The SB-1 Returning Resident Visa is a U.S. visa for green card holders who have remained outside the United States for more than 1 year (or beyond the validity of a reentry permit) and wish to return without starting the green card process over.
It’s a way to reclaim your lawful permanent resident (LPR) status if your extended stay abroad was unintentional and due to circumstances beyond your control.
👤 Who Qualifies for an SB-1 Visa?
To qualify for an SB-1 Returning Resident Visa, you must show:
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You were a lawful permanent resident when you departed.
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You left the U.S. with the intent to return.
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You remained abroad for more than 1 year (or past the validity of your reentry permit).
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Your extended stay resulted from extraordinary circumstances (e.g., illness, travel bans, visa issues).
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You did not abandon your U.S. ties.
đź“ť How to Apply
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Contact your local U.S. embassy or consulate to schedule an SB-1 visa interview.
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Submit:
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Form DS-117 (Application to Determine Returning Resident Status).
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Proof of LPR status (e.g., expired green card).
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Evidence of intent to return (e.g., U.S. tax filings, property ownership, job ties).
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Proof of why your stay was extended (medical reports, travel restrictions, etc.).
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Pay the application and visa processing fees.
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If approved, complete a medical exam and DS-260 immigrant visa form.
đź“… Processing Time & Decision
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The SB-1 process can take weeks to months, depending on the consulate.
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Approval is discretionary — consular officers assess the credibility of your explanation and evidence.
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If approved, the SB-1 visa allows you to reenter the U.S. as a returning resident.
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If denied, you may need to reapply for a new green card through a family or employment sponsor.
⚠️ Risks of Inaction
Without the SB-1 visa, the U.S. may consider you to have abandoned your residency, even unintentionally. Attempting to reenter with an expired green card after a long absence often results in:
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Refusal at the port of entry
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Loss of green card
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Possible removal proceedings
đź’ˇ Tips for a Strong SB-1 Case
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Be honest and clear about your reasons for extended absence.
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Include extensive documentation of your life in the U.S. (taxes, lease, bank accounts, family ties).
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Don’t delay — start the process as soon as you realize your return will be late.
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Work with an immigration attorney to build a persuasive case.
📞 If you’re facing loss of your green card due to extended travel, Borderless Lawyers can help prepare and present your SB-1 application effectively — protecting your residency and helping you return home.