Form I-407 to Abandon Permanent Resident Status 2026

Form I-407, Record of Abandonment of Lawful Permanent Resident Status, is the official form used by U.S. green card holders who want to voluntarily give up their permanent resident status. Filing this form notifies U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) that you no longer wish to maintain your green card.

Once USCIS accepts your Form I-407, you lose all rights associated with permanent residency, including the right to live and work permanently in the United States.

Important: Filing Form I-407 is a serious, often irreversible decision. It should never be done under pressure or without fully understanding the consequences.

Voluntarily Giving Up GC:

People choose to file Form I-407 for various reasons, including:

• Relocating permanently abroad: If you plan to live outside the U.S. indefinitely—whether for work, family, or lifestyle reasons—keeping a green card might no longer make sense.
• Ending U.S. tax obligations: Green card holders must report worldwide income and pay U.S. taxes regardless of residence. Giving up your green card may simplify your tax situation, but consult a tax professional as some exit taxes might apply.
• Obtaining citizenship elsewhere: Some countries don’t allow dual citizenship or foreign permanent residency. To naturalize, you might need to surrender your U.S. green card.

Check Also: Green Card vs. U.S. Visa – Which Do You Need and Why

Consequences of Filing Form I-407:

Before filing, understand these important impacts:

• Loss of permanent resident status: You are no longer legally recognized as a U.S. lawful permanent resident.
• Loss of green card rights: This includes the right to live and work permanently in the U.S.
• Restrictions on reentry: You cannot use your green card to return to the U.S. Instead, you must apply for a visa (tourist, work, immigrant) to reenter.
• Tax implications: You may be relieved from resident tax obligations but could face an expatriation tax or other tax consequences. Always consult a tax expert.
• Waiver of hearing rights: By signing Form I-407, you waive your right to a hearing before an immigration judge about abandoning your status.
• Impact on family: Abandoning your status can affect the immigration status of family members dependent on your residency.

Eligible Candidates:

• Any lawful permanent resident can file voluntarily, regardless of age or duration of green card ownership.
• You generally must be physically outside the U.S. to file, though in some cases, you may submit Form I-407 at a U.S. port of entry or embassy.
• For minors or incapacitated adults, a parent or legal guardian may file on their behalf with proof of guardianship.

How to File Form I-407 to Abandon Permanent Resident Status 2026?

Follow these steps to file:

• Download the latest Form I-407 from the official USCIS website.
• Complete the form carefully, providing your full name, Alien Registration Number (A-Number), and other requested details.
• Surrender all USCIS-issued documents, including your green card, reentry permits, or refugee travel documents.
• Sign the form (or have a guardian sign if applicable). Unsigned forms will be rejected.
• Submit the form: Usually by mail to the USCIS address specified on their website. In rare cases, you may submit it in person at a U.S. consulate, embassy, or port of entry.
• Keep a copy of the form and any correspondence for your records.

Note: Do not submit non-USCIS documents like your Social Security card or state IDs with Form I-407.

Cost and Processing Time:

• Filing Form I-407 is free. There is no fee to submit the form.
• Processing can take several months, depending on filing method and volume. USCIS will send confirmation letters acknowledging receipt and later confirming abandonment of status.

Important Considerations:

• It’s voluntary: No immigration officer can force you to sign Form I-407. Only an immigration judge can revoke your green card.
• Once filed, it’s generally irreversible: To regain permanent resident status, you must apply anew and meet all eligibility requirements.
• Future travel: You can still visit the U.S., but will need a visa.
• Tax obligations: Some U.S. tax responsibilities may remain. Consult a tax professional.
• Family impact: If your green card supports a family member’s status, abandoning it may affect them too.
• Seek legal advice: Talk to an immigration attorney before deciding.

Before Immigration:

Filing Form I-407 is a significant decision with long-lasting effects on your immigration status, tax obligations, and future travel to the U.S. Always consult qualified immigration and tax professionals before proceeding.

Frequently Asked Questions: