Returning Resident (SB1) Visas

The Immigrant Visa Section will be closed to the public from December 26^th 2011  to January 3^rd 2012       

Applications for a returning resident (SB-1) visa can only be made on Fridays at the Embassy, except for U.S. and French holidays. Applicants must arrive before 10 a.m. to ensure admission.

If you are a legal permanent resident alien returning to the United States after being overseas less than 12 months, you may apply for readmission by presenting an Alien Registration receipt Card (Green card) to the immigration authorities at the port of entry. You must also be able to show that you have not abandoned your permanent US residence.

Exception for Military and U.S. Government Employees

The one-year time limitation does not apply to the spouse or child of a member of the Armed Forces of the United States, or of a civilian employee of the U.S. Government stationed abroad pursuant to official orders. In this case, the spouse or child must present the card mentioned above, not have relinquished residence, and be preceding or accompanying the member or employee, or be following to join the member or employee in the United States within four months of the return of the member or employee.

Permanent resident aliens, who were unable to return to the United States for reasons beyond their control within the travel validity period, may be eligible for a special immigrant Returning Resident (SB-1) visa.

To qualify for such status, you must show:

1. That you were a lawful permanent resident when you departed the United States
2. That when you departed you intended to return to the U.S. and have maintained this intent,
3. That you are returning from a temporary visit abroad and if the stay was protracted, it was caused by reasons beyond your control and for which you were not responsible,
4. That you are eligible for the immigrant visa in all other respects.

If you have lost your permanent resident status, and you wish to apply for Returning Resident visa, you must submit evidence to support the above requirements along with the "Application to determine returning resident status" (Form DS-117) and a fee of $380. If the application for returning resident status is approved by the consular officer, the immigrant visa unit will send you information regarding the process of the returning resident (SB-1) visa. Please note that the $380 fee is non-refundable if your application is refused.