Filing the Application

Abandonment of lawful permanent resident status is irrevocable.  An individual who relinquishes lawful permanent resident status but wishes to regain it must qualify again for such status. Therefore, one should give careful thought before abandoning lawful permanent resident status.

If you wish to abandon your permanent resident status and relinquish your permanent resident card (also known as a green card and alien registration card), please appear at the USCIS Athens office to complete processing of Form I-407, Abandonment of Lawful Permanent Resident Status.

• Form I-407 (PDF 623KB)

Print the Form I-407, complete it and bring it to USCIS Athens. If you are not able to access the form, you may receive one at the USCIS Athens public window.  Please note that you must also bring a valid passport.

A copy of the signed and dated form will be given to you for your records. This copy of the completed I-407 is your receipt and it verifies that you have returned your permanent resident card to the U.S. Government or that your permanent resident card was previously lost or stolen.  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 United States. In order to visit the United States, you will need to comply with visa requirements for nationals of your country of citizenship.  Citizens of Greece currently require nonimmigrant visas for temporary trips to the United States.

Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano announced March 9, 2010 Greece’s designation as a member of the Visa Waiver Program.  Greek citizens that qualify for visa waiver status can visit the United States without visas beginning April 5, 2010. Click here for more information on Greece and the Visa Waiver Program.

Relinquishing your permanent resident card and status does not affect your ability to apply to immigrate to the United States again in the future; however, you will have to apply through the usual application process from the beginning.