Convert Green Card to 10-Year Visit Visa: Is It Possible?

No, you cannot directly convert a Green Card (Permanent Resident Card) into a 10-year visitor visa (B1/B2) for the United States. The two visas serve different purposes, and the processes for obtaining them are distinct. However, if you no longer wish to maintain your permanent residency and instead want to visit the US occasionally as a tourist or for business, you would need to follow these steps:

Steps to Obtain a B1/B2 Visitor Visa After Holding a Green Card

1. Voluntarily Relinquish Your Green Card:

o If you decide to relinquish your Green Card, you must formally give it up. This process involves filing Form I-407, Record of Abandonment of Lawful Permanent Resident Status, with the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

o You can file this form at a US embassy or consulate or send it to the appropriate USCIS office.

2. Leave the United States:

o Once you have relinquished your Green Card, you must leave the United States as you will no longer have the right to live and work in the US as a permanent resident.

3. Apply for a B1/B2 Visitor Visa:

o After relinquishing your Green Card, you can apply for a B1/B2 visitor visa. This visa allows for temporary visits to the US for business (B1) or tourism (B2).

4. Complete the DS-160 Form:

o Fill out the DS-160, Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application form, available on the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC).

o Upload a digital passport-sized photo that meets US visa photo requirements.

o Print the DS-160 confirmation page with the barcode.

5. Pay the Visa Fee:

o Pay the non-refundable visa application fee. Keep the receipt as you will need it for scheduling the interview.

6. Schedule a Visa Interview:

o Schedule an appointment for a visa interview at the nearest US embassy or consulate through the US Visa Information and Appointment Services website.

o Print the appointment confirmation page.

7. Prepare Required Documents:

o Valid Passport: Must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in the US.

o DS-160 Confirmation Page: With barcode.

o Visa Fee Payment Receipt.

o Photographs: As per the specified requirements.

o Proof of Ties to Home Country: Documents showing strong ties to your home country, such as employment, property ownership, family connections, and financial assets.

o Travel Itinerary: Details of your planned trip, including flight reservations and accommodation bookings.

o Previous US Immigration Documents: Any documents related to your previous status as a permanent resident, including proof of relinquishment (Form I-407).

8. Attend the Visa Interview:

o Attend your visa interview at the scheduled date and time. Be prepared to explain the reason for relinquishing your Green Card and your intent to visit the US temporarily.

9. Receive Your Visa Decision:

o After the interview, wait for a decision on your visa application. If approved, you will receive your passport with the B1/B2 visa.

Important Considerations

• Intent and Honesty: Be clear and honest about your intentions and reasons for relinquishing your Green Card. The consular officer will need to be convinced that you intend to visit the US temporarily and will return to your home country after your visit.

• Strong Ties to Home Country: Demonstrate strong ties to your home country to reassure the consular officer that you do not intend to overstay your visa.

• Previous US Immigration History: Be prepared to discuss your previous immigration history in the US and any reasons for relinquishing your permanent resident status.

By following these steps and ensuring you meet all requirements, you can apply for a B1/B2 visitor visa after relinquishing your Green Card.