09/05/2026
Entering the U.S. Once a Year WON'T Protect Your Green Card
Many permanent residents living abroad believe that returning to the United States once a year, or even every six months, is enough to protect their green card. But it is not that simple.
CBP officers can look at the overall pattern of a permanent resident’s entries and exits. If someone has been living abroad and making extended absences over several years, CBP may question whether that person has abandoned their permanent residence. In some cases, the issue can be referred to an immigration judge for a determination.
Permanent residents should also be extremely careful before signing Form I-407. The form is used to voluntarily abandon permanent resident status, so it is important to understand the consequences before signing. ⚖️
Got questions about maintaining your green card while abroad? Drop them in the comments below! ⬇️