A green card, also known as Permanent Resident Card, is proof of lawful permanent residence in the United States. The card must be renewed before it expires.
Although your lawful permanent resident status does not expire, you should prepare to file for renewal at least six months in advance of the expiration date. An Austin immigration attorney can assist you in this process.
Applying for a Renewal
Once you become a lawful permanent resident in the United States, it is important to keep your card up-to-date. If you do not renew your card before it expires, nothing bad will happen to you; however, you will no longer be able to travel freely within the country and readily demonstrate your status.
To renew your card, you must submit Form I-90. This form is also used to replace your green card if it was lost or stolen. Individuals who have a 2-year conditional green card must follow a different process to renew their card.
It can take months to get a new card after USCIS receives your renewal application. For this reason, it is a good idea to file the application no more than six months before your current card’s expiration date.
Before submitting your application, you should carefully review it to make sure you have all the necessary documents. It is a good idea to keep a copy of your previous green card in case any of the information on your renewal is incorrect or needs to be updated.
You can check the progress of your renewal request by entering your receipt number on USCIS’s website’s “Check Status” page. You should receive a notice of your biometrics appointment within a few weeks after filing the application. If you are asked for additional information or supporting documents, be sure to respond by the deadline provided in the notice.
If your renewal is denied, you can request reconsideration by filing a petition with USCIS’s Administrative Appeals Office. However, you should only do so with the help of a qualified immigration lawyer. An experienced attorney can make sure your petition is filed correctly and presents the best
possible arguments in support of your request for a new card.
If you are concerned that your current green card may be about to expire, our team at Pride Immigration can assist you in obtaining a new one. We understand the complexity of this type of application and can guide you through every step of the process.
Filing a Renewal Application
If your green card is about to expire, you must file a renewal application. The process is straightforward, but can be time-consuming, especially if the government is backlogged. It’s best to start the process at least six months before your card expires.
You can find all the forms you need to file online on the USCIS website. You can also find information about filing fees, and the required supporting documents. Generally, you will need to submit your previous green card (if you have one), along with proof of identity and citizenship.
In some cases, you may need to provide additional documentation for a variety of reasons. This could include a change of address, name, or marriage, as well as evidence of employment and financial stability. Regardless of the reason, it’s best to contact a detail-oriented immigration attorney to ensure you are meeting all requirements and filing correctly.
Once you have all your documents together, you can file your renewal application online using the USCIS website’s “Check Status” tool. Once USCIS has received your application, they will issue a receipt number that you can use to track your case’s progress. You will generally receive a notice about your biometrics appointment within 1-2 weeks of filing. You may also be asked to supply additional documentation at this point, but only if it is requested by USCIS.
The final step is to wait for your new card to arrive. Depending on how backlogged the government is, this can take anywhere from 6 months to more than a year. Having your green card in hand can be helpful when it comes to work, school, and travel. If you are out of the country when your card is due to expire, it’s important to consult with a skilled immigration lawyer and make arrangements with a U.S. consulate or USCIS office before attempting to return.
Attempting to reenter the United States with an expired green card could result in your detention or denial of entry. In some cases, this may even lead to deportation if you have been living in the U.S. illegally for too long.
Submitting a Renewal Application
When your green card expires, you can apply to have it renewed by filing Form I-90. However, if you are a conditional permanent resident or you lived outside the United States during the last 10 years, you will need to follow a different process.
The first step is to make sure you file your application in time. Generally, you should file no more than 12 months prior to your expiration date. The form asks for some basic information, such as your name and birthdate. It also demands that you provide your Alien Registration Number, also recognized as your A-Number.
USCIS typically mails a biometrics appointment notice to your local Application Support Center (ASC), which you will need to submit. At this appointment, you will have your photograph and fingerprints taken. You will need to bring two 2 x 2 inches of photos, as well as your USCIS online account number and A-Number.
After filing your form, you can track its progress by entering your receipt number in the USCIS status checker. This will give you a better idea of when you should expect to receive your new card.
However, it is important to remember that even if your renewal is approved and your new card is issued, you will need other forms of identification to work and travel in the United States. It can take months for USCIS to issue a new card, so you should have alternative forms of ID ready.
If your renewal is denied, you can ask for a reconsideration with the help of a green card lawyer. The best way to do this is by following the instructions on your denial notice.
If you still disagree with the decision, your attorney can help you file a request for review with the Administrative Appeals Office. The AAO will usually make a decision within six months. If you don’t
succeed in getting your case reviewed by the AAO, you may be able to appeal to the federal district court where you live with the help of a skilled immigration lawyer.
Appealing a Renewal Decision
If you are a lawful permanent resident Card and want to keep your Resident card, it is important that you understand how to renew it before it expires. Green cards last ten years, and it is your responsibility to submit an application for renewal before that period ends. It is possible to do this by completing Form I-90. Once USCIS has received your application, they will schedule a biometrics appointment to take your fingerprints and photo, and may ask you for additional information or documents. To check the status of your application, you can use the online USCIS Check Status tool.
You can also file your renewal by mail if you prefer. You will need to submit Form I-90, a passport-sized photo of yourself, and supporting documentation. The required documentation depends on your specific
situation, but it typically includes proof of identity (like a driver’s license or passport), a birth certificate,
and your current immigration status. You will also need to provide financial evidence that you have maintained residence in the United States for the past 10 years. In addition, you will need to pay the
applicable filing fee. You can find the fees on the USCIS website.
In some cases, your renewal may be denied by USCIS. If this happens, it is important that you act quickly to seek legal advice. An experienced attorney can help you submit a proper appeal of the denial and get
back on track to having a valid permanent resident card in no time.
Whether you are trying to renew your card, or apply for citizenship, it is vital that you follow the rules
and laws surrounding immigration. There are serious consequences to not carrying a valid green card,
and If authorities find you with an expired one, you could face fines or even deportation.
You should make sure that you have a valid green card at all times, but especially before traveling abroad. An expired card can prevent you from reentering the United States and conducting other life business in the country. If you are going to travel abroad Resident Card, be sure to speak with an
attorney who can help you prepare and submit a successful application for renewal as soon as possible.
