Hi Peter, thank you for this AMA. I've been a green card holder for 1 year as the result of working for big tech in the US, originally via getting a L1-B 3.5 years ago. I'm planning on moving back to my home country in Europe permanently. Is there any way I can keep my green card or at least keep it for longer in case I start a startup in Europe and want to also have a US presence? I'm a Portuguese citizen.
Yes, there is a way to keep a green card while living outside the U.S. although at some point, if the green card holder truly has no intent of returning to the U.S., he or she will lose the green card. The protection is known as a reentry permit and the form used to apply for it is Form I-131. It's an easy application.