Consulate General of the United States Hong Kong & Macau

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 (PDF 624 KB) 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 in person at the Immigrant Visa Unit on Wednesdays only (except U.S. and local holidays), from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. No appointment is required. If you have a U.S. re-entry permit, even expired, please bring the document to the Consulate.

Note:

Effective June 1, 2013, individuals seeking to abandon their permanent resident status should come to the Immigrant Visa Unit on Thursdays from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

However, 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 at the Non-Immigrant Visa Unit. Please see the information for applying non-immigrant visa.

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 are qualified for the Visa Waiver Program, you should carry a copy of Form I-407 when you travel to the United States.

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.

Last modified: April 22, 2013