Immigrant Visas

Returning Resident

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 U.S. and may lose their resident status. Exception is made for those who obtained a reentry permit before departing the U.S.. Reentry permit holders can remain outside of the U.S. for up to two years from the date the permit is issued.

Green card holders who have been out of the U.S. for more than one year and wish to return to the U.S. 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 U.S. and that they remained outside the U.S. for no longer than the permitted period for reasons beyond their control.

If you are a green card holder who has been out of the U.S. for longer than the permitted time and you wish to reapply for immigration, you should come to the Embassy, Consular Section. Click here to see contact details and hours of operation. Click here for schedule of fees.