Canadian in USA, I have a green card. Moving outside USA

Member since 15 March 2025

1TruenorthNew member15 March 2025 13:08:34

I've had a green card for many years. Will the USA take my green card if I get temporary residency in another country? Mexico or Panama for example.....

Tanuki714 Serial expat

Member since 09 March 2021

Tanuki714Serial expat17 March 2025 02:22:14

282

Hi,

If you are going to reside outside of the US for over (鈥� a year?聽 You need to double check) then you need to apply for a r茅-entry permit, otherwise you will lose your green card.

Check w USCIS:

ShuYan Li New member

Member since 09 April 2025

ShuYan LiNew member09 April 2025 18:25:19

@1Truenorth

Hello! As a US green card holder, if you obtain temporary residency in another country (such as Mexico or Panama), it does not mean that you will automatically lose your green card. But there are a few key points to note:

Long-term residence: If you stay abroad for more than 6 months, you may be questioned when you return to the US. If it is more than 1 year, the US government may consider you to have abandoned your US residency.

Re-entry permit: If you plan to live abroad for a long time, you can apply for a re-entry permit, which allows you to stay outside the United States for up to 2 years without losing your green card.

Dual residence intention: Countries such as Mexico and Panama generally allow you to maintain green card status, but if you apply for permanent residence or establish a long-term residence in these countries, you may be considered to have abandoned your green card.