Yes, you can travel abroad as a green card holder ? that's one of the many benefits of being a permanent resident. However, your trip must be temporary and you cannot remain outside the United States for more than 1 year.

Yes, a Lawful Permanent Resident (green card holder) can stay outside the U.S. for 8 months, but doing so triggers specific scrutiny upon re-entry. In 2026, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) considers any absence over six months (180 days) as a potential break in the "continuous residence" required for future naturalization. While you won't automatically lose your status unless you stay away for more than a year, an 8-month absence places the burden of proof on you to show that the trip was temporary and that you maintained your primary residence in the U.S. To ensure a smooth return, it is a "pro-tip" to carry evidence of your ongoing ties, such as recent tax returns filed as a resident, utility bills, a valid U.S. driver’s license, and proof of employment. If you anticipate such a long stay, applying for a Re-entry Permit (Form I-131) before you leave is highly recommended, as it formally serves as an expression of your intent to remain a U.S. resident.