Q: Maintaining Green Card Status While Studying Medicine in Egypt
My father is a university professor, and he applied for EB2-NIW and was accepted. Since I am under 21 years old, I will be accompanying him. I am currently awaiting the embassy appointment, and I expect it to be in January or February 2024 at the latest. I am currently enrolled in the Faculty of Medicine at Cairo University in Egypt, and I plan to continue my medical studies in Egypt. After completing the USMLE equivalency and obtaining my medical degree, I intend to work as a general doctor in the US. The challenge here is how to sustain the green card throughout the study period, especially considering that the medical program in Egypt takes 7 years. Is this scenario possible or impossible? This is particularly relevant because studying medicine in the US is difficult due to limited availability, and I don't want to jeopardize my green card status or abandon my studies here in Egypt.
A: Apply for a reentry permit (Form I-131) so you can maintain your green card
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A: Maintaining your green card while pursuing extended studies abroad can be challenging. You will generally be expected to reside in the U.S. to maintain your permanent resident status, which typically means making the U.S. the primary place of residence. One potential solution is to apply for a re-entry permit using Form I-131, which allows green card holders to remain outside of the U.S. for up to 2 years without abandoning their permanent resident status; remember, though, that you'd need to be physically present in the U.S. when you apply for the re-entry permit and when you attend the biometrics appointment. Considering the long duration of your studies, you would need to carefully plan your stays in the U.S. to maintain your green card status, possibly renewing the re-entry permit as needed. Consulting with an attorney experienced in immigration law could provide you with strategies to maintain your status during your studies.
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