Downgrade US Green Card to Tourist VISA?

Hi, is it possible to downgrade a US green card to a tourist VISA? I understand if you have a green card and you go out of the United States for more than a year without a re-entry permit, you will be stripped of the status and will most likely be banned or will have a hard time getting a new VISA.

So is it possible to downgrade it to a VISA before that time comes?

You can all breathe now

You won't be banned, you have simply chosen to give up your US permanent residency. There is no law against that, but you do have to surrender your I-551 green card once you do, to signify your intention to give up your permanent residency status.

If you are simply concerned about having to stay out of the country for longer than a year, you can apply for a returning resident permit, that is if you have a valid reason for staying out of the country for an extended period.

Yak Rider

It's easy. You just go to the closest US embassy or US consulate and surrender the green card. You'll fill out a form and that will be the end of it. After that you are once again 100% eligible for a tourist visa.

George L

Yak Rider is correct. if you want a tourist visa, you'll need to turn in your green card, otherwise, the interviewing officer will be confused about your actual intent, to be a tourist or an immigrant. his confusion will lead to your denial on the tourist visa, so turn in the card, if that's really what you want and remove all confusion.

Raj Kumar

Tourists Visas are difficult to get depending on countries. I suggest you consult an attorney for the best course of action. Many have free consultation.

If your goal is to be a US Citizen, then wait for the conditional visa and for the condition to be removed. This means you are not to travel outside US for 2 to 3 years. After that you can travel freely. If you change to tourist visa,, you will likely regret it later.

chuckles951

You do understand you would be surrendering something that a lot of other people are trying very hard to get. If you don't want it, just let it expire. That you had one makes little difference when youso to apply for a tourist visa.

jjan

A friend has been in Liverpool, UK for a year. Prior to that she has lived in the US for 29 years. Her green card expired YESTERDAY! She has a ticket to come home for Jan 19th. Will they let her on the plane and will she be let into the US?

Enter Your Message or Comment

User Name:
User Email:
Post a comment: