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Hello all, I am writing on behalf of my husband, a Chinese citizen. Here is a brief rundown of our most pressing question: “I got my 2- year conditional permanent resident card after coming to live in the US with my wife in 2017. I filed an I-751 to remove the conditions on my permanent residency in April 2019, and received an I-797 extension on my 2- year card until October 2020. Due to a family emergency, I had to come back to China in August 2020. The issue is now resolved and I would like to go back to my wife where we live in California. My USCIS status is awaiting interview for removal of conditional status, my receipt number is recognized by the USCIS help line when I call in to check on my status. I need to know if there are any additional documents I need to travel back to the US. Will they stop me from entering the United States with my current paperwork (an expired two year green card and an expired I-797, but which is still valid according to the USCIS until they judge my case)? I didn’t have time to file for a reentry permit when I left, so is my only option to go through the process to get a returning resident visa?” thank very much to anyone who might have some insight!!

I apologize if this topic belongs in another place, but I could not find any forum which addresses this subject. My Chinese wife is not a U.S. citizen and got her "permanent" green card in 2014. The increasing likelihood for the U.S. and China to be on opposing sides if a new Korean or world war breaks out has made me wonder how likely it would be for our government to rescind her "permanent" residency and deport her to China. I'm neither fostering nor looking for any political opinions. I have this genuine concern and would like to hear thoughts from other Chinese-American couples and anyone who knows more about this than I do. Becoming a U.S. citizen might be one solution, but I'm not sure there is enough time. Would she have to learn English well and study US history? Is the citizenship test in English?

I mailed in the application to renew my wife's 10 year green card on September 23rd. She had her biometrics appointment second week of October. She received the new green card in the mail yesterday. So 41 days for the complete process. Next we go to the Chinese Consulate in L.A. to get her passport renewed.

I'm not sure that there's any news here - it seems like just a generic article about the difficulties faced by dual passport holders - but it does seem to indicate a trend to be aware of. From the SCMP Entry denied: the identity crisis facing China’s covert dual passport holders Beijing has warned of its zero tolerance for dual nationality. Now some foreign citizens who held on to their Chinese identity documents fear the consequences of returning

I hope I have posted this in the right subforum. My wife (Chinese citizen) has recently received her IR1 and will make her initial POE in a couple weeks. I am a US citizen and we have been married for over 6 years. She has been employed in China by a US company for the last several years to help develop their Chinese market. It seems the company would still like to keep her employed after her receiving US LPR status, but will want her to be in China for a considerable amount of time each year (each trip to China for approx 3 months or so, definitely less than 6 mo). One of our concerns is quite obvious - we don't want to risk her immigration status (perception of abandoning greencard). We have read a lot about this and are confused about the real rules used to determine this. Some simply say it is required to sleep in the US more nights than out of the country, others say be out of the US for less than six months, some say be out of the US for less than a year. It is also quite possible that I have misunderstood what I have read as well. We are definitely confused. Her job pays quite well and she would hate to have to give it up, but of course would if need be. This brings us to our next question. Her US employer pays her in China in USD's that are converted by a Chinese service company (as required by China for tax reporting purposes) to RMB and deposited in a Chinese bank. I am certain we need to consult a tax advisor on how to handle this for IRS filing purposes, but can this also affect her immigration status? Just for the record, we own homes free and clear both in the US and China and have joint bank accounts (checking, savings) here in the US (no joint accounts in China). Thank you so much for considering this long-winded post. I have made the same post on VJ, hope I'm not violating any forum rules.

Dear friends, Last week I arrived at the USA, having IR-1 visa. As far as I understood, I need to go to the nearest SSN office and apply for my SSN, what shall I do next? Thank you, Lia

The traveler arrived in the US Aug 2012, admitted as a Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) and then the LPR departed the US with a 10 year Green Card (GC) Oct 2012 without a re-entry permit. Upon re-entry attempt Sept 2015 at POE the 1st Immigration Officer pulled the GC and sent the traveler for secondary Inspection. This process ultimately took over 3 hours. This was due mostly to a lot of people already in the room. A long and difficult Interview ended with the issuance of an I-193 'Application for Waiver of Passport AND/OR Visa' issued under Section 211(b), a Fee of $585 and the return of the Green Card. The Passport now has an I-193 stamp with 3 years notation. This POE secondary Interview required 'proving' that the long time away outside the US was unavoidable, unplanned and outside the traveler's control. It also required the $585 fee. Cheaper than multiple re-entry permits and multiple round trip flights. However, this re-entry method includes two big risks- 1. Immigration denies re-entry. 2. Immigration initiates removal proceedings. And, it was easier than a full SB-1 application process. From the SB-1 page- "If you are an LPR unable to return to the United States within the travel validity period of the green card (1 year) or the validity of the Re-entry Permit (2 years), you may be eligible and can apply at the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for a Returning Resident (SB-1) immigrant visa. An SB-1 applicant is required to establish eligibility for an immigrant visa and have a medical examination. Therefore, this involves paying both visa processing fees and medical fees."

We're thinking about a trip to Montreal in April. I know that Chinese citizens need a Canada visa unless they have a green card. My wife's green card hasn't come in the mail yet, and we don't know if it'll get here before April. However, she does have her stamped IR-1 visa in her passport, which is supposed to act as a green card until the gc arrives. Do any of you know if she can travel to Canada on the IR-1? I would hate to be at the Quebec airport and have a border control person say the IR-1 isn't acceptable.

Hello guys. Once your significant other arrives into the US, how long does it normally take to receive the green card in the mail? Thank you kindly.

So, in what feels like has been taking forever almost a year later after submitting a book full of evidence after a RFE came in a few months ago, I have found our case was transferred from California to Memphis and it says we will have an interview (but doesn't talk about when). This has me a little nervous for a few reasons: 1. They are very slow, its almost been a year since this whole process started and in November her letter extension expires. 2. Her drivers licenses expires as a result of above, and our lease on our apartment expires around then too and I'm worried that could cause more issues. 3. She is attending University this semester and next, I don't know if this is going to cause issues. 4. I have no idea what more evidence I could bring. We did return to China last month for a second wedding party (our first was just my close friends) but her parents wanted to have their own party so we had another. I'm hoping to get a video of that event and put it on my phone for the interview but that's all else I can think of, besides bringing what I already sent! So how does this interview go? Is it any different then the one my wife took at the embassy while in China? Just go up there, he asks her some questions about how we met , ect, then its done? And is it normal to have to attend an interview at this point? The Immigration hotline is pretty terrible at explaining anything, they couldn't even tell us if they received our RFE. Am I almost done with this terrible process? Is the citizenship process just as slow and tedious?

We arrived last week (1/13) with Detroit as the POE, Social Security Card was received yesterday and hoping my CNH's Green Card arrives before we depart on 2/4. We can't seem to check the production status on the USCIS dashboard site: https://egov.uscis.gov/cris/Dashboard.do not sure if this is because we filed DCF or we are using the incorrect number. Any advice would be appreciated... Andy

Hi Everyone, This is a related question: my wife and I are preparing for our arrival in the US after getting the IR-1 visa processed. We will arrive after our two year anniversary. My question is this: is there any particular point of entry that is used to new immigrants arriving? I remember one time arriving in Chicago and having my then-girlfriend almost having an argument with the immigration official, but we had no issues whatsoever flying through Toronto. I ask because I don't know how unusual our situation will be, when our documentation is enough for the 10 year green card. Probably overthinking this, but would like to be sure. Any feedback much appreciated! Thanks, Sammy

I have recently got married with my wife in Zhengzhou, Henan and now that my wife got traveling visa to USA, I am would really appreciate if someone could help me with the right direction regarding documents needed for the green card. We're planning on flying to LAX then to Dallas in August 2013.

I'm not sure where to post this but I'm getting worried. It'sd been 3 weeks since my wife and step-daughter arrived in the country. The green cards have yet to arrive. The Social Security cards have arrived but no green cards. What is the normal wait time for the cards to arrive? Bubba

We might be planning to head to China. My question is, how long can my wife be in China with a Green Card and not lose the Green Card? Do we need to "establish residency" at some point in a few years? Anybody can shed some light on this subject?? Thanks.

Hi, I'm about to apply for my wife's green card later this month and the one sticking point in our application is my ability to support her financially. While my income is low (I was a student up until this point), I do have some liquid assets that barely push me over the $55K USD barrier. A few questions: 1) I've sold all of my stock and am combining all of my funds into one bank account. From here, I will get an official bank statement showing my assets. Does this sound like a sound idea? 2) Would retirement plans also be considered liquid assets for the asset test? If so, this would give me some additional leverage. 3) Can I point out my pre-China salary as a benchmark for what I anticipate I will receive once I return to the USA to add an extra layer of safety? This was well over the $18K wage limit and, I assume should help with my argument of being able to support my wife. Thanks

. "How Do I" Guides for Permanent Residents Now That You Are A Permanent Resident Welcome Now that you have become a Permanent Resident of the United States we would like to welcome and congratulate you on your accomplishment. Some of you came to the United States as immigrants through a relative or through an employer. Some of you came as refugees or were given asylum status. And some of you came through other programs, like the Diversity Visa Lottery. But now that you are Permanent Residents you all share the same status. You have certain rights and certain responsibilities as Permanent Residents. This document will give you a general idea of what those rights and responsibilities are and some other useful information related to your immigration status as a Permanent Resident. You may also wish to read Welcome to the United States: A Guide for New Immigrants, a guide (in English and 10 other languages) containing practical information to help immigrants settle into everyday life in the United States, as well as basic civics information that introduces new immigrants to the U.S. system of government. Some of you may be CONDITIONAL RESIDENTS. This page applies equally to you while you are in conditional resident status. The difference between you and an unconditioned permanent resident is that your permanent resident status will expire in two years from when it was given, unless you successfully petition to have the condition removed. Those of you with conditional permanent residence either received your residence through a marriage relationship where the marriage was less than two years old at the time you became a Permanent Resident, or you received that status through an investment as an employment creation immigrant (EB-5). If you successfully petition for removal of the condition on your immigration status, this page will still apply to you as a Permanent Resident. Rights: As a Permanent Resident you have most of the rights of a United States Citizen but there are some exceptions.Rights:To live permanently in the United States provided you do not commit any actions that would make you removable (deportable) under the immigration law (section 237, Immigration and Nationality Act).To be employed in the United States at any legal work of your qualification and choosing.To be protected by all of the laws of the United States, your state of residence and local jurisdictions.To vote in local elections where United States Citizenship is not required. Click here for more details on voting.Exceptions: Some jobs will be limited to United States Citizens because of security concerns.You may not vote in elections limited to United States Citizens. Click here for more details on voting.Responsibilities: You are required to obey all of the laws of the United States, the States, and localities. You are required to file your income tax returns and report you income to the US Internal Revenue Service and State IRS. You are expected to support the democratic form of government and cannot attempt to change the government through illegal means. If you are a male, age 18 through 25, you are required to register with the Selective Service.International Travel: A Permanent Resident of the United States can travel freely outside of the US. A passport from the country of citizenship is normally all that is needed. To reenter the US a Permanent Resident normally needs to present the green card (Permanent Resident Card, Form I-551) for readmission. A reentry permit is needed for reentry for trips greater than one year but less than two years in duration.You can find more information about travel documents from "How Do I Get a Travel Document?" Maintaining Permanent Residence: Maintaining Permanent Residence You may lose your permanent residence status if you commit an act that makes you removable from the United States under the law in section 237 of the Immigration and Nationality Act. If you commit such an act, you may be brought before the immigration courts to determine your right to remain a Permanent Resident.You may be found to have abandoned your permanent resident status if you:Move to another country intending to live there permanently.Remain outside of the US for more than one year without obtaining a reentry permit or returning resident visa. However in determining whether your status has been abandoned any length of absence from the US may be considered, even if it is less than one year.Remain outside of the US for more than two years after issuance of a reentry permit without obtaining a returning resident visa. However in determining whether your status has been abandoned any length of absence from the US may be considered, even if it is less than one year.Fail to file income tax returns while living outside of the US for any period.Declare yourself a nonimmigrant on your tax returns.Naturalization: Many Permanent Residents of the United States have the ultimate goal of becoming a US citizen. Naturalization is the primary method for most persons not born as US citizens to obtain that status. Under current law naturalization is done by the federal and state courts and in an administrative proceedings. Once a permanent resident completes the necessary residence and physical presence requirements (which vary in certain cases), an application for naturalization can be filed with Immigration. This starts a review of the person's basic eligibility, criminal and security histories, and then leads to testing of the persons English language abilities, knowledge of the history and form of government of the US, and good moral character. Complete information on naturalization can be obtained on our Naturalization page.As a naturalized US citizen you have the same rights and privileges as a native born US citizen with one exception. Only a native born US citizen can be president of the United States. As a US citizen you can petition for your parents and siblings to immigrate to the US. Your spouse and children (unmarried and under 21 years of age) qualify for immediate relative classification for immigration purposes, which means they do not have a waiting list to immigrate (like the spouse and children of a Permanent Resident) and can do so as fast as the paperwork can be processed.Permanent Resident Card: The Permanent Resident Card, Form I-551, is issued to all Permanent Residents as evidence of alien registration and their permanent status in the US. The card must be in your possession at all times. This requirement means that you are not only required to have a currently valid Form I-551 at all times, but also that you must carry your currently valid Form I-551 on your person at all times. The Permanent Resident Card currently is issued with a 10-year validity. You status as a Permanent Resident does not expire with the 10-year validity. Only the card expires. The card is only valid up to the expiration date and must be renewed before it expires.A Conditional Permanent Resident is issued a card valid for two years. In order to remain a Permanent Resident, the Conditional Permanent Resident must file a petition to remove the condition during the 90 days before the card expires. The conditional card cannot be renewed. The condition must be removed or you lose your permanent resident status. (See Form I-751 and Form I-829.The Permanent Resident Card (either unconditioned or conditioned) can be used to prove employment eligibility in the US when completing the Form I-9 for a new employer. It can also be used to apply for a Social Security Card and a state issued driver's license. The card is valid for readmission to the United States if the trip was not greater than one year in length. If a trip will last longer than one year, a reentry permit is needed.Relatives: A Permanent Resident can petition for some relatives to join him or her in the United States as immigrants. Those relatives are your spouse and children, regardless of age. See our page on "Immigration through a Family Member".If you had a spouse and children when you became a Permanent Resident, they may be eligible for permanent residence through you without filing separate petitions. This depends on how you qualified for your permanent residence. You should ask an immigration officer, attorney, or voluntary help organization for advice about this.Voting: One of the most important privileges of democracy in the United States of America is the right to participate in choosing elected officials through voting. As a Permanent Resident you can only vote in local and state elections that do not require you to be a US citizen. It is very important that you do not vote in national, state or local elections that require a voter to be a US citizen when you are not a US citizen. There are criminal penalties for voting when you are not a US citizen and it is a requirement for voting. You can be removed (deported) from the US if you vote in elections limited to US citizens.Change of Address: You are required to notify us of any change of address within 10 days of that change. Form AR-11 is used for that purpose. You can learn more about change of address requirements is found at "How Do I Report a Change of Address?" RW - modified broken link on 4/9/2013