returning on a green card after long absence

[mastercupcake]

My parents got their green cards in 1986. After staying in the US for a short time, they felt at that time that they wanted to go back to India. Since then, things have changed. My father passed away a few years ago. My younger sister has moved to the US recently. Now my mother finds it difficult to manage alone India. So we would like to activate the green card so she can come to the US permanently.

Another piece of information. My mother visited the US twice in the last 10 years on a visitor visa. She did this because she assumed that the green card would not be active and since she intended to stay only for a short time.

I am sure my case is not unique. I would appreciate it if anyone could advise on the best way to proceed.

Thanks.

 

[nkm-oct23]

Originally posted by mastercupcake
My parents got their green cards in 1986. After staying in the US for a short time, they felt at that time that they wanted to go back to India. Since then, things have changed. My father passed away a few years ago. My younger sister has moved to the US recently. Now my mother finds it difficult to manage alone India. So we would like to activate the green card so she can come to the US permanently.

Another piece of information. My mother visited the US twice in the last 10 years on a visitor visa. She did this because she assumed that the green card would not be active and since she intended to stay only for a short time.

I am sure my case is not unique. I would appreciate it if anyone could advise on the best way to proceed.

Thanks.

There is no way you can "activate" expired green cards. Once your mom decided to live outside US and spent 1+ years outside US her green card expired automatically. The only way is to re-apply for a new one, if eligible, starting at the beginning with I-130 and so on. If you are a US citizen you can apply for I-130 right away.