1. Process to Abandon Lawful Permanent Residence (Green Card) streamlined

Instead of requiring an in-person appointment at the U.S. consulate or U.S. embassy abroad, lawful permanent residents (LPRs) of the United States who wish to abandon their green card now mail in their card with Form, I-407, Record of Abandonment of Lawful Permanent Resident Status to:

USCIS Eastern Forms Center
Attn: I-407 unit
124 Leroy Road
PO Box 567
Williston, VT 05495

USCIS expects processing times will be within 60 days, excluding mailing time to or from the United States.

On the rare occasion that individuals require immediate proof that they have abandoned the permanent resident status, a U.S. embassy, U.S. consulate, or USCIS international field office may accept the Form I-407 in person.

2. Adjustment of Status Applicants (AOS) and Naturalization Applicants may be required to appear at USCIS field offices outside of their normal jurisdiction for interviews

In an effort to speed adjudications, USCIS is implementing a strategy to alleviate the backlogs in case processing in certain jurisdictions. Increased filings of I-485 Applications to Adjust Status and N-400 Naturalization Applications since 2015 has had a disparate impact on the USCIS field offices. In an effort to decrease processing times, USCIS is shifting the caseloads which may result in some individuals being scheduled to appear at interviews at a field office outside of their normal jurisdiction. Biometrics appointments will continue to be processed at their closest application support center.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.