USCIS-Athens Field Office

Lawful permanent residents may apply for admission to the United States using a permanent resident card (also called “green card” or “alien registration card”), provided they have remained outside the United States less than one year and maintained a domicile in the United States. 

What if I am Overseas and Not in Possession of My Permanent Resident Card?

For lost or stolen cards you will need to obtain a Transportation Letter from the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) office at the U.S. Embassy in Athens.

Failure to Record Departure From The U.S.

If you returned to Greece and you still have your I-94 form, you must return it to the United States for your departure to be recorded. For instructions on how to return your I-94 card see Record of Arrival and Departure (I-94).

Refugee Travel Documents

If you are a refugee who needs a refugee travel document, please see the Refugee Travel Document page for more information.

What if I wish to Remain Outside the United States for Longer that 12 Months?

A permanent resident who has sufficient cause to remain outside the United States for more than one year may apply for a reentry permit using Form I-131, Application for Travel Document.  This form must be submitted before leaving the United States. Form I-131, with supporting documentation and fee, must be mailed to the DHS lockbox facility with jurisdiction over the state in which you reside.

Reentry permits are valid for two years from issuance and cannot be extended or revalidated. Failure to return to the United States within the validity of your “re-entry permit” may jeopardize permanent resident status.

What if I have been Outside The United States For Longer Than 12 Months?

Individuals who have remained outside the United States for more than one year without a valid reentry permit, or beyond the validity of a reentry permit, may be eligible to apply for a "returning resident visa" (also called an SB-1 visa) with the Department of State Immigrant Visa Section at the U.S. Embassy in Athens.

For general information about returning resident visas, visit the Department of State website.

Expired Permanent Resident Cards (I-551)

Most permanent resident cards, commonly known as green cards (Form I-551), in circulation have an expiration date and must be renewed every ten years. This enables the Department of Homeland Security to improve the quality of the card and make it less susceptible to fraud.

An Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card (Form I-90) must be filed in the United States.

Expired Conditional Resident Cards (I-551)

Please contact USCIS Athens if you are outside of the United States and within our jurisdiction and your Conditional Resident Card has expired via email at uscis.athens@dhs.gov noting “Expired Conditional Resident Card” on the subject line.

For general information about permanent resident status, please visit the USCIS website.