Immigrant Visas

Returning Resident Alien Visas

In the majority of cases, legal permanent residents (LPRs, or “green card” holders) who have been outside the United States for less than one year need only present their green card and a valid passport to reenter the United States as residents. Once an LPR has been outside the United States for more than one year, however, it is necessary to apply for a special returning resident alien visa (SB1) in order to reenter the United States.

This one-year limit does not apply to the spouses or children under the age of 21 of members of the Armed Forces of the United States, nor does it apply to U.S. government employees who have been assigned abroad under official orders.

To qualify for the SB1 visa, applicants must show that:

They were lawful permanent residents when they departed the U.S.
When they departed they intended to return to the U.S. and have maintained this intent.
They are returning from a temporary visit abroad and, if the stay was protracted, that it was caused by reasons beyond their control and for which they were not responsible.
They are eligible for the immigrant visa in all other respects.
In order to apply as a returning resident, applicants should visit the immigrant visa window of the consular section between the hours of 9:00 am and 10:00 am, Monday through Friday (except Peruvian or U.S. holidays). At that time you will be given the necessary forms as well as additional information on how to apply.

If an SB1 visa is denied, applicants have two possible avenues of action.


If your SB1 visa application was denied because the consular officer determined that you have abandoned your residence in the United States, you can apply for a nonimmigrant visa. Please visit the nonimmigrant visa section of this website for information on the requirements for this visa.

If you do not qualify for the nonimmigrant visa because you were unable to establish that you have strong ties to a country outside the United States, you may attempt to re-apply for the immigrant visa, as long as you still qualify.

In the event that a green card holder living in the United States needs to return to the home country for a period of time longer than one year, there is a process to follow to maintain his/her residency and avoid having to apply for an SB1. If you are a green card holder, do not intend to abandon your U.S. residence, and know ahead of time that you will have to remain outside the United States for a period of time greater than a year, you can apply for a reentry permit. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS, previously INS) handles all applications for reentry permits.