If you are a permanent or conditional resident who has remained outside of the United States for longer than one year, or beyond the validity period of a Re-entry Permit, due to circumstances beyond your control, you will require a new immigrant visa to re-enter to the United States to resume permanent residence.
STEP 1: Schedule a returning resident status determination appointment at least three months in advance of your intended travel. Call the U.S. Embassy Manila’s Visa Information and Appointment Service at (+63) 2 8548-8223 and (+63) 2 7792-8988 to schedule your appointment. The non-refundable filing fee of $180 (or its peso equivalent) must be paid on the date of your appointment at the Embassy’s consular cashier, in cash or a major credit card.
STEP 2: Please bring the following documents to your scheduled interview appointment:
- Print-out of the Appointment Confirmation page.
- Completed Form DS-117: Application to Determine Returning Resident Status
Notes:
- Enter your current email address and contact number on your DS-117 on line three.
- You will be required to reschedule if you arrive with an incomplete application.
- The filing fee is non-refundable and is required prior to your case determination interview, whether or not your petition is approved.
STEP 3: The interviewing officer will provide you with an official determination notice at the end of the interview. The officer will return your passport and alien registration card (“green card”).
If your petition for returning resident status is approved, you must schedule a visa interview and follow the next steps to proceed with immigrant visa interview preparation, located here.
You can learn more about Returning Resident Visas at https://travel.state.gov/.
Please note: The Consular Section is unable to respond to inquiries about lawful permanent (or conditional) resident status. Please direct those inquiries to USCIS at https://www.uscis.gov/about-us/contact-us.