Travel On Green Card

[jeevan2012]

we left USA on green card on 09/10/2012 I am back after couple of months my wife plans to stay there for few more months I know that on green card we can't stay for more than 6 months out of USA to maintain the green card.Just to be sure what would be the safest date by which she should be back,would it be too late if she is back on say on 02/28/2013 (171 days)?

[pontevecchio]

There is NO CONCEPT of maintaining the GC. If she returns within 180 days there is no problem.

[catx]

Permanent residency does mean maintaining permanent (on-going) physical residency in the U.S. An one-time extended stay outside the U.S. for one spouse for reasons such as family matters is typically not a problem. In the future, if such an extended stay is planned (e.g. known in advance), then it is best to apply for and get an approved USCIS re-entry permit before traveling (just as a pre-caution). (Note: Recurring extended stays, such as annual, back in one's home country can become an issue.)