---
title: U.S. SB-1 visa for returning residents in Kosovo
url: https://theacompany.ai/visa/usa/sb/kosovo
language: en
visa: U.S. visa for returning residents (SB-1)
destination: United States
applying_from: Kosovo
embassy: U.S. Embassy Pristina
last_checked: 2026-10-11
provider: The A Company (private company, not a government service)
ds117-fee_usd: 180
government_fee_usd: 205
service_fee_eur: 2500
total_eur: 2844
apply_url: https://theacompany.ai/?ask=I%20live%20in%20Kosovo.%20I%20have%20a%20passport%20from%20Kosovo%20and%20no%20other.%20I%20am%20not%20a%20permanent%20resident%20of%20another%20country.%20I%20want%20to%20go%20to%20the%20United%20States.%20Type%20of%20visa%3A%20Returning%20Resident%20(SB).%20I%20want%20to%20prepare%20my%20application.
contact_url: https://wa.me/38348101040
---

# Apply for a U.S. visa for returning residents (SB-1) in Kosovo

Apply for returning resident status, book the visa appointment, pay the DS-117 fee, the consular officer decides your returning resident status, fill in the DS-260 application, register online, pay the U.S. visa fee, prepare the documents, send the documents the week before the interview, have the medical exam, attend the interview, the consular officer decides on your visa, get your passport, travel back to.

Ask a question first: https://theacompany.ai/

## 60,381 customers

5.0, 230 Google reviews https://www.google.com/maps?cid=17562670016065419524

> A very positive experience! Professional, reliable, and supportive throughout the entire process. Thanks to them, applying for a U.S. visa was much easier. The result? Visa approved! 🇺🇸✨ Highly recommended!
>
> Vlera Kryeziu, 2026-08-08

> I've had a wonderful experience with The A Company. Everything was handled smoothly and fast. Their advices helped us a lot!

Very professional! Totally recommend!
>
> Loriana Pacarizi, 2026-08-07

> I had a great experience with A Company. They guided me through the entire visa application process, answered all my questions, and made everything simple and stress-free.
I highly recommend them to anyone looking for…
>
> Dina Gota, 2026-08-07

> Excellent service and great communication. The team was very helpful and explained everything clearly. Highly recommended! Thanks Nderim!
>
> Albana Muliqi, 2026-07-27

> Perfect
>
> Sadat Krasniqi, 2026-06-26

> BIG shoutout to Nderim for all the help with my visa application. I had a ton of questions and he was always super open and ready to help out with whatever I needed. He really made the whole process feel easy.
>
> Gramos Berisha, 2026-04-10

> A-COMPANY YOU"RE THE BEST 👌
>
> Alberina Murati, 2026-02-26

> Everything was handled professionally and correctly!
>
> For Fun, 2026-02-12

## What it costs

| Item | Amount | Paid to | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Returning resident application fee (DS-117) | $180 | U.S. Department of State | Paid to the U.S. Department of State, for Form DS-117. [2] |
| Fee for the U.S. visa for returning residents (SB-1) | $205 | U.S. Department of State | Paid to the U.S. Department of State, only if the returning resident application is approved. [2][3] |
| The A Company's service | €2,500 | The A Company | The A Company prepares the DS-117 for returning resident status, books the visa appointment, tells you how to pay the DS-117 fee at the Embassy cashier, fills in the DS-260 application, registers you online for the return of your passport, pays the U.S. visa fee, prepares the documents for the interview, sends the documents to the U.S. Embassy the week before the interview, and books the medical exam. Paid to The A Company, half at the start, half before the interview. [18] |
| **Total per applicant** | **€2,844** | | |

€1 = $1.1195 (2026-10-14): https://www.ecb.europa.eu/stats/policy_and_exchange_rates/euro_reference_exchange_rates/html/index.en.html

## How to apply

1. **Apply for returning resident status (DS-117)**. A permanent resident who stayed outside the United States longer than 1 year, or beyond the Re-entry Permit, needs a new immigrant visa. Apply at the embassy with Form DS-117, at least 3 months before you travel. [3]
2. **Book the visa appointment**. The appointment for your visa interview. At the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your home country. You book it online, where you also select your visa type, add dependents and confirm the visa payment. Keep the appointment letter that confirms your booking, because you present it at the interview. [4]
3. **Pay the DS-117 fee at the Embassy cashier**. In cash, in dollars or in euros, but not a mix of both. At the time of your appointment. It is $180. It is not refunded. [4]
4. **The consular officer decides your returning resident status**. If it is approved, the Consular Section gives you an instructions package for the rest of the Returning Resident (SB-1) immigrant visa process. [4]
5. **Fill in the DS-260 application**. You and each family member immigrating with you fill in the DS-260 online. Print its confirmation page and bring it to the interview. [5]
6. **Register online for the return of your passport**. Your registration gives the Embassy the correct information to return your passport and documents after the interview. Before your visa interview appointment. [6]
7. **Pay the U.S. visa fee**. The visa application fee. Keep the receipt or its reference number safe. [7]
8. **Prepare the documents**. Civil documents issued by the official authority, with certified translations when they are not in English or the official language of the country you apply from. [8][9]
9. **Send the documents to the U.S. Embassy the week before the interview**. All the required original documents. To the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Pristina. On the Tuesday of that week, at 16:00. [6]
10. **Have the medical exam**. You and each family member applying with you see an embassy-approved doctor, the panel physician, in the country of the interview. [12]
11. **Attend the interview at the U.S. Embassy in Pristina**. A consular officer interviews you and decides whether you are eligible for the immigrant visa. Bring the printed DS-260 confirmation page. [10]
12. **The consular officer decides on your visa**. If the visa is approved, you may pay a visa issuance fee, if one applies to your nationality. You are told how your passport with the visa will be returned to you. [6]
13. **Get your passport with the U.S. visa**. If your visa is approved, the passport comes back through the courier service. You get an email or a text message once the passport is ready. [6]
14. **Travel back to the United States**. With the SB-1 immigrant visa, enter the United States before the expiration date printed on the visa. [14]

## Ask us about this visa

- Prepare my application: https://theacompany.ai/?ask=I%20live%20in%20Kosovo.%20I%20have%20a%20passport%20from%20Kosovo%20and%20no%20other.%20I%20am%20not%20a%20permanent%20resident%20of%20another%20country.%20I%20want%20to%20go%20to%20the%20United%20States.%20Type%20of%20visa%3A%20Returning%20Resident%20(SB).%20I%20want%20to%20prepare%20my%20application.
- WhatsApp: https://wa.me/38348101040
- Ask a question first: https://theacompany.ai/

## Questions? Answers.

### How does a U.S. immigrant visa start?

Not for an SB-1. If your returning resident application is approved, no petition needs to be filed for you. The U.S. embassy or consulate gives you the instructions for the rest. [3]

### Who needs a returning resident (SB-1) visa?

A permanent resident who stayed outside the United States longer than 1 year, or beyond the 2-year validity of a Re-entry Permit, and now needs a new immigrant visa to return. The SB-1 is for those who stayed away for reasons beyond their control. [3]

### What must I prove for an SB-1 visa?

That you were a permanent resident when you left the United States, that you left intending to return and still intend to, and that a long stay abroad was caused by reasons beyond your control. [3]

### How much does the U.S. returning resident visa (SB-1) cost in Kosovo?

$180 for Form DS-117, and $205 for the visa if the application is approved. [2][3]

### How much does the SB-1 visa cost?

$180 for Form DS-117, the returning resident application. If it is approved, $205 for the immigrant visa application (DS-260), plus the medical examination and vaccinations. [2][3]

### Which documents do I need for an SB-1 visa?

Form DS-117, your Green Card (Form I-551), your Re-entry Permit if you have one, and proof of your travel dates, of your ties to the United States and intention to return, and that your long stay abroad was beyond your control. [3]

### Which civil documents do I need for a U.S. immigrant visa?

A birth certificate, marriage and divorce certificates, and police certificates if you are 16 or older. They must be issued by the official authority in your country. Documents not in English, or in the official language of the country where you apply, need a certified translation. [8][9]

### Who must attend the U.S. immigrant visa interview?

You, the principal applicant, at any age, and each family member immigrating with you who is at least 14 on the day of the interview. A family member with their own case number attends at any age. Your petitioner does not need to attend. [10]

### How do I check the status of my U.S. visa application?

On the State Department’s Visa Status Check, at ceac.state.gov. Choose your visa type, then enter your passport number and the first five letters of your surname. [15]

### Can anyone guarantee a U.S. visa?

No. Any claim that someone can guarantee a visa is fraudulent. A consular officer decides at the interview whether you qualify. [16]

## Still have a question?

Ask a question first: https://theacompany.ai/

## Official sources

Every sourced sentence is checked against its page daily; all were last checked by 2026-10-11. The linked page is the authority.

1. The A Company on Google (google.com): https://www.google.com/maps?cid=17562670016065419524
2. Fees for Visa Services (travel.state.gov): https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/fees/fees-visa-services.html
3. Returning Resident Visas (travel.state.gov): https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/immigrate/returning-resident.html
4. Returning Resident Visa - U.S. Embassy in Kosovo (xk.usembassy.gov): https://xk.usembassy.gov/returning-resident-visa
5. Step 6: Complete Online Visa Application (DS-260) (travel.state.gov): https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/immigrate/the-immigrant-visa-process/step-5-collect-financial-evidence-and-other-supporting-documents/step-6-complete-online-visa-application.html
6. U.S. Embassy Pristina, Kosovo - PRI (travel.state.gov): https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/Supplements/Supplements_by_Post/PRI-Pristina.html
7. Fees for Visa Services (travel.state.gov): https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/fees/fees-visa-services.html
8. Civil Documents FAQs (travel.state.gov): https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/immigrate/civil-documents-faq.html
9. Step 7: Collect Civil Documents (travel.state.gov): https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/immigrate/the-immigrant-visa-process/step-5-collect-financial-evidence-and-other-supporting-documents/step-7-collect-civil-documents.html
10. Step 11: Applicant Interview (travel.state.gov): https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/immigrate/the-immigrant-visa-process/step-10-prepare-for-the-interview/step-11-applicant-interview.html
11. 9 FAM 504.4 (U) PRE-APPOINTMENT PROCESSING (fam.state.gov): https://fam.state.gov/fam/09FAM/09FAM050404.html
12. Step 10: Prepare for the Interview (travel.state.gov): https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/immigrate/the-immigrant-visa-process/step-10-prepare-for-the-interview.html
13. U.S. Embassy in Kosovo: Visas (xk.usembassy.gov): https://xk.usembassy.gov/visas/
14. Step 12: After the Interview (travel.state.gov): https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/immigrate/the-immigrant-visa-process/step-10-prepare-for-the-interview/step-12-after-the-interview.html
15. Visa Status Check (ceac.state.gov): https://ceac.state.gov/CEACStatTracker/Status.aspx
16. U.S. Embassy in Kosovo: Nonimmigrant Visa FAQ (xk.usembassy.gov): https://xk.usembassy.gov/frequently-asked-questions-nonimmigrant-visa/
17. The A Company: our numbers (theacompany.ai): https://theacompany.ai/
18. The A Company: the sb service (theacompany.ai): https://theacompany.ai/

The A Company is a private company, not a government institution. It does not represent any government, yet.

## More questions, answered in the chat

### What happens after USCIS approves the petition?

There is no petition for an SB-1. The U.S. embassy or consulate where you apply gives you the instructions for the rest of the processing. (Returning Resident Visas: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/immigrate/returning-resident.html, 2026-10-11)

### My spouse or parent serves the U.S. government abroad. Do I need an SB-1 visa?

No. The spouse or child of a U.S. armed forces member, or of a U.S. government civilian employee stationed abroad on official orders, may enter with the Green Card even if it has expired, as long as they have not abandoned their status and the spouse or parent is returning. (Returning Resident Visas: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/immigrate/returning-resident.html, 2026-10-11)

### I have dual citizenship. Which passport do I use to travel to the United States?

If one of them is a U.S. passport, that one. Every U.S. citizen, dual citizens too, must enter and leave the United States on a U.S. passport. A U.S. citizen is not eligible for a visa. (About Visas - The Basics: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/frequently-asked-questions/about-basics.html, 2026-10-11)

### Who fills in the DS-260, and when?

You and each family member immigrating with you, each their own. It opens after the fees are paid and CEAC shows ‘PAID’. Print the confirmation page and bring it to the interview. (Step 6: Complete Online Visa Application (DS-260): https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/immigrate/the-immigrant-visa-process/step-5-collect-financial-evidence-and-other-supporting-documents/step-6-complete-online-visa-application.html, 2026-10-11)

### Can I fill in the DS-260 in my own language?

No. All answers must be in English, using English characters only. An application in another language may be rejected, and you will have to log back in to CEAC and answer in English. (DS-260 Immigrant Visa Electronic Application - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/forms/online-immigrant-visa-forms/ds-260-faqs.html, 2026-10-11)

### Which fees do I pay for an SB-1 visa, and in what order?

First the Form DS-117 fee. If you are approved for returning resident status, the DS-260 application processing fee and the medical exam and vaccination fees. The U.S. embassy or consulate gives you the instructions. (Returning Resident Visas: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/immigrate/returning-resident.html, 2026-10-11)

### When and where do I apply for an SB-1 visa?

At the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate, before you travel: at least 3 months ahead, if possible. You are usually interviewed twice: first for returning resident status, later for the immigrant visa, which also needs a medical examination. (Returning Resident Visas: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/immigrate/returning-resident.html, 2026-10-11)

### Do I bring the original documents to the interview?

Yes. Even though you uploaded copies, bring the original paper versions. Without them the consular officer cannot complete your interview or issue a visa. The originals are returned to you after the interview. (Civil Documents FAQs: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/immigrate/civil-documents-faq.html, 2026-10-14; Step 11: Applicant Interview: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/immigrate/the-immigrant-visa-process/step-10-prepare-for-the-interview/step-11-applicant-interview.html, 2026-10-11)

### Do I need a medical examination for a U.S. immigrant visa?

Yes, you and each family member applying with you, before the interview. It must be done by the embassy-approved panel physician in the country where you will be interviewed; exams by other doctors are not accepted. If the doctor gives you a sealed envelope, do not open it: bring it to the interview. (Step 10: Prepare for the Interview: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/immigrate/the-immigrant-visa-process/step-10-prepare-for-the-interview.html, 2026-10-11)

### What are the photo requirements for a U.S. visa?

2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm), in color, in front of a plain white or off-white background, taken within the last 6 months, showing how you look now, and without eyeglasses. Glasses are allowed only in rare medical cases, with a statement signed by a medical professional. (Photo Requirements: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/photos.html, 2026-10-11; Photo Frequently Asked Questions: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/photos/frequently-asked-questions.html, 2026-10-11)

### What if my returning resident (SB-1) application is refused?

If the officer finds you gave up your U.S. residence, a nonimmigrant visa may be possible if you have a residence abroad you will return to. Otherwise you may have to apply for an immigrant visa again, in the category you first immigrated in. (Returning Resident Visas: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/immigrate/returning-resident.html, 2026-10-11)

### What happens at the U.S. immigrant visa interview?

You go to the embassy or consulate with the DS-260 confirmation page. A consular officer interviews you and the family members immigrating with you and decides whether you are eligible for an immigrant visa. Digital fingerprints are taken, without ink. (Step 11: Applicant Interview: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/immigrate/the-immigrant-visa-process/step-10-prepare-for-the-interview/step-11-applicant-interview.html, 2026-10-11)

### My visa was refused under 221(g). What does it mean?

That the officer did not yet have everything needed to decide. You are told which documents are missing and how to send them; send them within 1 year of the refusal, or you must apply again and pay the fee again. Sometimes it means administrative processing instead, and the embassy contacts you when it is done. (Visa Denials: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/visa-denials.html, 2026-10-11)

### How do I get my passport back in Kosovo, and what does it cost?

By DHL, to your address, for €10. If your visa is approved, the passport is mailed to your local address. After the interview you go to the DHL office near the Embassy, give your contact details and pay €10 there, in cash or by card. (Passport/Visa collection locations and timings, Kosovo: https://www.ustraveldocs.com/xk/en/collection-locations, 2026-10-12)

### How long after the immigrant visa is issued can I travel?

Until the expiration date printed on the visa. An immigrant visa is usually valid for up to 6 months from issuance, less if your medical examination expires sooner. The principal applicant enters before or together with the family. (Step 12: After the Interview: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/immigrate/the-immigrant-visa-process/step-10-prepare-for-the-interview/step-12-after-the-interview.html, 2026-10-11)

### Does a U.S. visa guarantee entry into the United States?

No. A visa lets you travel to a U.S. port of entry and ask to be admitted. A CBP officer there decides whether you enter. (About Visas - The Basics: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/frequently-asked-questions/about-basics.html, 2026-10-11; What the Visa Expiration Date Means: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/visa-expiration-date.html, 2026-10-11)

### What does The A Company do?

It prepares your U.S. visa application with you: the DS-160, paying the visa fee, booking the appointment and preparing the documents for the interview. (The A Company: the sb service: https://theacompany.ai/, 2026-11-02)

### How much does The A Company’s service cost?

€2,500 per applicant. The government fee and the courier are paid separately, to them. (The A Company: the sb service: https://theacompany.ai/, 2026-11-02)

### How and when do I pay The A Company?

In cash or with Stripe, when the service is done. (The A Company: the sb service: https://theacompany.ai/, 2026-11-02)

### Can The A Company guarantee my visa?

No. Nobody can: a consular officer interviews you and decides whether you qualify. (U.S. Embassy in Kosovo: Nonimmigrant Visa FAQ: https://xk.usembassy.gov/frequently-asked-questions-nonimmigrant-visa/, 2026-10-11)