Green card holders must renew their green card every ten years. While this is typically a routine procedure, it can still take some time to complete. Be sure to get started early so that you don’t face any lapse in your green card validity.
Your green card proves your right to permanent residency in the United States. Failure to renew it on time could lead to unwanted consequences. Avoid complications by beginning the renewal process as soon as you get within six months of your current green card’s expiration date.
Why Do You Need a Valid Green Card All the Time?
United States immigration regulations state that all lawful permanent residents aged 18 or older must carry their permanent resident card at all times. Failure to have your green card with you is a misdemeanor offense and can be punishable by a fine or imprisonment. Keeping your green card valid is essential to help avoid this potential charge.
What Happens if I Renew My Green Card Too Late?
Failing to renew your green card on time can jeopardize your valid immigration status, creating potential challenges. Without timely renewal, you may encounter obstacles such as difficulty securing employment, denial of re-entry to the U.S. after international travel, and even the risk of deportation proceedings. Moreover, if your green card expires, you lose proof of your right to work, travel, renew a driver’s license, and secure a home mortgage in the United States.
Eligibility to Renew Your Green Card
Before beginning the process, you must ensure you are eligible. In most cases, you will be able to renew your green card if:
- Your current green card expires within six months
- Your current green card was lost, stolen, or damaged
- Your current green card contains incorrect information, whether through a mistake or a change in your personal information.
- You never received the green card mailed to you by United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
In addition to the eligibility criteria mentioned above, it is crucial to review and update your personal information during the green card renewal process. Ensure that all details on your renewed green card are accurate and reflect your current circumstances. If you have undergone a name change or changed your address since receiving your last green card, it is essential to update this information with USCIS to avoid any complications in the green card renewal process.
Renewing your card is typically going to be a formality. However, you may not be able to renew your green card in certain circumstances, such as if you have been convicted of a deportable crime.
When Should You Renew Your Green Card?
It is essential to renew at the right time. Attempting to renew too early could mean an automatic denial of your application with USCIS keeping your renewal fee. Meanwhile, applying too late could leave you with a gap where you don’t have a green card and are subject to difficulties, including a possible misdemeanor conviction.
Inside the U.S.
Once you get to six months until your card expires, it is time to renew. The closer to the six-month mark, the better, as it can take several months to receive your new green card.
Outside the U.S.
If you are outside of the United States when you reach the six-month mark until your green card expires, you should file for renewal as soon as you return to the United States.
However, if you will still be out of the country when your current green card expires, you need to contact your nearest consulate or embassy to inform them of your situation before returning to the U.S. and filing for renewal. If possible, avoid traveling abroad that will conflict with your applying for a new green card on time.
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How to Renew the Green Card?
There are four main steps in the USCIS green card renewal process. You must first complete Form I-90, then gather your supporting documents before you pay your green card renewal fee, and finally, file your green card renewal application.
Step 1: Prepare Form I-90
The first action you must take when renewing your permanent resident card is to complete Form I-90: Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card. This form can either be completed online by creating a USCIS online account or on paper and mailed to USCIS.
Read Also: The Ultimate Guide on Form I-90 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 2: Gather Supporting Documents
After completing your green card renewal form, you must gather all the required supporting documents. When renewing an expired or expiring green card, the only required documentation needed, along with your application, is a copy of your most recent green card.
For other types of green card replacements, USCIS may require additional documents.
Step 3: Pay the Green Card Renewal Fee
The next step to renewing your green card is to pay the renewal fee. The current cost to renew a green card is $455. Sometimes, this will be accompanied by an $85 biometrics fee. If you choose to renew your green card online, you will make your payment online, as well with a credit or debit card.
If you are filing your green card renewal application through the mail, you can pay by money order, personal check, cashier’s check, or with a credit card by filing Form G-1450: Authorization for Credit Card Transactions. Payment must be made payable to the United States Department of Homeland Security.
If you are facing significant financial hardship, you might be eligible to get the fee waived when renewing your green card. However, this can only be done when filing to renew your permanent resident card through the mail.
Step 4: File Your Green Card Renewal Application
Once you have completed all the steps above, it is time to submit your application for green card renewal to USCIS. You should create a cover letter explaining why you are submitting your application to renew your resident card and gather it along with your application, supporting documents, and fees into a single packet.
When submitting your application by mail, you will need to send your packet to the appropriate USCIS address. If filing online, you may be able to upload your supporting documents along with your application. However, USCIS may require you to send these documents separately through the mail.
IMPORTANT: People with Conditional Permanent Resident status get a green card valid for only two years. Don’t use Form I-90 for renewing this status.
Within 90 days of your two-year green card’s expiration, you must file a petition to “remove the conditions.” If your conditional status is from marriage, use Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence. If it’s based on being an investor, use Form I-829, Petition by Entrepreneur to Remove Conditions on Permanent Resident Status.
Once your petition is approved, you’ll get a new green card valid for 10 years. After that, follow the usual renewal process, including using Form I-90.
What Happens After Applying for Renewal
Application Acceptance Notification
After you submit your permanent resident card renewal application, you will receive a notification of the acceptance of your application by USCIS through the mail. This acceptance notification does not mean that your application has been approved, merely that it has been accepted by USCIS for review.
Receipt Number and Application Tracking
The letter from USCIS will include a 13-character receipt number. You will be able to use this number to check the status of your green card renewal application. You will also be able to access this information on your online account. USCIS will create an account for you and provide access details in this letter if you have not already created an account yourself.
Biometrics Appointment Notification
USCIS will also send you a notification of a scheduled biometrics appointment where you will be fingerprinted, photographed, and provide your signature. They may also request additional supporting documents beyond what you previously provided.
Green Card Renewal (I-90) Processing Time
Approximately it takes 1.5-12 months to process your green card renewal application by the USCIS.
To receive the receipt notification for your application submitted to the USCIS you have to wait 2 to 4 weeks. If your application is completed without any mistakes you can expect in this time frame. If USCIS find any mistake on your I-90 application they will send you the Notice of Action to reject the application. This will make a delay in your green card renewal processing time.
Next, you will receive an appointment notice of your biometrics appointment with the date, time, and location. It takes 5 to 8 weeks approximately after submitting the application. Your biometrics appointment will take place in the USICS Application Support Center (ASC) which is near to your location.
Following the biometrics appointment, USCIS will begin processing your green card renewal application. If your application is approved, USCIS will mail your new green card to your U.S. mailing address. This takes 8 to 12 months approximately. (Note: USCIS will not send your green card to non-US addresses. For permanent residents in commuter status, the new green card will be delivered to the port of entry specified in the application).
If your application is denied by USCIS, you will receive a notice explaining the reasons for the green card renewal denial.
Is It Possible to Expedite the Green Card Renewal Process?
Potentially. In certain circumstances, USCIS does offer expedited processing of a green card renewal application. Decisions on expediting an application are made on a case-by-case basis and are entirely at the discretion of USCIS.
USCIS may agree to expedite your application in cases involving:
- An emergency situation
- Severe financial loss
- Humanitarian reason
- An error by USCIS
How to Check Your Green Card Renewal Status
There are different ways to check your green card renewal application status. By following the below steps you can check your Green Card renewal status and stay updated.
Online:
You can check it in online through USCIS website portal by following the below steps.
- Go to the USCIS website.
- Click on the “Case Status Online” tab.
- Enter your 13-character receipt number.
- Click on the “Check Status” button.
Your case status information will display on the screen with the date it was received by USCIS, and any actions that you need to take.
By phone:
By phone is the second alternative way to check your green card renewal status. Follow the steps and get your application status.
- Call the USCIS Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283.
- Select the option to speak with a representative.
- Provide the representative with your 13-character receipt number.
- The representative will be able to check the status of your application and provide you with any updates.
It is advised to have your passport, birth certificate, or government-issued ID in your hand before the call. If any further information is required you can check and communicate the same to the USCIS representative.
In person:
The third way to check the status of your green card renewal is “in person” at a USCIS field office. To visit any USCIS field office you will need to make an appointment. Without appointment you cannot visit the field office.
Apart from the three ways which mentioned, you can also check your green card renewal status through text message or email from USCIS. To receive your application updated you need to complete Form G-1145: e-Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance and submitting it along with your green card renewal application.
What to Do if Your Renewal Application Is Denied
In the majority of green card renewal applications, you will not need to worry about your renewal being denied. A green card renewal is typically a formality. However, if you have committed certain crimes, failed to pay your taxes, lied on your application, or submitted the incorrect form, USCIS may deny your application.
If your application gets denied, you will receive a letter explaining the decision. If you think the decision to deny your application was made in error, you have options. You can submit a motion to USCIS to reconsider the decision, including factual information that refutes the reasons given for the denial.
You can also choose to seek legal assistance from an experienced immigration lawyer or nonprofit organization that provides legal immigration services for free or at a low cost. USCIS will either reach a decision about your appeal within about 45 days or turn the case over to the Administrative Appeals Office for further review, which can take up to six months.
Is There a Way to Skip the Green Card Renewal Process?
Naturalization is the only instance where you can sidestep the green card renewal process. To qualify, you must meet eligibility criteria and submit Form N-400, Application for Naturalization. Upon becoming a U.S. citizen, you’re no longer obligated to pay USCIS fees. You will also have to prepare for the citizenship test and interview.
FAQs
Check out these frequently asked questions about the green card renewal process.
How Many Times Can You Renew Your Green Card?
You can renew your green card as many times as you need. There is no limit to how long you can have permanent resident status. You can keep renewing your green card for the rest of your life, until you move out of the United States, or until you apply for United States Citizenship.
How Do You Waive the Green Card Renewal Fee?
If you face significant financial hardship, you can fill out Form I-912: Request for Fee Waiver to request that the fee for filing Form I-90 be waived. You must prove your inability to pay the application fee in one of the following ways:
- Show evidence that you receive a “means-tested benefit,” such as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Supplemental Security Income, or Temporary Assistance to Needy Families
- Show evidence that your household income is equal to or less than 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines
- Show that you are experiencing financial hardship, which can include being unemployed, homeless, or facing significant medical expenses
What if My Green Card Expires While Waiting for Citizenship?
If your green card expires while you are waiting for citizenship, USCIS may provide you with an Alien Documentation, Identification, and Telecommunications (ADIT) stamp to prove your status as a green card holder until your citizenship is granted. However, you will only receive this stamp if you applied for citizenship at least six months before your green card expires.
If applying for U.S. citizenship within six months of your green card expiration, you must apply to renew your green card. While it is sometimes possible to get your citizenship with an expired green card, it could create unnecessary obstacles for you.
Can I Travel While My Green Card Is Being Renewed?
You can travel outside the U.S. while waiting for your green card renewal application to be processed.
Even if your current green card has expired, you should be able to travel outside of the country without having to worry about whether or not you will be able to easily re-enter as long as you have your expired green card and your notice from USCIS of the receipt of your application.
Am I Able to Work With an Expired Green Card?
Your green card does not grant you the right to permanent residence. Instead, it merely serves as proof that you have permanent resident status. You can continue to work in the United States legally, even if your green card expires.
However, you could face other complications, like being charged with a misdemeanor for not having a valid green card with you. A misdemeanor charge could mean jail time or a fine and could certainly complicate your work situation.
Is There a Need for an Interview During the Green Card Renewal Process?
Typically, no interview is required after filing Form I-90 for green card renewal. USCIS may request one in certain cases, collecting biometrics and conducting a background check. Conditional permanent residents filing Form I-751 usually undergo an interview due to a policy change since December 2018. Note that I-751 isn’t a strict renewal form; it removes conditions, providing a 10-year permanent resident card upon approval.
Are There Outdated Versions of the Green Card?
Previous iterations of alien registration cards, like USCIS Form AR-3, Form AR-103, and Form I-151, are no longer in use and are considered invalid. It is crucial to replace them with the current version of the green card.
File Your Green Card Renewal Application Today
The best way to avoid any complications with your green card application renewal is to file a renewal application as soon as you reach the six-month mark until your current card expires. At ImmigrationDirect, we can help ensure that your application gets filed correctly and avoid any unnecessary delays in the renewal process.
