Moving back to Philippines

[rfhypnos]

My wife arrived via K-1 visa last June and we were married in July 2015. She received Dependent ID in Sept 2015 from my Navy retirement, and then her temporary green card March this year. We plan to bring my step son to US in the Spring to apply for his social security card on a K-4 visa. Prior to marrying we talked extensively about raising him in the Philippines and educating him there with his Grandparents, but now we are debating about moving back to Phils ourselves to live and educate him there through University. Does anyone have any experience with returning to Philippines with spouse who does not yet have her permanent green card? Is it necessary to reapply? Or could we return here before a year has passed and visit for a while and go back again every year?

[scott h]

Welcome RFH, When my wife was in the process of getting her green card (years ago) She was told not to leave the country until her final green card arrived. I remember specifically because we were stationed at NAF El Centro and I would pretend to be driving across the border into Mexico just to watch her freak out. So my best advice would be that if she left she either would not be admitted back in the country and would have to re apply.

Once she got her card though we traveled frequently to the Philippines.

Please remember, there are a lot of really good guys and gals on this forum, but none of us are legal or immigration experts, all we can give is our opinions based on "PAST" experience. You might want to give an immigration lawyer a call, spend 20 bucks and ask the question.

 

Again

[Jollygoodfellow]

7 hours ago, rfhypnos said:

My wife arrived via K-1 visa last June and we were married in July 2015. She received Dependent ID in Sept 2015 from my Navy retirement, and then her temporary green card March this year. We plan to bring my step son to US in the Spring to apply for his social security card on a K-4 visa. Prior to marrying we talked extensively about raising him in the Philippines and educating him there with his Grandparents, but now we are debating about moving back to Phils ourselves to live and educate him there through University. Does anyone have any experience with returning to Philippines with spouse who does not yet have her permanent green card? Is it necessary to reapply? Or could we return here before a year has passed and visit for a while and go back again every year?

This article has some info that might help you, http://www.alllaw.com/articles/nolo/us-immigration/travelling-as-conditional-resident.html

[davewe]

16 hours ago, rfhypnos said:

My wife arrived via K-1 visa last June and we were married in July 2015. She received Dependent ID in Sept 2015 from my Navy retirement, and then her temporary green card March this year. We plan to bring my step son to US in the Spring to apply for his social security card on a K-4 visa. Prior to marrying we talked extensively about raising him in the Philippines and educating him there with his Grandparents, but now we are debating about moving back to Phils ourselves to live and educate him there through University. Does anyone have any experience with returning to Philippines with spouse who does not yet have her permanent green card? Is it necessary to reapply? Or could we return here before a year has passed and visit for a while and go back again every year?

I would totally agree that you should speak to USCIS and/or an attorney. Traveling to and from the Philippines with your conditional green card is easy - we do it annually. But there's a difference between a 3 week vacation and what you seem to be implying; living in the Philippines and coming back to the US annually. And BTW, whether you have the conditional 2 year green card or the "permanent" 10 year green card that my wife now has, doesn't matter when it comes to losing the green card because you are no longer a resident of the United States due to spending most of your time abroad. 

Of course you can also do what we are doing; wait the 3 years and have her become a citizen. At that point she can come and go just like you can. There are also several other benefits of American citizenship - that purdy blue passport for one thing.

[rfhypnos]

I agree after thorough research that citizenship is the best way to accomplish so many goals regarding our plans now and in the future.  I was once called impetuous by a person who knew me well many years ago.  Now I only think that way at times and fortunately don't follow up with actions in that way.  USCIS have set up a fair way to weed out those who have devious minds and look to harm people to achieve a better life in US. 

My wife and I will be patient and trust that God and great resources like this forum will guide us to avoid making hasty decisions.   Thanks everyone!