sanka1944
Feb 24, 2009, 11:25 AM
I am a green card holder and all other members of my family i.e. my wife and sons are US citizen. I am 65 years old and I want to go to my country and stay for a long time. I want to surrender my green card but want to obtain tourist visa for 10 years so that I can visit my family members whenever I want to see them. Is it possible to surrender my green card legally and obtain visitor visa? If so what is the procedure to follow.
DCcityboy
Feb 24, 2009, 01:30 PM
You can be out of the US for over a year with a re-entry permit (form I-131) and they are good for 2 years. If you really plan on being out longer, then the relinquishment may be what you want.
You will fill out form I-407 abandonment of permanent residence, filed along with your permanent resident card at th US consulate that has jurisdiction over your foreign address. Keep a copy for your file.
After abandoning, you can apply for a visitor visa, but you need to really show that it is for temporary visits. Form DS-156 or DS-160 online form (very new) for most consulates in Canada and Mexico.
If this was helpful, rate this answer. Good luck!