US Permanent Resident planning to school in Canada

[Lens723]

Hi guys, I am 22 year old permanent resident in the United States and I just gained admission into a university in Alberta, Canada for a 4 year bachelors program. I just want to know if this is possible because I have been a PR for 3 years now and also if it can affect my residence status in the US. Do I need a re entry permit? because I plan to return to the US after each semester which will be at most 5 months outside the country. Thanks for your help.!

 

[zardoz]

You should be OK. As long as you return to the USA before 365 days on each trip.

 

[Lens723]

Ok thank you very much.

 

[scylla]

I disagree. Spending four years attending school in Canada could put your US status in jeopardy. You should definitely apply for a returning resident permit. This will get you two years out of the country without issue.

You should visit the following US forum for information:

http://forums.immigration.com/forum.php

Specificallly this section:

http://forums.immigration.com/forumdisplay.php?118-Life-After-The-Green-Card

 

[zardoz]

I was basing my answer on http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.eb1d4c2a3e5b9ac89243c6a7543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=3f443a4107083210VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD&vgnextchannel=3f443a4107083210VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD where it states

Maintaining Permanent Residence

You may lose your permanent resident status (green card) if you commit an act that makes you removable from the United States under the law, as described in Section 237 or 212 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) (see the “INA” link to the right). If you commit such an act, you may be brought before an immigration court to determine your right to remain a permanent resident.

Abandoning Permanent Resident Status

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 United States for more than 1 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 United States may be considered, even if less than 1 year
Remain outside of the United States for more than 2 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 United States may be considered, even if less than 1 year
Fail to file income tax returns while living outside of the United States for any period
Declare yourself a “nonimmigrant” on your tax returns

Agreed that it also includes the caveat "However, in determining whether your status has been abandoned, any length of absence from the United States may be considered, even if less than 1 year" but I assume that this is a generic catch-all, for when they want to get tough. The only "line in the sand" that I could see was the 1 year marker.

 

[Lens723]

Thanks once again. I have more question. How much income do I have to present on my bank statement when I am applying for the study permit because I only intend to stay for the semester ( which is 4 months). I know the required income for a 12 months stay is approximately $ 10,000. I don't know what to do since I will be coming back to the US to work in the summer. Also, will I need to go for an interview? hoping to get a reply soon.