An SB-1 Returning Resident Visa is designed for lawful permanent residents (green card holders) of the United States who have remained outside the U.S. for an extended period, typically over one year, due to circumstances beyond their control. Normally, permanent residents must maintain their status by not staying abroad for extended periods without a re-entry permit. However, if unforeseen reasons, such as medical issues or emergencies, prevent their timely return, they may lose their permanent resident status.

 

The SB-1 visa allows these individuals to apply for re-entry to the U.S. without having to start the entire immigrant visa process again. To qualify, applicants must prove that they intended to return to the U.S. and that their extended stay abroad was due to exceptional reasons beyond their control. The process involves an interview and documentation showing their ties to the U.S., as well as evidence of the unforeseen circumstances.

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The Visa Code offers advice to applicants of returning resident visas to resume the legal permanent resident status in the U.S. without abandoing their green card.