Green Card Renewal

Green Card renewal is necessary to maintain your legal immigrant status and continue living and working in the United States. Renewal is required every ten years or if your Green Card has been lost, stolen, damaged or there has been a change in your personal information.

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Can a Green Card expire ?

Your Green Card is valid for up to 10 years. If your Green Card is expired or about to expire within the next 6 months, it is time to renew it. If your Green Card is expired you are still a lawful permanent resident and you can keep that status for life. Nevertheless you must have a valid Green Card with you at all times as it identifies you as a lawful permanent resident. Otherwise you would risk to be fined up to $100 and put in jail for up to 30 days.

When do I have to renew my Green Card?

You must renew your Green Card if:

  • Your Green Card has already expired.
  • Your Green Card is about to expire within the next six months.
  • You lost your Green Card.
  • You received a Green Card below the age of 14 and now turn 14.
  • Your personal information has changed (example: you changed your name) .
How can I renew my Green Card?

You can renew your Green Card by filing Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card. This form should be filed within six months before the Green Card expiration date. The renewal process requires submission of the form along with required fees, current photos, evidence of any name changes, and evidence of continuation of permanent residency status.
Make sure to:

  • File From I-90
  • Prepare current photos
  • Bring a passport in case your Green Card has been lost
  • Be prepared to show evidence in case there is a change in your personal information (example: you changed your name).

After the USCIS finished reviewing your request, your Green Card will be renewed for an additional 10 years.

Eligibility for a Green Card renewal

You are eligible for the renewal of your Green Card if:

  • You have not committed a crime that makes you deportable
  • You have not stayed abroad for more than 12 months
Important steps

If your Green Card has expired / is about to expire, you can file the Form I-90 online to replace your Permanent Resident Card. Besides filing the From I-90 you must also provide the following documents:

  • A passport in case your Green Card has been lost.
  • Evidence in case there is a change in your personal information (example: you changed your name).
Naturalization process

Holders of the Green Card can qualify for U.S. citizenship after living in the US for five years. If you are married to a U.S. citizen, you can apply for citizenship after three years.

To become a U.S. citizen, you must :

  • Be at least 18 years old when you apply.
  • Be able to read, write and speak basic English.
  • Renew your Green Card if it will expire within six months or if it has already expired.
  • Have spent a minimum of 30 months in the US within the last five years (18 months within the last three years if married to a U.S. citizen).
  • Be of good moral character.
  • Respect the United States Constitution (violations of the law).
  • Have sufficient knowledge of American history and government.
How to apply for U.S. citizenship?

The path of becomming a U.S. citizen as a Green Card holder requires filling out Form N-400, Application for Naturalization. Before doing so, it is important to meet all eligibility requirements, including maintaining continuous residence in the US for at least five years (or three years if you are married to a US citizen).

Click here to learn more about how to apply for U.S. citizenship

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