ImmigrantSpecial immigrantNo annual limitForm DS-117For permanent residents

SB-1 Returning Resident

An immigrant visa for green-card holders who stayed abroad more than a year, or past their reentry permit, for reasons beyond their control.

Last reviewed Oct 1, 2026Sources: Department of State · eCFR · USCISReport an error

At a glance

Who it is for: Permanent residents abroad > 1 year or past reentry permit
Key test: Extended stay caused by reasons beyond their control
First form: DS-117 ($180) at a U.S. embassy or consulate
Visa application fee: $205 (DS-260)
Annual limit: None (INA 201(b)(1)(A))
Interviews: Usually two: DS-117 and immigrant visa

A narrow remedy, decided by a consular officer. SB-1 status requires proof that the long absence was beyond the resident’s control. If the officer finds residence was abandoned, the person may need a nonimmigrant visa or a new immigrant petition in the original category (State). Proclamation 10998 exempts “any lawful permanent resident of the United States” from its suspensions (section 6(b)(i), 90 FR 59717).

Overview

A lawful permanent or conditional resident who remains outside the United States for longer than one year, or beyond the validity of a reentry permit (up to two years), generally needs a new immigrant visa to return. The returning resident (SB-1) special immigrant visa exists for residents whose extended stay was caused by circumstances beyond their control (State Department).

Approval of SB-1 status removes the need for a new USCIS immigrant petition, but the applicant must still qualify for an immigrant visa in every other respect, including a medical exam. Returning residents are special immigrants under INA 101(a)(27)(A) and are not subject to annual numerical limits (8 U.S.C. 1151(b)(1)(A)).

Certain spouses and children of U.S. Armed Forces members or U.S. government civilian employees stationed abroad on official orders may use an expired green card to return and do not need an SB-1, provided they have not abandoned status and are returning with that family member.

Who qualifies

The applicant must prove (22 CFR 42.22)

They had lawful permanent resident status when they departed the United States
They left with the intention of returning and have not abandoned that intention
They are returning from a temporary visit abroad, and any protracted stay was caused by reasons beyond their control and for which they were not responsible

And also

Be eligible for an immigrant visa in all other respects (admissibility, medical exam)
Apply in person at a U.S. embassy or consulate, ideally at least three months before planned travel

Duration & extensions

Status on return	Resumes lawful permanent residence
Green card	Typically 10-year card (USCIS M-274)
Alternative before leaving	Reentry permit (Form I-131), valid up to 2 years — $630
Naturalization clock	Long absences can break continuous residence (8 U.S.C. 1427)

Fees

State Department and USCIS fees as published on October 1, 2026.

Fee	Amount	Who pays	Notes
Form DS-117, Application to Determine Returning Resident Status	$180	Applicant	Paid at the embassy or consulate (fee schedule).
Immigrant visa application processing fee (DS-260)	$205	Applicant	Charged only if SB-1 status is approved; the “other immigrant visa” rate, which includes SB-1.
USCIS Immigrant Fee	$0	—	Returning residents (SB-1s) are exempt.
Medical exam and vaccinations	Varies	Applicant	Set by the panel physician.

For comparison, a reentry permit requested before departure costs $630 on Form I-131.

Processing time

Plan ahead: 3+ months; State asks applicants to contact the embassy at least three months before intended travel, if possible.
Numerical limit: None; SB-1 does not wait for a Visa Bulletin date.

Timing depends on the embassy or consulate; there is no published standard processing time.

Application steps

1
Contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate
Follow that post’s instructions for returning resident cases, as early as possible.
2
File Form DS-117 and pay $180
Submit the DS-117 with the green card, any reentry permit, and evidence of travel dates, U.S. ties and the reasons for the extended stay.
3
DS-117 interview
A consular officer decides whether the applicant meets the three returning-resident requirements.
4
Immigrant visa processing
If approved, complete Form DS-260, pay the $205 fee, and complete the medical exam and vaccinations.
5
Immigrant visa interview and travel
Bring the passport, photos and requested civil documents. If issued, the SB-1 visa allows return to resume permanent residence.

Required documents

For the DS-117 application

Completed Form DS-117
Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551)
Reentry permit, if any
Proof of travel dates (tickets, passport stamps)
Proof of U.S. ties and intent to return (tax returns; economic, family and social ties)
Proof the extended stay was beyond the applicant’s control (for example medical incapacity)

For the immigrant visa stage

Form DS-260 confirmation
Original passport and two photographs
Medical exam and civil documents requested by the post

Dependents & family

Each family member who is a permanent resident and was abroad too long must qualify and apply for SB-1 status individually. Spouses and children of U.S. military members or U.S. government civilian employees on official orders abroad may be able to return on an expired green card instead.

After you arrive

An SB-1 visa does not create new status; it allows the resident to resume existing permanent residence on admission.

Step 1

Avoid a repeat

Before future long trips, apply for a reentry permit (Form I-131, $630) while still in the United States.

Step 2

Check naturalization timing

Absences of more than six months can disrupt the continuous-residence requirement for naturalization (8 U.S.C. 1427).

Diversity Visa

Lottery-based immigrant visa.

IR-1 / CR-1

Spouse of a U.S. citizen

Possible route if SB-1 is denied and a citizen spouse can petition.

B-2

Visitor for pleasure

Nonimmigrant option if residence is found abandoned.

EB-3

Skilled workers

Re-immigrating through an employer petition.

Common questions

I was abroad for 13 months. Do I need an SB-1?

Generally yes, unless you hold a valid reentry permit. An absence of more than one year without one means the green card alone is no longer a valid travel document (State).

What counts as “beyond my control”?

The applicant must show the protracted stay was caused by reasons beyond their control and for which they were not responsible (22 CFR 42.22). State gives medical incapacitation as an example.

What if the SB-1 is refused?

The officer may find residence abandoned. The person may qualify for a nonimmigrant visa if they have a residence abroad, or may need to immigrate again in the original category.

Do SB-1 applicants pay the USCIS Immigrant Fee?

No. USCIS lists returning lawful permanent residents (SB-1s) as exempt.

Official sources

Recent changes

Aug 21, 2026
75-country immigrant visa pause no longer in effect. Under the court’s order in CLINIC et al. v. Rubio, et al., State says the January 2026 pause on immigrant visa issuance to nationals of 75 countries ended as of August 21, 2026. Source ↗
Jan 21, 2026
Immigrant visa issuance paused for nationals of 75 countries. State paused all immigrant visa issuance to nationals of 75 listed countries, citing public-benefits concerns. Interviews continued, but visas were not issued. The pause ended August 21, 2026 under a court order. Source ↗
Jan 1, 2026
Proclamation 10998 suspends immigrant visas for 39 nationalities. Proclamation 10998 (signed December 16, 2025; 90 FR 59717) took effect January 1, 2026. It fully suspends visa issuance to nationals of 19 countries and suspends immigrant visas for nationals of 19 more countries and Turkmenistan, with limited exceptions; case-by-case national-interest exceptions remain possible. Source ↗
Nov 1, 2025
Immigrant visa interviews in country of residence. The National Visa Center now schedules immigrant visa applicants in their country of residence or, if requested, their country of nationality, with rare exceptions. Source ↗

This page is general reference material compiled from the official sources above and is not legal advice. Eligibility depends on individual facts; rules and fees change, so confirm with the agency before you file. VisaTypes.com is not affiliated with USCIS, the Department of State or any government agency. Spotted an error? Tell us.