How to Abandon Your Permanent Resident Status

The abandonment of lawful permanent resident status is irrevocable. An individual who relinquishes lawful permanent resident status must qualify again for such status. Therefore, one should give careful thought to abandoning lawful permanent resident status.

If you wish to abandon your permanent residence and relinquish your Permanent Resident Card or "Green Card", you will need to fill out and complete the I-407 Form and send it, along with your Permanent Resident Card, to USCIS.

Forms

You will need to complete the yellow-highlighted sections in Form I-407, "Abandonment of Lawful Permanent Residence."

Supporting Documentation

Please return the following items to the address below:

• Completed I-407 (please ensure you state your reasons for abandoning your permanent resident status in block 6(a)).
• Your Permanent Resident Card
• G-28 - Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney or Representative (only if applicable)
• A stamped, self-addressed envelope (Note: If more than one application is submitted from one family, you only need to provide one envelope).

The U.S. State Department will process and send the Form I-407 and documents to USCIS Mexico City for destruction system updates. Contact USCIS’ Mexico City district office by telephone: 5255-5080-2000, fax: 5255-5080-2326, or e-mail: mexico.uscis@dhs.gov. Mail forms and required supporting documents to:

Once the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services office receives your completed Form I-407 and your Permanent Resident Card, the appropriate documentation stamps will be placed on the form along with the USCIS officer's signature. A copy of this form will be returned to you in the stamped, self-address envelope you provide.

This copy of the completed I-407 is your receipt and it validates the return of your Permanent Resident Card. You should keep a copy of the completed I-407 with your passport when you travel to the United States.

Abandoning your Permanent Resident Card and status does not affect your ability to apply to immigrate to the United States at some future time. However, you will have to begin the process anew and apply through the usual application process.