One of the issues frequently discussed is how long a person holding a U.S. green card can remain outside the United States without losing their permanent resident status. The answer generally depends on the specific circumstances and the reason why the permanent resident stays outside the U.S. for an extended period. Therefore, consulting with an immigration attorney is often necessary in cases of green card holders who have stayed outside the U.S. for long durations. In general, the following apply:

A U.S. permanent resident (a foreign national holding a U.S. green card) is required to reside permanently in the U.S. to maintain their status (green card). Temporary trips outside the U.S. are permitted, but such trips should have a specific purpose and a limited duration. It is advisable that green card holders do not remain outside the U.S. for periods longer than six months.

There is a widespread misconception that a short trip to the U.S. every year or every six months is sufficient to maintain the green card. This belief is completely wrong and dangerous – a green card is not a tourist visa.

Long absences from the U.S. do not lead to loss of permanent resident status (green card) when returning to the U.S. is difficult or impossible due to force majeure reasons.

Absence from the U.S. for years generally results in loss of permanent resident status unless there is a sufficient justification for the absence.

Various factors are considered to determine whether a green card holder maintains permanent resident status, such as whether the holder files tax returns annually in the U.S., maintains a home or close relatives in the U.S., holds a U.S. driver’s license, etc.

For more details, you can read the Board of Immigration Appeals decisions on this topic, specifically the Matter of Kane 15 I&N Dec 258 (1975) and Matter of Huang, 19 I&N Dec. 750 (BIA 1988).