Returning Resident Visa (SB-1)

United States lawful resident aliens who are unable to return to the United States within the travel validity period of the Alien Registration Receipt Card may apply to the U.S. Interests Section for a Special Immigrant Returning visa (SB-1). This process involves two parts.
 
Part One

Applicants should contact the Consular Information Unit at (53) 834-4400, Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. To 4:30 p.m. to schedule an interview with a consular officer to determine eligibility for a Special Immigrant Returning Resident visa (SB-1).  At the time of the interview, applicants must bring a completed DS-117 form available at http://travel.state.gov/ , a non-refundable fee of $370 convertible pesos, and evidence that shows the following:

• They had lawful permanent resident status at the time of departure from the United States.
  
  
• They departed from the United States with the intention of returning and have not abandoned this intention; and
  
  
• They are returning to the United States from a temporary visit abroad and if the stay abroad was protracted (typically beyond one year), this was caused by reasons beyond the applicant’s control and for which the applicant was not responsible. The circumstance that caused the applicant to remain in Cuba must have occurred within the first year of the applicant’s stay and continued until the present time.

Part Two

If the preliminary request is approved, applicants will be given a packet of instructions with documentation needed to immigrate to the United States. Once the applicant has completed all the documentation, the applicant may call our Consular Information Unit to schedule an appointment to be processed as an SB-1 visa beneficiary. This part of the process requires payment of the nonrefundable fee of $371 convertible pesos.

Special Requirements for Cuban Applicants

Cuban applicants are subject to additional visa processing procedures under Section 306 of the Enhanced Border Security and Visa Reform Act of 2002 (EBSVRA).  The Interests Section is unable to issue a visa until the additional processing has been completed.  Once the processing has been completed, the U.S. Interests Section will make a determination in the case.

Denials

Applicants that are denied a Special Immigrant Returning visa may ask a qualifying family member in the United States to file a new family-based petition on their behalf by visiting the offices of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).