MISPL brings the latest change in process for Lawful permanent residents (LPR) of United States – commonly referred to as Green Card holders, who wish to abandon their permanent residency while abroad. Until recently, a LPR intending to surrender the status could visit the nearest U.S. embassy / consulate and execute the form I-407 either at the time of applying for any non-immigrant visa or exclusively to surrender the status.

This procedure has been discontinued. Effectively, if the LPR intends to abandon his / her status as legal permanent resident s/he can either submit the form I-407 in-person or by snail mail to the USCIS International Field Office in New Delhi. If one chooses to visit in person, s/he should schedule an appointment using InfoPass.

For LPRs residing in a country without USCIS International Field Office, s/he can mail the completed form to nearest USCIS International Field Office or submit the form at the nearest U.S. Embassy / Consulate. Additionally, LPRs can submit the forms to a U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer at a U.S. port of entry. As of this writing, it is not clear if an LPR can surrender the Green Cards at pre-clearance facilities available in certain countries.

This procedure to record abandonment of status as legal permanent resident is centralized with the new system. It is advisable to check the relevant website for latest updates on the procedure and forms ahead of travel to one of these offices.