What is the 6-Month Rule for a U.S. Green Card?
The 6-month rule for U.S. green card holders relates to the length of time you can spend outside the United States without risking your permanent resident status or disrupting your continuous residence, especially important for naturalisation eligibility for green card holders.
In general:
- Trips of less than 6 months (180 days) are usually not considered a break in your continuous residence. You are presumed to maintain your permanent resident status and ongoing ties to the U.S.
- Trips longer than 6 months but less than one year may trigger additional scrutiny. U.S. immigration officials could presume that you intended to abandon your residency unless you provide clear evidence (such as a job, home, or family ties in the U.S.) to show otherwise.
- Trips of one year or more typically break your continuous residence automatically and may lead to loss of your green card, unless you applied for a Reentry Permit before leaving or qualify for special exceptions.
Also, read >> Who All Are Eligible for Family-Based Green Card?
To protect your status, it’s best to limit time abroad and maintain strong ties to the U.S. when travelling for extended periods. For more guidance, visit Poonah Immigration Law.
