categories of immigrant visas
Returning Resident Alien
U.S. permanent residents, also known as green card holders, who remain outside of the United States for longer than one year require a new visa to return to the United States and may lose their resident status.
Exception is made for those who obtained a reentry permit from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) before departing the United States. Reentry permit holders can remain outside of the United States for up to two years from the date the permit is issued.
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 new immigrant visa, known as Returning Resident Visa, provided they can demonstrate
- that they did not intend to abandon their U.S. residence when they departed the United States, and
- that they remained outside the United States for no longer than the permitted period for reasons beyond their control.
Persons who can demonstrate the above should file a form DSP-117, Application To Determine Returning Resident Status.
If you are a green card holder who has been out of the United States for longer than the permitted time you have to reapply for immigration.
The application fee for a returning resident is USD 400 or euro equivalent; the processing/issuance fee is USD 380. The fees are payable at the Consulate, either in cash or with credit card (Visa, American Express, Master Card, Discover).