Here are the steps involved for applying for a returning resident visa or SB-1 visa:
- Complete form DS-117 and gather documents The application process starts with gathering downloading the DS-117, Application to Determine Resident Status and gathering the documents mentioned above. ...
- File your application Next, you need to visit the local US Consulate and file the DS-117 in person. ...
- Submit DS-260 and attend the medical examination
How do I apply for a Returning Resident (SB-1) immigrant visa?
If you wish to apply for a Returning Resident (SB-1) immigrant visa, you should submit the following forms and documents A completed Application to Determine Returning Resident Status, Form DS-117; You must also submit supporting documents that show the following:
What is a SB1 visa?
Returning Resident Visas (SB1) Permanent resident aliens, who were unable to return to the United States for reasons beyond their control within the travel validity period of the Permanent Resident Card (Green Card), or the Reentry Permit, may apply for a special immigrant Returning Resident (SB1) visa.
Do you have to pay for immigration interview for SB-1?
You will need to be interviewed for both your application for returning resident status, and usually later for the immigrant visa. An SB-1 applicant is required to establish eligibility for an immigrant visa and have a medical examination. Therefore, this involves paying both visa processing fees and medical fees.
How to apply for a returning resident visa?
Returning Resident Visas 1 Overview - About Returning Resident Visas. ... 2 Step 1 - Qualifying for Returning Resident Status. ... 3 Applying for a Returning Resident Visa. ... 4 Required Documentation. ... 5 Required Fees. ... 6 Step 2 - Immigrant Visa Application and Documentation. ...
What documents are required for SB1 visa?
What documents do you need to apply for an SB-1 visa?You must complete Form DS-117.Your permanent resident card. Form I-551.Your re-entry permit – provided you have one. ... Proof supporting your reasons why staying abroad beyond the permitted time limits was beyond your control – such as a medical report.
What is SB1 returning resident visa?
Returning Resident Visas (SB1) Permanent resident aliens, who were unable to return to the United States for reasons beyond their control within the travel validity period of the Permanent Resident Card (Green Card), or the Reentry Permit, may apply for a special immigrant Returning Resident (SB1) visa.
How long does it take to get a SB-1 visa?
3-6 monthsYou should apply for the SB-1 visa as far in advance of your intended travel date as possible to allow time for the application to be approved, but the processing time on these visas is fast and generally doesn't take any more than 3-6 months.
How do I get a SB-1 visa for USA?
If you wish to apply for a Returning Resident (SB-1) immigrant visa, you should contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate in advance of your intended travel (at least three months in advance, if possible) to permit sufficient time for visa processing.
How much does an sb1 visa cost?
To apply for the SB-1 visa, you must pay two separate fees. The first fee is a filing fee for Form DS-117. The current filing fee for Form DS-117 is $180. The second fee you will need to pay is an immigrant visa application processing fee of $205.
What happens after sb1 is approved?
If your application for returning resident status is approved, you will be processed as all other IV applicants. You will receive the Instruction Package, with a list of the documents the intending immigrant must present at the immigrant visa interview. Your SB-1 visa interview will be scheduled by the Visa Unit.
What happens if sb1 is denied?
If the SB-1 Visa is denied on the basis that the alien (applicant) has resigned his/her residence in the United States, it may or may not be possible to obtain a non-immigrant visa, depending on whether the applicant has established residence abroad to which he will return to.
Can I get a green card after being in the U.S. for 10 years?
Yes, the applicant must prove physical presence in the USA for ten years. That part is easy. However, the applicant must also prove that removal from the USA would constitute extreme and exceptionally unusual hardship to a USC or LPR immediate relative.
How much does a returning resident visa cost?
$205The application fee for a returning resident visa is $205. There are also additional costs from the required medical examination and processing fees. Any translating services you require will also incur charges. You can pay the amount via cash, credit card, and other recognized payment methods.
Can I stay in U.S. while waiting for green card?
Some people can stay in the U.S. for the entire period of applying for a U.S. green card. Others must leave the U.S., either while they wait for a visa to become available (which can take years in some cases) or in order to attend their immigrant visa interview, which is the last major step in the immigration process.
How long do I have to leave the U.S. before I can return?
There is no set period you must remain outside the USA before returning but: "When traveling to the U.S. with the approved ESTA, you may only stay for up to 90 days at a time - and there should be a reasonable amount of time between visits so that the CBP Officer does not think you are trying to live here.
Who is a returning resident?
Returning Resident: In accordance with definition outlined Item 6A, paragraph 7 of the Schedule, a returning resident is a person who the proper officer is satisfied is a Jamaican national who has attained the age of eighteen (18) years and has been resident overseas for not less than three consecutive years; and is ...
How much does a returning resident visa cost?
$205The application fee for a returning resident visa is $205. There are also additional costs from the required medical examination and processing fees. Any translating services you require will also incur charges. You can pay the amount via cash, credit card, and other recognized payment methods.
What happens if sb1 is denied?
If the SB-1 Visa is denied on the basis that the alien (applicant) has resigned his/her residence in the United States, it may or may not be possible to obtain a non-immigrant visa, depending on whether the applicant has established residence abroad to which he will return to.
What is required for a SB-1 visa?
You will need to be interviewed for both your application for returning resident status, and usually later for the immigrant visa. An SB-1 applicant is required to establish eligibility for an immigrant visa and have a medical examination. Therefore, this involves paying both visa processing fees and medical fees.
How far in advance do you need to apply for a returning resident visa?
Embassy or Consulate in advance of your intended travel (at least three months in advance, if possible) to permit sufficient time for visa processing.
Do I need a returning resident card if I am a spouse?
Government Stationed Abroad - If you are the spouse or child of a member of the U.S. Armed Forces or of a civilian employee of the U.S. government stationed abroad on official orders, you may use your Permanent Resident Card, Form I-551, to enter the United States even if it has expired. Therefore, you would not need a Returning Resident (SB-1) immigrant visa , as long as you:
What are the requirements to get a SB-1 visa?
There are certain criteria in order for a person to be able to apply for the SB-1 visa. There are conditions that need to be fulfilled. You have to prove that: You were a lawful permanent resident with legal status in the U.S before you leave for your trip.
Who doesn't need a SB-1 visa?
With some exceptions, there are those who don’t need to apply for the SB-1 visa, they are as follows: The Spouse and children of a member of the U.S Armed Forces. The Civilian employees of the U.S government who are stationed abroad.
What is DS 260?
Submit the Form DS-260, or the Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration Application which you filed before during your initial immigrant visa application.
What is the proof of intention to return?
The proof of intention to return such as employment offer, tax returns, payslips, etc. The proof that you stayed outside the U.S for such reasons that are beyond your control such as medical documents, etc.
Who decides if you qualify for SB-1?
Generally, it is the U.S Embassy who decides your eligibility for the SB-1 visa based on the documents and evidence you submit to them. For an instance, they decide that you do not qualify for the U.S.A. visa they will notify you to either submit additional documents or that you simply cannot get a returning resident visa and that you got denied.
Do you have to pay for a visa application?
The fees must be paid in order for your application to be processed and get validated. If you just submit the application without paying the required fees, it will not be taken into consideration by the U.S Embassy.
Do you have to live in the US to get a green card?
Visas, with the Green Card in the U.S., you are under the Lawful Permanent Resident status (LPR) or a Conditional resident (CR) depending on the type of visa you hold. You have to move and live in the U.S. in order to maintain your status and then you apply for citizenship.
What is the SB-1 visa?
A Returning Resident (SB-1) immigrant visa allows those who have surpassed a permanent resident card’s (or green card’s) limits on extended travel to return to the United States and resume their lawful permanent resident status. Both U.S. lawful permanent residents (LPRs) and conditional residents (CRs) may apply for an SB-1 visa if they have overstayed their visits abroad but can prove that returning to the United States was not possible for them at that time.
What happens if your SB-1 visa application is not approved?
consulate or embassy may determine that your Form DS-117 and supporting documents do not qualify you as a Returning Resident since you have abandoned your permanent residence in the United States. In some cases, you can still apply for a nonimmigrant visa to the United States if you have established a residence outside of the United States to which you intend to return. If you can’t provide enough evidence that you have established a residence abroad, you will need to apply for a new immigrant visa to return to the United States. You should apply under the same category and on the same basis as your original immigration application. You may wish to consult with an immigration law expert or attorney during this process. If so, you can find legal help at no or a low cost on the U.S. government’s Legal Aid website.
Is the fee for DS-117 refundable?
The fee for filing the "Application to Determine Returning Resident Status" (Form DS-117) is non-refundable if your application is denied. Payment is accepted in cash (US$ or NOK) or credit card.
Can a permanent resident alien apply for a green card?
Permanent resident aliens, who were unable to return to the United States for reasons beyond their control within the travel validity period of the Permanent Resident Card (Green Card), or the Reentry Permit, may apply for a special immigrant Returning Resident (SB1) visa.
How to apply for a return resident visa?
You may apply for a Returning Resident Visa (SB-1) by filing a Form DS-117 with supporting documents. In order to do so, you must show evidence of the continued unbroken ties to the U.S. and that the trip was extended due to events beyond your control. Contact the nearest consular office well in advance of your planned travel (at least three months in advance, if possible) to allow sufficient time for visa processing. If your Returning Resident Visa is approved, you still have to go through the immigrant visa process.
How far in advance do you need to travel to get a visa?
Contact the nearest consular office well in advance of your planned travel (at least three months in advance, if possible) to allow sufficient time for visa processing. If your Returning Resident Visa is approved, you still have to go through the immigrant visa process.
What is the consular interview?
The consular officer will conduct a visa interview and determine whether you are eligible for a returning resident status. After the interview, the consular officer will advise you about the next steps that you must take.
How many times do you have to be interviewed for a return resident visa?
In other words, you will need to be interviewed twice, once for a Returning Resident application and again for the immigrant visa. You must apply for an immigrant visa within 6 months of getting approval for Returning Resident status.
How long can you stay in the US without losing your immigrant status?
government personnel and hold legal resident status in the U.S., you may stay abroad for the extent of an official overseas project plus four months without losing your immigrant status.
How long can you stay abroad without a reentry permit?
However, all other permanent residents of the U.S. that remained abroad for more than twelve months without obtaining a reentry permit or past the validity period of a reentry permit have two options:
Can a conditional resident apply for a special immigrant visa?
Conditional residents that failed to file an application to have the conditional resident status removed are obligated to apply for a new immigrant visa. They are not eligible to apply for a special immigrant status as a returning resident.
