So, I applied for GC about 5 months ago, and the first process is over, and I m waiting to apply for second step.
I have recently heard about Spain studying abroad from our school, and I really really want to study Spanish in Spain, but I m not sure if I leave the US during GC process. Is this possible?
Where exactly in the process are you? Are you applying via consular processing or adjustment of status? What’s your current visa status?
The following information is true to the best of my knowledge, but I cannot guarantee its accuracy:
If you are applying via consular processing, you can travel freely as long as you have a valid visa so that you can return to the US in the interim. If you are applying via adjustment of status, then leaving the US without advanced permission may be considered an abandonment of your adjustment of status application. In that case, you’d be advised to apply for “Advanced Parole” before leaving the country.
I will have to ask my mom…I think it’s “status adjustment”? I m on F-1 visa, and my mom, a green card holder, is petitioning me. And I am 20years old but will turn 21 next 15th
Play it safe. Wait out the green card process before traveling outside the US. As you know, this is not something that you want to mess up. There will be plenty of opportunities to study Spanish abroad even after you have finished college.
^ Agreed. Especially if you’re on an F-1 visa currently - there’s a non-trivial chance that you’d be turned away at the port of entry when you try to return, since demonstrated immigration intent is against the term of your F-1 visa…