Can you lose your green card after it is approved through the EB-2 NIW?

Yes, it is possible to lose your green card even after it has been approved through the EB-2 NIW. Permanent residence is a valuable status, but it is not unconditional forever: it assumes that the holder maintains certain commitments and conduct over time. The good news is that, in practice, those who follow the rules are rarely caught off guard.

The situations that put the status at risk usually revolve around two axes: abandonment of residence and conduct incompatible with the condition of being a resident. The EB-2 NIW defines how you obtained your green card, but maintaining it follows the same general rules of permanent residence.

• Abandonment: extended periods outside the United States or signs that you do not intend to live in the country.
• Legal issues: certain offenses can affect your status.
• Inconsistencies: fraud or false information in the process can have consequences.

For those who live their lives normally and respect their obligations, the green card is stable. Since each situation is evaluated individually and the maintenance rules have important details, it is worth fully understanding your obligations as a resident and consulting a specialist if you face any significant change in plans, such as an extended move out of the country.

About the author

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

As a journalist and lead editor at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps ensure that immigration topics are covered in a clear, trustworthy, and easy-to-understand way. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.