Nonimmigrant Visas
SB-1 Returning Resident Visa
Administrative preparation for permanent residents who stayed outside the United States for an extended period.
We prepare your forms, organize your documents, and draft the letters for your case.
Visa Express Fees
From $490 USD
*Approximate costs. Consult with our team for specifics about your case.
Packages and Options
COMPLETE
USD 490Initial SB-1 stage.
FORM
DS-117
Initial stage
NEXT STEP
Not included
Immigrant visa
TIMELINE
Variable
Consulate decides
What is the SB-1 Returning Resident Visa?
The SB-1 visa is for U.S. permanent residents who stayed outside the country longer than their Green Card allows and could not return within the authorized period. It is filed with the U.S. consulate using Form DS-117 and requires showing that the extended stay abroad was due to circumstances beyond the resident's control, and that they maintain real ties to the United States. Visa Express prepares the initial stage of the application and organizes the corresponding evidence.
Who Might This Be Right For?
- Are U.S. permanent residents (hold a Green Card).
- Stayed outside the United States longer than their residency allows.
- Could not return within the authorized period due to circumstances beyond their control.
- Maintain real ties to the United States (family, property, employment, among others).
- Can support the reason for the extended stay abroad with real evidence.
Each situation must be reviewed individually. Acceptance of the service is subject to the information and documents provided by the client.
What's Included in the Service?
Evidence is organized exclusively using the real information provided by the client.
What's Not Included?
The decision on the SB-1 application and its next stages belongs exclusively to the consular officer.
Documents That May Be Used
The final list will depend on the specific circumstances of the case.
Process Steps
Advisory request
The client completes the initial form or contacts an advisor.
Departure history
We review the dates and time spent outside the United States.
Ties to the United States
We organize evidence of residence, family, and obligations.
DS-117 preparation
We prepare the application and the initial file.
Consular stage
We provide instructions for filing and the next steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
It's a visa for U.S. permanent residents who stayed outside the country longer than their Green Card allows and need to return.
An extended stay abroad can be considered an abandonment of residency. The SB-1 visa allows you to request return when this happened due to circumstances beyond the resident's control.
The initial stage is filed using Form DS-117 with the corresponding consulate.
The timeline depends on the corresponding consulate and can vary significantly by case.
Visa Express fees are $490 USD for the initial stage. Consular fees are paid separately.
No. The final decision belongs exclusively to the consular officer.
Important terms of service
- This service covers only the initial stage of the SB-1 application (Form DS-117).
- Fees are $490 USD.
- Consular fees are not included in the fees.
- The subsequent immigrant visa process is a separate service and is not included.
- The client must provide truthful, complete, and up-to-date information.
- The timeline depends on the corresponding consulate and may vary.
- Filing the application does not guarantee approval.
- The final decision belongs exclusively to the consular officer.
Visa Express' general Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy apply.
Important Notice
Legal Notice: Visa Express LLC provides document preparation and administrative support services. We are not a law firm and do not provide legal representation. Supporting letters and statements are prepared exclusively with the information and documents provided by the client, who must review and approve them before use; they do not constitute legal advice. The applicant reviews and signs their own application. The final decision rests with the applicable government authority.
Ready to get started?
Request a free initial review and our team will explain the next steps.
Request an initial review of your case
Every immigration situation is different. Complete this short form and one of our advisors will contact you to learn about your case and explain the next steps.