How to keep from abandoning LPR status

Angelica Rice • October 20, 2022
      You waited months, maybe even years, and you finally have your Green Card and are a Lawful Permanent Resident of the United States, yay!

     Now you want to visit family abroad, and then COVID happened, and then your mom got sick, and after all that you just needed a relaxing vacation on a beach in Portugal, and what was supposed to be a 2-week trip turned into an 8-month sojourn. Are you in danger of the US border patrol officers thinking you abandoned your Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) status? If so, what do you do? How can you spend an extended period outside the United States, without abandoning your status? Keep reading to find out.


     There is no fixed period of time that will trigger abandonment, but LPRs are treated as seeking re-admission if they have been absent from the United States for a continuous period of longer than 180 days. INA § 101(a)(13)(C)(ii). Although an LPR returning from a visit of more than 180 days is subject to the grounds of inadmissibility and can be questioned as to potential abandonment of residency, this usually only comes up when the LPR has been gone for more than one year.

     When an LPR has been abroad continuously for more than one year, the presumption is that abandonment has occurred. 8 CFR § 211.1(a)(2). But this can be overcome by the LPR’s evidencing that he or she has maintained sufficient ties to the United States and never intended to abandon residency. If you find that you have been outside the United States for more than one (1) year, it is recommended that you apply for a reentry permit. A reentry permit establishes that you did not intend to abandon status, and it allows you to apply for admission to the United States after traveling abroad for up to 2 years without having to obtain a returning resident visa. Reentry permits are normally valid for 2 years from the date of issuance. To obtain a reentry permit, file Form I-131, Application for Travel Document. If possible, you should file this application well in advance of your planned trip. Additionally, you cannot file a Form I-131 to obtain a reentry permit unless you are physically present in the United States when you file the form. You must also have your biometrics taken before you leave the United States; biometrics cannot be done outside the country. However, if you file the I-131 and complete your biometrics, you can leave the US while the I-131 is pending and if/when approved, the travel document can be sent to a US embassy overseas for you to pick up in the foreign country. You do not need a reentry permit if you will be outside the US for less than 1 year.


    If you do not have a reentry permit to reenter the United States after an extended period away, you may be able to argue that you did not abandon your status and present evidence to support your argument, to the border patrol officer at the US port of entry. Evidence to support that you have maintained your status during your time away include but is not limited to, proof of medical incapacitation; death of a family member; mortgage payments on a US home; employment with a U.S. company abroad; a driver's license issued within the past year and reflecting the same address as that recorded on the Form I-94, Arrival and Departure Record; the name and address of the U.S. employer and evidence that a salary has been paid within a reasonable period of time; evidence of children’s enrollment in a U.S. school; evidence that the extended visit abroad was caused by unforeseen circumstances; evidence of a predetermined travel termination date, such as graduation or employment contract expiration; evidence of having filed U.S. income tax return(s) for the past year(s); and evidence of property ownership, whether real or personal, in the United States. 9 FAM 42.22 N. 1.3.


      If you are uncertain whether you have abandoned your LPR status or want advice about extended trips outside the United States, please contact one of our highly experienced immigration attorneys today!

This blog is not intended to be legal advice and nothing here should be construed as establishing an attorney client relationship. Please schedule a consultation with an immigration attorney before acting on any information read here.

Why You Should Still Consider Coming to the United States—Despite Changing Immigration Policies

By Shirin Navabi • August 14, 2025
It’s no secret that the U.S. immigration system has faced increased scrutiny and change in recent months. From evolving policies to headlines filled with uncertainty, it’s understandable that many individuals are left wondering: Is this still the right time to pursue a future in the United States? The answer is yes—and here’s why. Despite the shifting political landscape, the core structure of U.S. immigration law remains firmly in place. While the process may appear more complex or demanding than it once was, the legal pathways to live, work, and thrive in the United States are still open and accessible to those who take the proper steps. What often gets lost in the conversation is that the United States remains a country built on innovation, creativity, and resilience. It continues to attract global talent, entrepreneurs, artists, and professionals from all walks of life. Whether you are launching a business, advancing your career, or seeking a better life for your family, the United States offers unparalleled opportunities to those who are prepared and determined. Much of what makes the United States a global economic and technological leader today is the direct result of contributions made by immigrants. Nearly half of the current Fortune 500 companies were founded by immigrants or their children. Immigrant entrepreneurs have long been an essential part of America’s economic success story. Some of the largest and most recognizable American companies were founded by immigrants or the children of immigrants. This includes household names such as Apple and Costco. Moderna, the pharmaceutical company and vaccine producer, was founded by a Canadian-born stem cell biologist, Derrick J. Rossi, whose parents themselves emigrated from Malta. These success stories are not outliers; they are part of a broader pattern that reflects the drive, innovation, and resilience that immigrants bring to the country. The United States also offers one of the most dynamic and diverse economies in the world. It is a place where hard work, fresh ideas, and entrepreneurial vision are rewarded. For creative professionals, business leaders, and investors, the United States provides a unique platform to grow, connect, and gain global influence. Its competitive marketplace, access to capital, and culture of innovation create unmatched opportunities for those ready to seize them. While the immigration process requires careful planning, that process is far from impossible. Indeed, having strong legal guidance is one of the most effective advantages an applicant can possess. Immigration law is complex, and each case must be evaluated individually. A clear, strategic plan tailored to your background and goals can significantly improve your chances of success. What may feel like a hurdle at first glance is often navigable with solid preparation and documentation. At our immigration law firm, we have had the privilege of assisting individuals from all over the world as they navigate these complexities. Time and again, we have witnessed how determination, careful preparation, and experienced legal counsel can turn uncertainty into opportunity and help transform a vision for the future into reality. If you have been uncertain about whether to move forward, let this be your sign to take the next step. The United States is still a land of possibilities. If you are ready to take that step, now is the time to act. Let us build your path forward together.

DHS Terminates TPS for Honduras, Haiti, Nepal, Nicaragua & Cameroon

By Denice Flores • August 8, 2025
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced the termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for nationals from Honduras, Nicaragua, Nepal, Haiti, and Cameroon. These longstanding protections are set to expire, putting many individuals at risk of deportation.

The Secret Weapon in Your O-1A or EB-1A Petition: A Powerful Letter of Recommendation

By Shirin Navabi • July 17, 2025
For individuals applying under the O-1A or EB-1A categories , both reserved for professionals with extraordinary ability, letters of recommendation are a critical part of the petition. These expert testimonial letters offer valuable insight into your accomplishments, reputation, and influence within your field. When written properly, they help demonstrate that you truly stand out as someone who has risen to the very top of your profession. Many petitions submitted by highly accomplished individuals fall short because the recommendation letters are vague, overly personal, or fail to clearly explain why the applicant meets the legal standard of extraordinary ability. That is why taking the time to prepare your recommenders effectively is not just helpful. It is essential to build a strong and persuasive case. First, it is important to help your recommenders understand the purpose of the letter . This is not a casual reference or character recommendation. It is a formal declaration to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services that you possess extraordinary ability in your area of expertise. The letter must describe your achievements in concrete terms and explain why your work has had a significant impact and recognition within your field. Many professionals, no matter how accomplished, are unfamiliar with the specific requirements of the O-1A and EB-1A categories. It is helpful to provide them with a short explanation of what is needed, and in some cases, a sample or outline to guide them. Selecting the right recommenders is just as critical as the content of the letters themselves. While USCIS gives greater weight to letters from independent experts, independence should not be confused with distance. The ideal recommender is someone who knows your work well and can provide specific and credible insight into your contributions, impact, and reputation in the field. A letter from someone who barely knows you, or one that focuses more on the recommender’s own accomplishments than yours, is unlikely to carry much weight with USCIS. A common mistake is submitting letters that read more like summaries of the recommender’s resume than a meaningful evaluation of your achievements. While a brief introduction of the recommender’s qualifications is important to establish credibility, the focus must remain squarely on you , your work, your innovation, and the ways in which your impact is considered extraordinary. The strongest letters go beyond general praise. They include clear and detailed examples of how your contributions have influenced others in your field or led to measurable outcomes. To make the letter as accurate and persuasive as possible, you should provide your recommenders with a summary of your most important professional milestones. This might include major awards, media coverage, patents, publications, notable leadership roles, or metrics showing the commercial or scientific success of your work. Well-prepared recommendation letters serve as both evidence and narrative. They help fulfill specific legal requirements and also tell the story of how and why your work has earned you distinction. In a category defined by terms like extraordinary ability, it is important that every part of your petition reinforces that standard. At Santos Lloyd Law Firm, we work closely with our clients and their recommenders to develop strong and compelling testimonial letters that meet USCIS expectations and highlight each applicant’s unique contributions.
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