Embassy of the United States Islamabad, Pakistan

A permanent resident (lawful permanent resident or LPR) or conditional resident (CR) who has remained outside the United States for more than one year, or beyond the validity period of a Re-entry Permit (PDF 1 MB), will require a new immigrant visa to enter the United States and resume permanent residence.  The returning resident may receive a new immigrant visa through the standard visa process described elsewhere on this site by having a U.S. relative or U.S. employer file an immigrant petition on their behalf. 

In some cases it is also possible to issue a returning resident visa to an LPR who has remained outside the United States due to circumstances beyond their control.  If you are an LPR unable to return to the U.S. within the travel validity period of your green card (1 year) or Re-entry Permit (2 years), you may be eligible to apply at the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad for a Returning Resident (SB-1) visa.

An application for returning resident status requires evidence of the applicant's continuing, unbroken ties to the United States, evidence that their extended stay was truly beyond their control, and evidence that their intent was to always return to the United States. 

When applying for a Returning Resident (SB-1) immigrant visa, you should submit the following forms and documents to the U.S. Embassy:

• A completed Application to Determine Returning Resident Status, Form DS-117
• Your Permanent Resident Card, Form -551
• Your Re-entry Permit, if available

You must also submit supporting documents that show the following:

• Dates of travel outside of the United States (Examples: airline tickets, passport stamps, etc.)
• Proof of your ties to the United States and your intention to return (Examples: tax returns, and evidence of economic, family, and social ties to the U.S.)
• Proof that your protracted stay outside of the United States was for reasons beyond your control (Examples: medical incapacitation, employment with a U.S. company, accompanying a U.S. citizen spouse, etc.)

A Consular Officer will review your application and supporting documents to determine whether you meet the criteria for Returning Resident (SB-1) status.  If you do, you must then complete the entire immigrant visa process: paying the immigrant visa fees, obtaining a medical exam, submitting all necessary police clearances and civil documents, and appearing for an immigrant visa interview.  If you are not eligible for returning resident status you may have an American citizen or LPR relative file a new immigrant visa petition on your behalf.

Individuals interested in applying for returning resident status should visit the Embassy any working Tuesday from noon to 1:00PM. No appointment is needed. For more information please visit travel.state.gov.

Please Note: Individuals contemplating whether to submit an application for returning resident status should carefully consider whether their circumstances meet the criteria outlined above.  The application fee is non-refundable and the evaluation process is rigorous.  It is also worth noting that approval of returning resident status does not guarantee the issuance of a visa.