There is a special immigrant visa SB1 created for the cases when a legal permanent resident was outside the U.S. for longer than one year.

To schedule the appointment the applicant will need to call to the call center at the following number: 044-207-7071. The applicant will need to complete DSP-117 form - Application to determine resident status. The cost of applying with this form is USD 400. After the form is completed and the supporting documents provided the consular officer will conduct an interview to determine if he approves this application. If the decision is positive, the applicant is given the instruction on what documents will be needed for an immigrant visa interview and how this interview could be scheduled. If you are interested in further documents, you can download Packet 3 instructions from our web site http://kyiv.usembassy.gov/visa_iv_forms_ukr.html

Please, see below the regulations that might be helpful in preparing the supporting documents.

Department of State regulations specify the following evidence must be presented for an alien to qualify as a returning resident alien.  The alien:

(1)        Was a lawfully admitted permanent resident of the United States at the time of departure;

(2)        At the time of departure, had the intention of returning to the United States;

(3)        While residing abroad, did not abandon the intention to return to the United States; and

(4)        Is returning from a temporary residence abroad; or if the stay was protracted, this was caused by reasons beyond the alien’s control.

Documentary Evidence of Continued U.S. Residence

Documentary evidence of an alien's intent to maintain a U.S. residence may consist of, but is not limited to, the following:

(1)        A driver's license issued within the past year and reflecting the same address as that recorded on the Form I-94, Arrival-Departure Record;

(2)        The name and address of the U.S. employer and evidence that a salary has been paid within a reasonable period of time;

(3)        Evidence of children’s enrollment in a U.S. school;

(4)        Evidence that extended visit abroad was caused by unforeseen circumstances;

(5)        Evidence of having filed U.S. income tax return(s) for the past year(s); and

(6)        Evidence of property ownership, whether real or personal, in the United States