If you are a lawful permanent resident or conditional resident who has remained outside of the United States for longer than one year, you will require a new immigrant visa to enter the United States and resume residence. The appropriate type of visa for this purpose of travel is the SB-1 Returning Resident Visa.
Prior to requesting an interview for a SB-1 Returning Resident Visa, please review the information on the U.S. Department of State’s website regarding the purpose, process, and requirements for a SB-1 Returning Resident Visa: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/immigrate/returning-resident.html.
When you have determined that you wish to apply for a SB-1 Returning Resident Visa, please e-mail the following documents to ACSKigali@state.gov :
- Completed and scanned DS-117 Application to Determine Returning Resident Status
- A copy of your Permanent Resident Card (“Green Card”)
After a pre-screening, the Consular Section will provide you with an interview date and time. Please come prepared to the interview with:
- Printed out DS-117 Application to Determine Returning Resident Status
- Your original Permanent Resident Card (“Green Card”)
- Evidence of dates of travel outside of the United States (airline tickets, passport stamps, etc.)
- Proof of your ties to the United States and your intention to return (tax returns, evidence of economic ties to the United States, etc.)
- Proof that your extended stay outside of the United States was for reasons beyond your control (medical incapacitation or emergency, et.)
- Method of payment for the SB-1 application fee of $180:
- Credit card payments are preferred.
- Please note that if your application for SB-1 status is denied, you will not receive a refund of the application fee.
If SB-1 status is approved during your interview, the Consular Officer will provide you instructions for the next steps in the process.
Please do not hesitate to contact us on ACSKigali@state.gov if you have any questions.