Q703. Retired Indian Army Officer

seeking USA Green Card . . .

Question: Sir. Is it necessary to inform Army Head Quarters New Delhi by a retired military officer of Indian Army who is seeking USA green card and secondly is it necessary that he has to visit the host country every year for a duration of six months ? Will be greatful. Regards Answer: Depending on the rank held or perhaps the type of service preformed, some defence/government employees may require permission not only to settle abroad but perhaps also to travel abroad. Your question can best be answered by the appropriate branch of the ministry of defence, Government of India. Many retired army officers may be settled abroad and probably receive their pensions abroad through their Indian NRO bank accounts. Here are two links that may be of interest to readers: 1. Defence pensioner not residing in India 2. The change in the citizenship by any Non- Resident Indian pensioner will not affect his entitlement to the pension

Requirement of staying in USA for six months every

year

For valid reasons and with appropriate permissions, extended stay outside USA for green cards holders is possible. The six month duration you mention of staying in the host country is not a rule! it is simply a guideline. If you are abroad for 6 months or more per year, upon re-entry to USA, you may be questioned as to the reason for your prolonged absence to determine whether you genuinely reside permanently in the United States. Green card holder’s who have prolonged absences from USA risk losing their green card.