Returning Resident Visas
Returning Residents
How do I maintain status?
A Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) or Conditional Resident (CR) of the United States will maintain status provided he/she maintains a bona fide domicile in the United States and does not remain outside the country for more than one year. An LPR or CR in possession of a re-entry permit issued by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) in the United Sates may remain outside the U.S. until the date the permit expires, which is usually two years from the date of issuance.
What if I have been outside the U.S. for longer than 12 months?
An LPR or CR who has remained outside the United States for longer than twelve months, or beyond the validity period of a re-entry permit, will require a new immigrant visa to reenter the United States and resume permanent residence.
A provision exists under U.S. visa law for the issuance of special immigrant status as a returning resident to an alien who has remained outside the United States due to circumstances beyond his/her control. While being granted returning resident status eliminates the requirement that an immigrant visa petition be filed on the individual's behalf with the USCIS, the applicant is required to establish his/her eligibility for an immigrant visa, attend a medical and pay a new set of visa processing fees of $400 and medical fees.
Important: Conditional residents of the United States who fail to file an application to have conditional resident status removed are required to apply for a new immigrant visa. They are not eligible to apply for special immigrant status as a returning resident.
The U.S. citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident relative is required to file a new immigrant visa petition on his/her behalf with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. U.S. citizens and lawful permanent resident in the Pakistan should contact the USCIS office at the Embassy for further information. Those residents in the United States should contact their local USCIS office.