"Raj Feridun" <rferid@NOSPAMyahoo.co.jp> wrote in message
news:7tsv60lloooco31ip2na5c1pl0b352v8h6@4ax.com...
> My wife got her permanent green card almost as easily 11 years ago
> (one year before we moved to Japan). Now we have to completely reapply
> again when we move back home again though since we were told in no
> uncertain terms that one condition of permanent residency status was
> that you actually permanently reside in the states. You can leave for
> up to one year at a time but beyond that you need special permission
> and as for 10 years....

This is true. We kept the thing going for about 4 years, but on our last
trip back, the customs dude said that he flagged us so that on our next
trip, the card would get snipped like a bad credit card.

But I have heard that it is much easier to apply via the US consulate in
Japan. Applying in the US was one of the more unpleasant of my many
unpleasant experiences dealing with the governments of any nation.

> How long have you guys been in Japan, Ryan?

Just under 5 years. And on my last trip to see the boys at immigration, they
told me I could already apply for a permanent residency. Hope they knew what
they were talking about.

-- 
Regards,
Ryan Ginstrom