Immigrant Visas  

Information for Lawful Permanent Residents

Transportation Letters

Transportation letters are issued to lawful permanent residents (LPRs) of the United States whose Permanent Resident Card (green card) was lost or stolen and they need to return to the United States. Transportation letters are also available for LPRs who had a child outside of the United States and they want the child to enter the United States with them.

Documents required for an LPR whose Permanent Resident Card (green card) was lost or stolen:

1. Passport
2. Copy of the green card (if available), alien number (A#) and any other evidence of permanent residency status in the United States
3. Airplane ticket (transportation letters are valid for a short time only)
4. One photo (5x5 cm)
5. Fee of $165 dollars (or the equivalent in Lithuanian Litas)

Documents required for an LPR who had a child abroad and needs to return to the United States with their newborn:

1. Child’s passport
2. Birth certificate
3. Parent’s passport
4. Parent’s LPR card (green card)
5. Airplane ticket (transportation letters are valid for a short time only)
6. One photo (5x5 cm)
7. Fee of $165 dollars (or the equivalent in Lithuanian Litas)

Returning Residents

Permanent resident aliens who remain outside the United States longer than one year without prior authorization for a longer stay lose their status as residents. They require a visa to return to the United States. One option may be a returning resident immigrant (SB-1) visa. To qualify for such status aliens must show:

* That they were lawful permanent residents when they departed the United States.
* That when they departed they intended to return to the United States and have maintained this intent.
* That they are returning from a temporary visit abroad and, if the stay was protracted, that it was caused by reasons beyond their control and for which they were not responsible.
* That they are eligible for the immigrant visa in all other respects.

How do I apply for a returning resident visa?

Applicants who wish to apply for returning resident (SB-1) visas should come to the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Vilnius well in advance of their intended travel (at least three months) to permit sufficient time for visa processing.

Please note that beginning the week of April 06, 2009 immigrant visas (except for Diversity Visas) will be processed at the U.S. Embassy in Vilnius, Lithuania

Applications to Determine Returning Resident Status, form DS-117, are accepted during American Citizen Services hours.

What is the fee for filing form DS-117?

The fee for filing form DS-117 and determining Returning Resident Status is USD 400.