Embassy of the United States

Filing an Abandonment of Status

The abandonment of lawful permanent resident status is irrevocable. An individual who relinquishes lawful permanent resident status must qualify again for such status. Therefore, one should give careful thought before abandoning lawful permanent resident status.

To abandon your permanent residence and relinquish your Permanent Resident Card (Green Card), please complete the Abandonment worksheet, form I-407.

If you wish to abandon your permanent residence and apply for a nonimmigrant visa at the same time, please make an appointment through the Nonimmigrant Visa appointment system. On the day of your appointment, you must present your Alien Resident Card ("green card"), a completed I 407 form, a valid passport and your re-entry permit (if applicable). Moroccan or other national identification cards are not accepted in place of a passport

If you do not wish to apply for a nonimmigrant visa, please come to the US Consulate in Casablanca any working Thursday from 2:00 to 3:00 pm and present your Alien Resident Card ("green card"), a completed I 407 form, a valid passport and your re-entry permit (if applicable). Moroccan or other national identification cards are not accepted in place of a passport

A copy of the form will be given to you at your appointment for your records. This copy of the completed I-407 is your receipt and it verifies the return of your Permanent Resident Card. You should keep a copy of the completed I-407 in your passport whenever you travel to the United States.

Once the I-407 is completed, you will revert to your previous status as a non-resident of the US. In order to visit the U.S., you will need to comply with visa requirements for nationals of your country of citizenship.

Abandoning your Permanent Resident Card and status does not affect your ability to apply to immigrate to the United States at some future time. However, you will have to begin the process anew and apply through the usual application process.