
- 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.
- If you wish to return to the U.S. as an immigrant, please visit our returning resident visas page.
- If you 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 to clarify you status. Former LPRs will usually be asked to execute this document and surrender their I-551 (green card) before being issued a nonimmigrant visa.
To abandon Lawful Permanent Resident status, please come to the IV section in Tokyo between 8:30 and 12:00 on Fridays except U.S. and Japanese holidays or Naha between 8:30 - 11:30 or 13:30 - 15:00 Monday - Friday (except holidays). An appointment is not required.
Please note that if you wish to apply for a non-immigrant visa (such as a tourist or business visa) at the same time, please make a non-immigrant visa appointment for that same day. By presenting a non-immigrant visa and a copy of the I-407 the next time you enter the United States, you 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 could also travel Visa Waiver and carry a copy of Form I-407.
Important: Legal Permanent Residents must come in to abandon their Legal Permanent Resident status. Form I-407 cannot be accepted by mail.


Important Notices
Procedures