Permanent Resident Services

Abandoning Legal Permanent Resident Status

If you are a lawful permanent resident (LPR) and have remained abroad for more than 12 months without a re-entry permit, it is possible that your status has lapsed.

• If you wish to return to the U.S. as an immigrant, please visit our returning resident page.
• If you intend to travel to the U.S. as a non-immigrant, you may wish to file an Abandonment of Lawful Permanent Resident Status Form I-407 to clarify you status. Former LPRs will usually be asked to execute this document and surrender their I-551 (green card) before being issued a non-immigrant visa.

Individuals seeking to abandon their permanent resident status should appear at the Immigrant Visa Unit on Wednesday and Friday afternoons between the hours of 2 to 4pm, except U.S. and local holidays. No appointment is necessary.

Please note that if you wish to apply for a non-immigrant visa (such as a tourist or business visa), your abandonment of permanent resident status will be processed during the visa interview.

Once you have officially abandoned permanent resident status, we recommend carrying a copy of the I-407 the next time you enter the United States to minimize your risk of complications with the immigration authorities. If you qualify for the Visa Waiver Program, you could also travel Visa Waiver and carry a copy of Form I-407.

Important: Legal Permanent Residents over the age of 14 must come in person to the Consulate General to abandon their Legal Permanent Resident status. Form I-407 will not be accepted by mail.

 

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Last modified: March 27, 2009