Applying for my 2nd greencard, anyone else?

[NikLR 13,220]

Hope your journey goes smoothly!

[Brewlin 52]

Thanks! Your Timeline looks great, so there's hope.

[BernieRich 5]

When I left the USA in 2012, I didn't realize the rule about "abandonment" if you leave for over a year. So I sent in my old green card to apply for a new one just recently. Has anyone else done this?

Would the fact that I had one previously, possibly speed things up a bit? Obviously, if I already was approved the 1st time, how long would it take to do it a 2nd? Married to the very same man as the first time, with kids now.

I already have a SSN and an A# which I also included in the i-130 form. I don't even have a parking ticket on my 12 year long record in the US.

Hello Brewlin

I have had the same experience as you and I can tell you that it doesn't count that you had a previous green card.

If you go over the time limit for return or otherwise fail to "keep up" the green card then you have to start again.

We are just at the end of 14 months of going through the visa process a second time. (this time cr1/ir1 - last time k1)

The reasons for allowing you to use the returning LPR visa case are few and far between - advice received is that it is rare to have that approved.

I do hope you are lucky and they issue the replacement green card - but the reality is that's very unlikely unless for instance you can show that you had a serious unforeseen medical emergency affecting yourself and which was responsible for your not returning to the USA within 1 year.

Who knows- as you have children who presumably are American born they might allow this?

Best of luck anyway.

richard w

& Bernie w

[Brewlin 52]

Thanks for the response - I have already turned in my old green card and applied for a new I-130 I'm not in a rush since we have a biz to sell before we can move.