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Returning Resident

U.S. permanent residents (Legal Permanent Residents, or LPR's) also known as green card holders, who remain outside of the United States for more than one year may lose their resident status and require a new visa to return to the United States. 

Green card holders who have been out of the United States for more than one year and wish to return to the United States to reside there may be eligible for a Returning Resident Visa, provided they can demonstrate that they left the United States with the intention of returning; have not abandoned this intention; and are returning to the U.S. from a temporary visit abroad. If the stay was protracted, the LPR will be required to show that this was caused by reasons beyond his or her control, and for which he or she was not responsible. Please note that conditional LPRs, who did not have the condition removed, cannot apply for returning resident status.

If you believe that you may be eligible for returning resident status, you are required to:

  • Download, print and complete Form DS-117 (298KB-PDF)
  • Furnish evidence to show that you:
    1. had the status of an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence at the time of departure from the U.S.
    2. left the U.S. with the intention of returning, have not abandoned this intention, and are returning to the U.S. from a temporary visit abroad
    3. your stay was protracted for reasons beyond your control, and for which you cannot be held responsible.

    • Examples of such evidence include, but are not limited to, documentation regarding your status in the U.S. and dates of travel, proof that you have continued to file U.S. tax returns and maintained economic or social ties to the U.S., and evidence that the protracted stay was due to circumstances beyond your control.

  • The application fee for a returning resident visa is USD 275 or Euro equivalent. Additionally, if you are approved for Returning Resident (SB-1) status, you will be charged a visa processing fee of USD 230 or Euro equivalent.  The fees are payable at the Consular Section, either in cash or with a credit card (Visa American Express, Master Card, Discover).
    For more information, please click here.