USA Returning Resident Visa Process

A permanent resident (called lawful permanent resident or LPR) or conditional resident (CR) who has remained outside the United States for longer than one year, or beyond the validity period of a Re-entry Permit, will require a new immigrant visa to enter the United States and resume permanent residence. A provision exists under U.S. visa law for the issuance of a returning resident special immigrant visa to an LPR who remained outside the United States due to circumstances beyond his/her control.
 
Qualifying for Returning Resident Status

• You will need to prove to the Consular Officer that you:

• Had the status of a lawful permanent resident at the time of departure from the United States;

• Departed from the United States with the intention of returning and have not abandoned this intention and are returning to the United States from a temporary visit abroad and, if the stay abroad was protracted, this was caused by reasons beyond your control and for which you were not responsible.

 
Required Documentation

• When applying for a Returning Resident (SB-1) immigrant visa, you should submit the following forms and documents to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you will apply:

• A completed Application to Determine Returning Resident Status, Form DS-117

• Your Permanent Resident Card, Form I-551

• You must also submit supporting documents that show the following:

• Dates of travel outside of the United States (Examples: airline tickets, passport stamps, etc.)

• Proof of your ties to the United States and your intention to return (Examples: tax returns, and evidence of economic, family, and social ties to the United States)

• Proof that your protracted stay outside of the United States was for reasons beyond your control (Examples: medical incapacitation, employment with a U.S. company, etc.)

 
Contact our Consultants to know the process in detail and how we can assist you with Returning Resident Visa