Get DS-117 2013-2024

File Form DS-117, Application to Determine Returning Resident Status. Submit Form I-551, Permanent Resident Card or Green Card which you had before you traveled outside the U.S. Submit your Re-entry Permit if you have one. Submit supporting documents such as:

As a permanent resident or conditional permanent resident you can travel outside the United States for up to 6 months without losing your green card.

To begin with, let's look at the four types of immigration status that exist: citizens, residents, non-immigrants and undocumented. The characteristics of each status are explained below. These are people who were either born in the U.S. or who have become naturalized after three or five years as permanent residents.

A Returning Resident Visa or an SB-1 visa is a type of visa used by conditional residents in the United States to reenter the country after they've been away from the country for a considerable amount of time. The amount of time they stay outside is usually more than what is allowed.

Form DS-230 (Application for Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration) is an immigration form that must be filed with the U.S. State Department. All foreign nationals who intend to immigrate to the United States must complete and submit this form.

The other option is a Returning Resident Visa. This visa, known as the SB-1, allows the resident to return to the U.S. and resume their lawful permanent residence status even after having overstayed his/her visit overseas.

As a permanent resident or conditional permanent resident you can travel outside the United States for up to 6 months without losing your green card. ... If you intend to stay outside the United States for a year or more you will need a Reentry Permit.

Can I file my Form I-131 to get a reentry permit while I am outside the United States? No. You cannot file a Form I-131 to obtain a reentry permit unless you are physically present in the United States when you file the form.

If you are a green card holder and you do not stay outside the U.S. for 1 year or more, you should have either your green card (I-551) or your returning resident visa to re-enter the United States. You are not required to present your unexpired passport, however it is not a bad idea to carry it with you.

If you are a Lawful Permanent Resident (or green card holder) and are outside the United States: you can also work with the U.S. Embassy to help facilitate your return. Keep in mind that green card holders should not be outside of the U.S. for more than 6 months at a time.