Question: How long do I need to stay in the United States to keep my CPR status? Question Detail: How long do I need to stay in the United States each year to keep my conditional green card? My business is located in China, and I need to stay there for a long time. Also, how can my dependent go back to China to study without losing conditional permanent residency status?
Answer: As a lawful permanent resident, you are required to continuously reside in United States. You may travel abroad temporarily for some reasons such as for business and education. Your intent, however, is to maintain your lawful permanent resident status and reside in the US permanently.
If you and your dependents plan to travel outside the US more than 6 months, you shall file I-131 Re-entry permit, which enables you to be admitted to the US upon your return. Otherwise, you will be deemed to abandon your LPR status. You must file I-131 prior your departure of US, accompanied by the evidence showing you don’t intent to abandon your LPR status, such as tax returns, house or business ownership. After I-131 application is filed and biometrics are taken, you may leave to China. Re-entry permit is valid for up to 2 years and not renewable, but you may return to the US and get a new one.
