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An Applicant may also lose his or her permanent resident status by intentionally abandoning it. 

An Applicant may be found to have abandoned his or her status if he or she:

• Moves to another country, intending to live there permanently.

• Remains outside of the United States for an extended period of time, unless intended this to be a temporary absence, as shown by:

• The reason for his or her trip;

• How long he or she intended to be absent from the United States;

• Any other circumstances of his or her absence; and

• Any events that may have prolonged his or her absence.

• Fails to file income tax returns while living outside of the United States for any period.

• Declares himself or herself a “nonimmigrant” on his or her U.S. tax returns. 

Get the Applicant’s Green Card Back

• If the Applicant is outside the U.S. for more than one year, the application process involves filing State Department Form DS-117, available at the DOS website, at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate and paying the filing fees. 

• Record of Abandonment of Lawful Permanent Resident Status, Form I-407, is used by lawful permanent residents who are outside the United States or at a Port of Entry who want to abandon their LPR status.