Form I-407 Guide: Voluntarily Abandoning Your Green Card

Form I-407 plays a crucial role for individuals opting to relinquish their status as lawful permanent residents of the United States.

Purpose of Form I-407

The primary purpose of Form I-407 is to create an official record of an individual’s decision to voluntarily abandon their status as a lawful permanent resident (LPR) in the United States. This form notifies the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) that the individual no longer wishes to maintain their LPR status.

Significance of Abandoning Permanent Resident Status

By submitting Form I-407, an individual effectively nullifies their rights and privileges as a lawful permanent resident. It is a significant step that indicates their intention to give up their Green Card and with it, the opportunity to reside and work in the U.S. permanently.

Eligibility Criteria

An individual is eligible to file Form I-407 if they are currently a lawful permanent resident of the United States. There are no restrictions based on the duration of residency or age. The form must be filled out correctly and submitted to the appropriate authority for the abandonment to be recorded officially.

When an individual decides to voluntarily relinquish their Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) status, they must accurately complete Form I-407. Precision in providing information and following the step-by-step instructions ensures the process is handled effectively.

Required Information

A person completing Form I-407 will need the following information:

• Alien Registration Number (A-Number): Found on the Permanent Resident Card.
• Current Legal Name: Including family name, given name, and all other names used.
• USCIS Online Account Number (if any): An account number provided by USCIS if the individual has made an online account.
• Address and Contact Information: Current address, including any foreign address, and up-to-date contact information.
• Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551): The front and back of this card will need to be copied and included with the form.
• Additional Identifying Information: This may include other immigration documents, passport details, and country of citizenship.

Step-by-Step Filling Instructions

1. Download the Form: Obtain Form I-407 from the USCIS website, ensuring it’s the latest version.
2. Print Clearly: Use black ink to type or print the required information.
3. Complete Part 1: Provide personal information such as the Alien Registration Number and full legal name.
4. Copy Documentation: Attach a copy of the Permanent Resident Card and any other required identity documentation.
5. Review and Sign: Carefully review all filled sections for accuracy, then sign and date the form.
6. Submit the Form: Follow the specific instructions for submission as directed by USCIS, which typically includes mailing the form to the indicated address.

It’s important for the individual to keep a copy of the completed Form I-407 and any accompanying documentation for their personal records.

The submission process for Form I-407 involves specific locations for submitting the form, a checklist of supporting documents, and an understanding of the fee requirements.

Where to Submit

Form I-407 should be submitted to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Applicants can find the most current mailing address or submission instructions by checking the USCIS contact information provided on their official website.

Supporting Documents Checklist

Applicants must ensure they include the following documents when submitting Form I-407:

• Signed Form I-407: The form must be completed and signed by the applicant.
• Permanent Resident Card (I-551): If available, it should be submitted along with the application.
• Additional Identification: A copy of an identification document such as a passport may be required.

Filing Fee Details

There is no filing fee for Form I-407 as of the latest information available. Applicants are not required to submit a payment with their application.

Once Form I-407 is submitted, the individual’s record will reflect the voluntary abandonment of their Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) status. This section outlines what applicants should expect after submission, including receipt confirmation, processing times, and possible outcomes.

Receipt and Processing Time

Upon submission of Form I-407, applicants will receive a receipt notice confirming that the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has received the form. The processing time varies, but typically, applicants can expect a response indicating the update of their records within a few months from the submission date.

Possible Outcomes

Form I-407 is designed for individuals who wish to formally abandon their LPR status. The primary outcome of a successful submission is the confirmation from USCIS that the individual is no longer considered a lawful permanent resident. This can affect the individual’s ability to reside or seek employment in the U.S.

Reversing the Decision

Once Form I-407 is processed and the LPR status is abandoned, reversing the decision is generally not possible. However, individuals who wish to regain their permanent resident status must go through the standard immigration process anew. This typically involves re-applying for a Green Card through the relevant immigrant visa category.

Form I-407 carries significant legal implications for individuals renouncing their status as lawful permanent residents (LPRs) of the United States. It affects their ability to obtain future U.S. visas, their tax obligations, and any associated family-based immigration applications.

Impact on Future Visas

When someone submits Form I-407 and relinquishes their lawful permanent resident status, it can impact future visa applications. The U.S. Department of State may view this abandonment as a change in the individual’s ties to the United States, which can influence the assessment of nonimmigrant visa applications. Specifically, consular officers might scrutinize their intent to return to their home country more carefully.

Tax Obligations

The act of abandoning LPR status through Form I-407 may alter an individual’s tax responsibilities. They are no longer considered a U.S. resident for tax purposes after the effective date of abandonment. This means they are no longer subject to U.S. tax on their global income. However, certain tax consequences may arise, such as the need to comply with exit tax provisions if the individual qualifies as a covered expatriate.

Family-Based Applications

Submitting Form I-407 can also affect family-based immigration applications. If the LPR has filed petitions for family members to immigrate to the United States, these petitions may be canceled as a result of the LPR’s status abandonment. Immediate relatives (spouses, children, and parents) of the individual may find their route to U.S. residency disrupted if reliant on the petitioner’s LPR status.

This section provides specific resources for individuals looking to find more information about Form I-407, including website links, contact details for support, and answers to common questions.

Helpful Websites

• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS): The USCIS official website is the primary source for downloading Form I-407 and obtaining up-to-date guidance on the process of abandoning lawful permanent resident status.
• American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA): AILA’s website hosts a plethora of resources related to immigration forms, including instructions and updates for Form I-407.

Contact Information for Immigration Support

• USCIS Contact Center: Applicants can seek assistance with their Form I-407 by contacting the USCIS National Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283.
• Immigration Advocacy Groups: Local non-profit organizations often provide support and advice for immigration-related inquiries. It’s beneficial to consult these groups for personalized assistance.