I had a green card and I want to return to the US

[jmacicior]

Hello,

I have a Geen card but I left the US 8 years ago so I assume it is not valid anymore. I would like to go back to the US now. What should i do? Do I have to start applying for a Visa as if I had never had one?

I could have a job offer but they would not do the paperwork for me.

Thank you.

[angela_ann2002]

A permanent resident alien who intends to remain abroad for more than a year should, at least 30 days prior to the proposed date of departure, apply while in the United States to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) in the Department of Homeland Security for Reentry Permit. The permit is valid for two years and may not be extended. If such a permit is obtained the alien may use this card to reenter the United States within the period of validity. Every alien applying for readmission must satisfy the immigration authorities that he or she is eligible in all respects for admission.
Permanent resident aliens who are unable to return to the United States within the travel validity period of the Alien Registration Receipt Card, or the Reentry Permit, may apply to the nearest U.S. consular office for a special immigrant Returning Resident (SB-1) visa. To qualify for such status aliens must show:--

That they were lawful permanent residents when they departed the United States. -- That when they departed they intended to return to the United States and have maintained this intent: -- That they are returning from a temporary visit abroad and, if the stay was protracted, that it was caused by reasons beyond their control and for which they were not responsible; and -- That they are eligible for the immigrant visa in all other respects.

Applicants who wish to apply for Returning Resident (SB-1) visas should contact the nearest consular office well in advance of their intended travel (at least three months in advance, if possible) to permit sufficient time for visa processing.

If the returning Resident (SB-1) visa is refused on the grounds that the alien has given up his residence in the United States, it may or may not be possible to obtain a nonimmigrant visa, depending on whether the applicant has established a residence abroad to which he will return. If the applicant wishing to return to the United States cannot submit convincing evidence of compelling ties abroad he may have to apply for an immigrant visa on the same basis by which he immigrated originally, if that is possible.

You abandoned your LPR, you should start all over again.. you could explain why you abandoned your visa, you can file another petiton, family based petition, working visa.. Good luck!

[jmacicior]

Thanks

Thanks a lot Angela. I was afraid that was the case.

Do you know if I have a better chance of getting a Visa for the fact that i was a green card holder before or is it just as dificult as if I had never been a resident?

If I have to start from zero, I imagine it will be almost imposible because i have no family or anything in the US. When i left I did not intend on going back so I guess I will have to start all over and hope to get lucky.

havingt no sponsor, wat should be my first step? Going to the embasy?

Thank you for your help