1. Re-entry Permit : If one intends to travel or live outside the U.S. for more than 5 months in a year, it is advisable to get a visitor visa instead of getting a GC because one could lose the GC based on the principle of  "abandonment of intention." If you do intend to maintain your permanent resident status but need to be abroad for a year or more, you should apply for a reentry permit, which is generally valid for a period of 2 years. You must be in the U.S. when you apply for the permit. However, it is possible to travel while the application is pending. If your job requires that you travel, you may reapply for an additional year. It may be difficult, though, to have a second (or third) permit granted.

2. Travel outside the U.S. : You should not abandon your intention to reside in the U.S. If you do so, your Green Card could be taken away from you (forfeited at port of entry). A Green Card holder has to return at least once a year to maintain PR status. A person who spends most of her/his time abroad and returns only for brief annual visits runs the risk of losing the status. Upon providing valid legal reasons, however, one may be able to obtain a re-entry permit valid for a maximum period of 2 years.

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