If you are a legal permanent resident alien returning to the United States after being overseas less than 12 months, you may apply for readmission by presenting an Alien Registration receipt card (“Green Card”) to the immigration authorities at the port of entry. You must also be able to show that you have not abandoned your permanent US residence.

Permanent resident aliens, who were unable to return to the United States for reasons beyond their control within the travel validity period, may be eligible for a special immigrant Returning Resident (SB-1) visa. To qualify for such status, you must show:  

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

If you have lost your permanent resident status, and you wish to apply for Returning Resident visa, must submit evidence to support above requirements along with the “Application to determine returning resident status” (Form DS-117) and a fee of USD 400 (subject to change). 

If the application for returning resident status is approved by the consular officer, the immigrant visa unit will send you information regarding the process of the returning resident (SB-1) visa. The fee to process the SB-1 visa is USD 380 (subject to change, and in addition to the USD 400) 
All fees are subject to change at any time. 

For more information, please make an appointment with a Consular Officer to discuss your case further at jakiv@state.gov or +61 21 3435 9050. 

EXCEPTION FOR MILITARY AND U.S. GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES: 

The one-year time limitation does not apply to the spouse or child of a member of the Armed Forces of the United States , or of a civilian employee of the U.S. Government stationed abroad pursuant to official orders. In this case, the spouse or child must present the card mentioned above, not have relinquished residence, and be preceding or accompanying the member or employee, or be following to join the member or employee in the United States within four months of the return of the member or employee.).