Form I-407 & Green Card Abandonment: What To Know Before You Leave The US

Bradford H. Bernstein

This article was written and reviewed by Bradford H. Bernstein, a second-generation leader at Law Offices of Spar & Bernstein, P.C., who has helped over 100,000 clients with immigration and personal injury issues. Brad joined the firm in 1993, became a partner in 1997, and assumed leadership in 2000 after Harry Spar retired.

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Bradford H. Bernstein

Form I-407 & Green Card Abandonment:

• Form I-407 gives you an official way to give up your permanent resident status (Green Card).
• You may consider filing Form I-407 if you’ve relocated abroad or want to avoid complex U.S. tax responsibilities.
• The filing process involves submitting a completed form and your physical Green Card to United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or a U.S. Consulate outside the country.
• Once your Form I-407 is accepted, you lose the ability to live or work permanently in the U.S. and must apply for a visa to visit or return in the future.
• Giving up your Green Card doesn’t close the door to the United States forever — you may apply for U.S. residency again if you qualify under a new petition.
• Never sign Form I-407 under pressure without first consulting a trusted immigration attorney.

Have you moved back to your home country permanently? Or are you struggling with U.S. tax filings as a Green Card holder overseas?

These are just a few of the situations that can make you think of giving up your lawful permanent resident status.

In this guide, we’ll explain:

• The link between Form I-407 and Green Card abandonment
• Common reasons for filing Form I-407
• The steps of the process
• What happens after you give up your Green Card
• If you can re-apply for a lawful permanent resident status again
• How an immigration lawyer can help with filing Form I-407 and re-applying for a Green Card

How Form I-407 Lets You Abandon Your Green Card

Form I-407, Record of Abandonment of Lawful Permanent Resident Status, is used to voluntarily give up lawful permanent resident (LPR) status.

The form is filed with the USCIS, informing the U.S. government that you are:

• Choosing to give up your Green Card rights (Read more about Green Card benefits)
• Aware of the consequences and making the decision freely

Once submitted and accepted, USCIS will cancel your permanent resident status. This means you will no longer hold a Green Card and will need to apply for a visa to reenter the U.S. for future travel, unless you have another valid immigration status.

Common Reasons For Filing Form I-407

While your situation may differ from other people’s scenarios, the most common reasons for filing Form I-407 include:

• Long-term relocation abroad: You’ve moved permanently to another country and do not have plans to return to the U.S.
• Avoiding tax complications: As a Green Card holder, you must report and pay taxes on your worldwide income to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), regardless of where you live. Abandoning a Green Card may simplify tax filings.
• U.S. reentry denials: If a border officer determines that you have abandoned your residency (due to extended time abroad), they may encourage or require you to complete Form I-407. Note that, unless you sign the form voluntarily, they cannot force you to sign it nor take away your lawful permanent resident status.
• Pursuing citizenship in another country: You may be applying for citizenship in another country that restricts dual nationality or permanent residency abroad.

Whatever your reason, before signing and filing the form, make sure to talk to an experienced immigration lawyer and understand the consequences.

How To File Form I-407

Filing Form I-407 is a straightforward process. However, you should fill it out accurately and include supporting documentation.

1. Download The Form

Find the latest version of Form I-407 on the USCIS website and carefully read the instructions.

2. Complete The Required Sections

Provide personal information such as:

• Full name
• A-number (alien registration number)
• Date of birth
• Last U.S. address
• Email address
• Whether you returned your Green Card
• Whether you’re submitting Form I-407 from outside or within the U.S., or at a port of entry

3. Attach Your Green Card

Include your physical Green Card (Form I-551). If you no longer have it, you must explain the reason — for example, if it was lost or stolen.

4. Submit Form I-407 To The USCIS

You can submit Form I-407 in two ways:

• By mail:
  USCIS Eastern Forms Center
  Attn: I-407 Unit
  P.O. Box 567
  Williston, VT 05495
  FedEx, UPS, DHL, or other express/registered deliveries:
  USCIS Eastern Forms Center
  Attn: I-407 Unit
  124 Leroy Road
  Williston, VT 05495
• In-person submission at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate abroad — note that this is possible in very rare circumstances when you need immediate proof of abandonment of your Green Card.

Keep a copy of the completed form and any confirmation you receive of your records.

What Happens After You Abandon Your Green Card

Once you file Form I-407 and it is approved by the USCIS:

• You will receive a confirmation notice from USCIS acknowledging your abandonment.
• Your LPR status is formally terminated.
• You no longer have the right to live or work in the U.S. permanently.
• You are not allowed to sponsor family members for immigration benefits.
• You are also not eligible to apply for U.S. Citizenship.
• You may travel to the U.S. only if you apply for and receive a nonimmigrant visa or another valid immigration status (Check out our Green Card vs. visa guide).

Green Card abandonment does not affect your past immigration history. If you were in good standing before filing Form I-407, it may still help if you decide to apply for a Green Card in the future.

Can You Get A Green Card Again?

If you abandoned your Green Card voluntarily, you may apply for lawful permanent residency again in the future. However, you must meet the following requirements:

• Qualify under a valid category, such as family, employment, asylum, or the Diversity Visa Lottery.
• Go through the full application process again, including petitions, consular processing, and medical exams.
• Not have violated immigration laws or misrepresented your intentions when you abandoned your Green Card.

If you regret abandoning your Green Card, contact a knowledgeable and compassionate immigration attorney immediately to discuss any available remedies or appeal options, especially if you were pressured to submit the form.

What To Do If You’re Pressured To Sign Form I-407

It’s not uncommon to be pressured or coerced into signing Form I-407 — especially during encounters at U.S. airports, Consulates abroad, or after you have been absent from the U.S. for extended time.

You should know that being asked or told to sign Form I-407 doesn’t mean you’re obligated to do so. You have rights and should never sign under pressure or without legal advice, as signing Form I-407 is a permanent decision with lasting consequences.

What to say?

If you’re unsure of what to do, simply say, “I do not wish to sign this form without first speaking to an immigration attorney. I am requesting legal counsel before making any decisions about my status.”

How to behave?

Stay calm and respectful.

• Do not sign anything you don’t understand or feel pressured to agree to.
• If you feel rushed, ask to speak to a supervisor.
• Contact a U.S. immigration lawyer immediately, especially if you’re at an airport or Consulate and feel that your status is being threatened.

Form I-407 & Green Card Abandonment: Key Takeaways

• Form I-407 is used to voluntarily give up your Green Card.
• Common reasons for Green Card abandonment include relocation abroad and tax planning.
• Once USCIS approves your Form I-407, your LPR status ends, and you must obtain a visa to re-enter the U.S.
• If you meet the eligibility requirements, you can re-apply for a Green Card in the future.
• If you’re being pressured to sign Form I-407, especially at a border or consulate, do not do so without talking to an immigration attorney first.

Need Help With Form I-407? Spar & Bernstein Can Help

Are you thinking about filing Form I-407? Or perhaps, you’re unsure if your Green Card abandonment is the right decision in your case and need legal advice.

Talk to our compassionate, tenacious, and knowledgeable immigration team at Spar & Bernstein.

We have helped thousands of people like you decide about their immigration status and understand the emotional and legal weight you might be feeling when thinking of giving up your Green Card.

Our caring and compassionat immigration attorneys will:

• Explain how Green Card abandonment could affect your future travel and immigration options.
• Help you file Form I-407 correctly and efficiently.
• Assist you with the documents and process if you decide to reapply for a Green Card after abandonment.
• Help you handle complications at a U.S. port of entry regarding your LPR status.

Guiding you every step of the way, our team of experienced lawyers will help you protect your rights and your future.

Form I-407 & Green Card Abandonment: FAQs

For more information about Green Card abandonment and Form I-407, check out the section below.

Can I apply for another U.S. visa after filing Form I-407?

Yes, after abandoning your Green Card, you can apply for other types of U.S. visas, such as tourist, student, or work visas. Note that your prior immigration history, including your decision to give up permanent residency, may be reviewed during the application process. While it does not automatically disqualify you, it could provoke additional scrutiny.

How much does it cost to file Form I-407?

There’s no fee for filing Form I-407.

Will I lose my U.S. Citizenship if I file Form I-407?

No, filing Form I-407 affects only Green Card status. If you are already a U.S. citizen, Form I-407 does not apply to you and has no impact on your citizenship.