YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED:Last month a reader, MD from Kildare, contacted me with a query about maintaining a US green card. Another reader in a similar situation has written to share his experiences, writes Joan Scales
I protected my US green-card status for over eight years while living outside the US - and the process is very simple.
Firstly, a green-card holder may remain outside the US for up to a year without loss of residency. However, if they wish to stay out for longer than one year they can apply for a US re-entry permit to protect their green card.
It's very straightforward to obtain, just a simple form, but it must be submitted and/or mailed while the green-card holder is in the United States. The current charge for processing the permit is $305 (€197).
The green-card holder doesn't have to remain in the US until he or she receives the re-entry permit - it can be mailed to him or her in Ireland, or wherever he or she wishes.
The details of these permits are posted on the US state department website (http://tinyurl.com/y8h59g), and the form is available to download at http://tinyurl. com/yb3p79.
A US re-entry permit allows the green-card holder to stay outside the US for up to two years and still protect their card's status. They can apply for a maximum of two two-year permits. After that, they can apply for one-year permits.
The state department website says the two-year permit can not be extended, and that is true, but what I am referring to is permitted: you may apply for a new two-year permit while physically in the US.
I took advantage of two two-year permits and four one-year permits, protecting my green card for over eight years.
The only hassle is that you have to go back to the US before the permit expires to apply for the next permit.
I hope this is helpful.
KB
QMy 18-year old son will be spending three weeks in Valencia to learn Spanish this summer. He will be joining the family on holiday in Cabanas, in Portugal, in August. I have booked a flight for him from Valencia to Seville. Could you suggest a bus or train he could take from Seville to Tavira, the nearest town to Cabanas on the Algarve?
FF, Co Dublin
He can take the bus from the airport into Seville city centre, where there is a bus from the bus station to Tavira operated jointly by Portuguese Eva Bus and Spanish Damas. The service runs four times a day and costs about €12.75 for a student. It takes about 90 minutes to reach Tavira. You can check the timetables on www.eva-bus.com and www.damas.sa.es.
QOur two grandchildren, girls aged 10 and eight, are coming from England to stay with us in the
middle of July. I am trying to think of ways to entertain them while they are here and, as the Americans say, give them a good time. As they live a very full life during term time, and seem to be on the road most of the time, I thought some rural activity, not costing the earth, might be a good idea. Any suggestions?
IMcC, Co Kildare
As you live in Co Kildare you have easy access for many outings.
Traditional outings may be just the antidote to a busy life, so pack a picnic and head for a walk along the canal towpath from Robertstown to Lowtown. It is a lovely walk, with lots of things to see.
Another day, a visit to Castletown Estate would be fun. While you're there make sure to see the Wonderful
Barn, a corkscrew-shaped building on the edge of the estate. It's a curiosity that children love.
Take the train into Dublin and bring them to see some of the museums. The National Museum of Ireland's archaeology and history branch, on Kildare Street, is accessible and just the right size for a childrens visit.
Weather permitting, a trip to the mountains, or to a beach, is easily possible from Co Kildare.
And, lastly, the evening horse-racing meetings in Naas are great fun for children. They will enjoy the opportunity of being up close to the horses and maybe even having a little bet on them with you.
You can see what else is on in Co Kildare on www.kildare. ie/tourism/thingstodo.
A green card may be easier to keep than you thought
E-mail questions, with your name and address, to jscales@irish-times.ie