Abandoning Legal Permanent Resident Status

If you are a legal permanent resident (LPR) and have remained abroad for more than 12 months without a re-entry permit, it is possible that your LPR status has lapsed. A former immigrant who has lost U.S. resident status and desires to return to the United States as an immigrant must obtain a new immigrant visa based on either an approved immigrant petition or returning resident status. Please see the Maintaining Permanent Resident Status page for details on application procedures.

If your LPR status has expired and intend to travel to the U.S. as a non-immigrant, you may wish to file an Abandonment of Lawful Permanent Resident Status Form I-407 (PDF 623KB) to clarify you status. Former LPRs will usually be asked to surrender their I-551 (green card) before being issued a nonimmigrant visa.

For those who want to abandon Lawful Permanent Resident status, please see below:

• U.S. Embassy in Tokyo: Fridays except U.S. and Japanese holidays, between 8:30 and 12:00. No appointment is required.
• Consulate in Naha: Monday - Friday (except holidays), between 8:30 - 11:30 or 13:30 - 15:00. No appointment is required.
• Consulate in Osaka: Please send an e-mail to NIVOsaka@state.gov for details.

Important: Legal Permanent Residents must appear in person to abandon their Legal Permanent Resident status. Form I-407 cannot be accepted by mail.

To abandon Lawful Permanent Resident status, please bring the following documents to the U.S. Embassy/U.S. Consulate:

• Passport
• Your green card
• Reentry permit (Even if it has been expired)
• Form I-407 (PDF 623KB)

Please note that if you wish to apply for a non-immigrant visa (such as a tourist or business visa) at the same time, you may make a non-immigrant visa appointment for the same day you wish to abandon your greencard. By presenting a non-immigrant visa and a copy of the I-407 the next time you enter the United States, it may minimize your risk of complications with the immigration authorities concerning your immigrant versus non-immigrant status. If you qualify for the Visa Waiver Program, you may also travel without a visa. When you travel, you are advised to carry a copy of Form I-407 to clarify your status at the port of entry.