Green card holders should avoid staying outside the U.S. for more than six months at a time without a clear reason. Long absences can raise questions about whether you’ve abandoned your residency.

To protect your status, apply for a re-entry permit before leaving if you expect to be abroad for more than a year.

As a lawful permanent resident, you are expected to make the U.S. your main home. Short trips under six months are usually fine, but once you stay abroad for more than six months, immigration officers may question your intent to reside in the U.S. If you need to stay longer, a re-entry permit allows you to remain outside the U.S. for up to two years without losing your green card. Without it, absences longer than a year can cause you serious problems at re-entry. It’s best to plan ahead and secure the right travel documents before leaving Iowa.