covid19 Should I apply for Returning Resident SB-1 Visa?

[xSawert 1]

Hi,

 

I have gained my Lawful Permanent Resident status in the US on April 2019, last year,

on that time I was serving in the army under mandatory law for military service in my home country.

I have been serving since November 2017 and until July 2020.

I have already had flight tickets in my hands into the US that were planned for April 2020- so I shall not remain outside of the US for a period longer than 1 year.

Unfortunately, Covid-19 pandemic has shown up and I could not have come to the US on times because the airline has cancelled my tickets.

because of that, I have exceeded 1 year outside of US borders and now I need to apply for SB-1 Returning Resident visa in order to come back to the US.

this upcoming process is exhausting and complicated in order to issue me a new immigrant visa and may hurt my naturalisation process.

 

my green card was only issued last year and is valid until 2029,

my question is if would you recommend for me to just take a flight now into the US and deal with the immigration officer at the port of entry

or start this visa process with the embassy in my home country?

 

 

[milimelo 4,505]

Flight to the US over SB-1 visa. 

[Stef88 2]

@xSawert what did you do at the end? Could you share your experience?

I am kinda in the same situation and I don't know yet if I should try to fly back before my year expire or apply for my SB1. I am pregnant and covid pandemic doesn't help. So I am not sure how much to risk by taking a flight back and all. 

[retheem 568]

3 hours ago, Stef88 said:

@xSawert what did you do at the end? Could you share your experience?

I am kinda in the same situation and I don't know yet if I should try to fly back before my year expire or apply for my SB1. I am pregnant and covid pandemic doesn't help. So I am not sure how much to risk by taking a flight back and all. 

I would suggest you fly as soon as possible.. You don't want to have a fight on your hands to keep your green card. You may argue that Customs may be lenient on you if you return after one year, but do you really want that drama? And kindly note we have an administration whose default settings is keeping as many immigrants out as possible. 

[Stef88 2]

4 minutes ago, retheem said:

I would suggest you fly as soon as possible.. You don't want to have a fight on your hands to keep your green card. You may argue that Customs may be lenient on you if you return after one year, but do you really want that drama? And kindly note we have an administration whose default settings is keeping as many immigrants out as possible. 

Totally agree with you. However, they can definetly see a pattern, because I am going to need to leave again for my baby birth (a home birth in UK is free compared to the USA) and also to start my master degree in January 2022 (which will allow me to apply for a reentry permit).

[retheem 568]

57 minutes ago, Stef88 said:

Totally agree with you. However, they can definetly see a pattern, because I am going to need to leave again for my baby birth (a home birth in UK is free compared to the USA) and also to start my master degree in January 2022 (which will allow me to apply for a reentry permit).

I'd rather you come back and apply for a re-entry permit. it amazes me how people play Russian Roulette with their green cards. it always leads to premium tears. Don't be part of that

[Savva 222]

On 7/25/2020 at 5:25 PM, xSawert said:

Hi,

 

I have gained my Lawful Permanent Resident status in the US on April 2019, last year,

on that time I was serving in the army under mandatory law for military service in my home country.

I have been serving since November 2017 and until July 2020.

I have already had flight tickets in my hands into the US that were planned for April 2020- so I shall not remain outside of the US for a period longer than 1 year.

Unfortunately, Covid-19 pandemic has shown up and I could not have come to the US on times because the airline has cancelled my tickets.

because of that, I have exceeded 1 year outside of US borders and now I need to apply for SB-1 Returning Resident visa in order to come back to the US.

this upcoming process is exhausting and complicated in order to issue me a new immigrant visa and may hurt my naturalisation process.

 

my green card was only issued last year and is valid until 2029,

my question is if would you recommend for me to just take a flight now into the US and deal with the immigration officer at the port of entry

or start this visa process with the embassy in my home country?

 

 

Hey! Have you ever made it back to the US?