Can I have an EB-5 green card and live part of the year outside the U.S.?

Yes, you can spend part of the year outside the U.S. with an EB-5 green card, but there is one central requirement: the United States must remain your primary residence. A green card reflects permanent resident status, and that status presupposes a genuine intent to live in the country.

The risk to avoid is extended absence. Long or repeated trips abroad can be interpreted by immigration authorities as an abandonment of resident status, especially if you do not maintain clear ties to the United States.

• Keep evidence of active U.S. residency, such as housing, bank accounts, and family or business ties.
• Avoid lengthy stays abroad without advance planning.
• For longer trips, consider applying for a reentry permit before leaving the United States.

Because the standards for evaluating absences can change, confirm the current rules with USCIS and, when in doubt, consult an immigration attorney before establishing a routine between two countries.

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.