If you wish to apply for Returning Resident Status you are required to take the following steps.
Step 1: Please complete the form DS-117 (click here to download as a PDF). You are required to bring your completed Form DS-117 with you when you attend your appointment at the Embassy . No documents should be submitted in advance.
Step 2: Schedule your appointment to attend a preliminary interview with a consular officer who will determine your eligibility for returning resident status. Appointments are scheduled online at https://ais.usvisa-info.com/en-gb/iv. You will be provided with further information at this time.
You will be required to pay a non-refundable fee of $180.00 to the Embassy cashier on the day. Fees may be paid in cash (sterling or dollar equivalent); by International Money Order or Bankers Draft; Credit Card (Visa, MasterCard, Diners Club, Discover or American Express); or Debit Card with the Visa logo. The Embassy does not accept any other credit or debit cards, or personal checks.
Step 3: If Returning Resident Status is granted, you will then become eligible to apply for an immigrant visa. While it eliminates the requirements that an immigrant visa petition be filed on your behalf with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, you will still be required to establish your eligibility for an immigrant visa, attend a medical and pay a new set of visa processing and medical fees.