For Returning Legal Permanent Residents
A legal permanent resident is allowed re-entry into the United States within one year from the date of departure from the United States. If you obtained a re-entry permit prior departing the U.S., you can re-enter the U.S. before the expiry of the re-entry permit, even if it is more than one year since your date of departure from the United States. If you have not entered the U.S. within one year or if your re-entry permit is not valid, you must qualify for a new immigrant visa as a returning resident.
To qualify for a special immigrant visa as a returning resident, an applicant must establish that he/she has continued to maintain an unrelinquished permanent residence in the United States and his/her absence abroad beyond the permitted limit was due to circumstances beyond his/her control.
Please email the Chennai Immigrant Visa Unit to schedule an appointment for returning resident visa applicants: ChennaiIVU@state.gov.
You should bring a completed Form DS-117 ("Questionnaire to Determine Returning Resident Status"). You should bring any documentary evidence you may have of permanent residence in the U.S. A consular officer will then conduct an interview to determine whether or not you are eligible for returning resident status.
Fees must be paid by a demand draft on a nationalized or foreign bank with a Chennai branch in favor of "U.S. Consulate General, Chennai."
If you have not yet spent one year outside the United States, we urge you to return within one year or before the expiration of your re-entry permit, because your stay outside the U.S. and re-entry permit cannot be extended. We cannot accept your application for "Returning Resident Status" if you have been outside of the U.S. for less than one year or before the expiration of your re-entry permit.