After immigrating to the United States, you may be subject to certain time limits when you leave the country. If you were outside the United States for longer than your residency status permitted, you might be eligible for a returning resident special immigrant visa. However, you must have been outside of the United States for reasons outside of your control to qualify.
Obtaining a returning resident visa involves filling out a DS-117 Application to Determine Returning Resident Status. On this form, you explain why you remained outside the country and your long-term ties to the United States. An immigration attorney at New Frontier Immigration Law is ready to help you with your case.
The DS-117 application is a form you can fill out if you are a permanent resident of the United States and are attempting to return to the country after traveling abroad. It can be part of your application for a returning resident visa. This form allows you to qualify for special immigrant status, but you need to show proof of the following:
You will need to prove the information you provide on a DS-117 form. For example, you will need to show evidence that you have lawful permanent residence in the United States, such as through your Form I-151. You also will need to show proof of your ties to the United States and your long-term commitment to living here. You could establish this through records of your previous tax returns or family or job ties in the country.
In addition, you will need to show proof of the dates you traveled and why your return was delayed. For example, if you were sick, you could prove this through your medical bills or other documents.
You should fill out the form as completely and accurately as possible. Make sure to complete all the blanks that apply to your situation.
Some of the information you will need to provide includes:
There can be various reasons that prevented you from returning to the United States in the expected timeframe. For example, the COVID-19 pandemic initially barred many people from regular travel, forcing them to remain in another country.
Other reasons that might have barred you from traveling or leaving the country where you were staying include:
When you fill out the form, be as thorough and honest as possible about what prevented you from returning to the United States. Explain the circumstances and why they were outside of your control.
Note that lying or falsifying information on a DS-117 Application to Determine Returning Resident Status could cause the U.S. government to reject your application. Consulting with an immigration attorney can ensure that your form contains all the necessary information so you can rest easy.
You may plan to handle your DS-117 paperwork on your own, but this process can be complex and lead to issues with your return to the country. The legal team at New Frontier Immigration Law is ready to help you with your case. If you decide to work with us, we can assist you in the following areas:
Hear From Clients We’ve Helped
We have helped many clients, and many have been highly satisfied with our services. Here’s what just a few of them had to say:
Our legal team at New Frontier Immigration Law is ready to help you with your DS-117 application and other immigration documents. We can answer your questions, offer the legal advice you seek, and represent you throughout the process of settling your residency status.
We want to help you with everything from your initial paperwork to the appeals process if necessary. Get ready to take that first step by contacting us to get started with your strategic session today.
We know immigration can be hard to understand. Find here five easy ways that might let you sort out your immigration papers without having to leave the U.S.
Feel confident and in control of your life as you navigate the immigration process with skilled Phoenix immigration lawyer from New Frontier by your side.
Schedule a Free Call Today“We believe that our purpose is to fight for as many people as possible—and we do that every day by helping our clients live, drive, work, and travel freely.”
-Hillary Walsh
