longer should first file an application to obtain a travel document or a re-entry permit.  If you intend to travel outside the U.S. to work, you should also file an application for a re-entry permit.  One other good reason to consult the immigration attorneys at Smith & Garg before traveling abroad for an extended period of time is that under some circumstances we can file a petition that may help you meet the physical presence requirement for naturalization, even if you are outside of the U.S. for more than a year.  

Should you have any questions regarding your immigration matters, please contact the experienced immigration attorneys of Smith & Garg at 562-590-7300 or call our toll-free number at 877-517-4275.  You can also submit an inquiry through our Long Beach Immigration Online Inquiry.