QUESTION
Can one apply for residency or visa if they have an expired green card?
Asked on Nov 07th, 2011 on Immigration - California
More details to this question:
I had a green card which expired last March 2005. I am currently living in Dubai, UAW for almost 2 years. I left the US last 1997. My whole family are living in California and are American citizens. Is there a chance to apply for US residency or at least to visit my family there?
4 ANSWERS
If you want to get permanent residence status, you will need to have a qualified family member petition for you once again. If you want to visit, you will need to apply for a visitor's visa at the US Embassy abroad.
Answered on Nov 30th, 2011 at 4:47 PM
Immigration and Naturalization Attorney serving San Diego, CA
Partner at
Feldman Feldman & Associates, PC
3 Awards
Several options - 1) if you had a good reason to "abandon" your green card you may be able to get a Returning Resident letter from the consulate; 2) If you wish to return to the U.S. more permanently have a qualifying U.S. citizen relative or employer re-petition for you to get a new green card. 3) If just coming for a visit then apply for a visitor visa. You will likely be required to sign forms abandoning your PR card.
Answered on Nov 10th, 2011 at 4:27 PM
U.S. Immigration and Nationality Law Attorney serving San Diego, CA
Partner at
Kazmi & Sakata
1 Award
You have voluntarily given up your US Residency. Thus, if you want your green card again someone will have to file for you. Or, you can try and apply for a tourist visa.
Answered on Nov 08th, 2011 at 6:53 PM
Immigration and Naturalization Attorney serving San Francisco, CA
at
The Law Office of Christine Troy
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If you had a ten year green card it will be much easier to renew. However, if you have been out of the US for that long, it is a very difficult thing to do. You need to show you had no intent to give up status even though you were out for more than a year. If your family are USC's, they can repetition for you. In the meantime you may be able to visit the US on a visitor visa.
Answered on Nov 08th, 2011 at 4:27 PM