How To Renew Your Green Card

A permanent resident is a person with authorization to work and live in the U.S. on a permanent basis. The card, also known as a “green card” because of the color of the identification card, is proof of permanent residence status to be in the country and work legally.

A green card is for permanent residency, but green cards have an expiration, like most driver’s licenses or passports. Most green cards are valid for ten years. Green card holders should renew within six months of the expiration date or after the green card expires. If you have an expired green card, you will not lose LPR status, but you should still replace the card to keep a valid and updated proof of lawful status.

It takes a lot of time, effort, and money to get permanent status. Keeping your green card up-to-date can help you avoid any hassles. If you have questions about getting a green card and keeping it up to date, talk to an experienced immigration lawyer for legal advice about your case.

When Do I Have To Renew a Permanent Resident Card?

You should generally renew your green card before it expires or shortly after it expires. You can apply to renew your card, using USCIS Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card, from six months before the date expires. However, there may be other situations where you have to renew or get a new green card, depending on your status.

Lawful Permanent Residents

A permanent resident (LPR) can get a green card through several eligibility categories. The most common ways to apply for a green card include:

• Family-based immigration
• Employment
• Special immigrants
• Refugee or asylum seeker
• Victims of human trafficking or other crimes
• Victims of abuse
• Diversity Immigrant Visa Program

The amount of time it takes to get your green card depends on the category of permanent resident. If you are getting a green card for employment with a U.S. company, your company may use an employment immigration attorney to get approved for a green card in under a year. However, if you are trying to get a green card as a sibling of a U.S. citizen, it can take ten years or more.

According to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), you have to get a green card replacement if:

• Your permanent resident card will expire within six months, or the card has expired
• You lost your previous card, or it was stolen
• If you got a permanent resident card before the age of 14, you must replace it after your 14th birthday if your existing card expires after your 16th birthday
• You are changing your residence status in the U.S. to commuter status in the U.S.
• You had another visa status that has converted to permanent resident status
• Your current green card has errors or mistakes
• Your name has been legally changed, or other biographical information has changed since you received your card

Conditional Permanent Residence and Green Card Renewal

Some permanent resident status is conditional. If you got your green card through marriage or a green card for entrepreneurs, you may receive a conditional permanent residence that is generally valid for two years.

For a green card based on marriage, and the marriage was less than two years old, residency is conditional for two years. The conditions can be removed with Form I-751 if you are still married after two years or meet one of the allowable exceptions.

Investors and entrepreneurs can apply for a green card as an EB-5 investor. If approved, residency may be conditional for the investor and approved family members for a period of two years. To remove the conditions, the investor has to file Form I-829 and show they are meeting the requirements for actively investing or creating jobs.

If you have a conditional green card, you can file a petition to remove conditions within 90 days before your conditional status expires.

Conditional green card holders must get their card replaced if it was stolen or lost, the information on the card is incorrect, or they have had a legal name change or a change in biographical information since the card was issued.

How To Renew Your Green Card

The process for renewing your green card is pretty simple. If you have an online USCIS account, log in to the USCIS website, submit all required documents, and file them online. This includes providing any supporting documents and paying the renewal fee. You can find updates on the online account and respond directly to requests from U.S. government immigration services.

After you complete Form I-90 online or by paper, you should receive a notice that the application was received. You can also check the status of your application through your USCIS online account.

If necessary, you may also have a biometrics appointment notice, including a photo and fingerprinting. In some cases, you may have to appear for an interview. The USCIS office will also notify you of their decision to approve the renewal, request more information, or deny the application.

How Much Does It Cost To Get a New Valid Green Card?

For most permanent residents, the USCIS green card renewal fee for Form I-90 is $465 if filed online or $515 if filed on paper. However, there is no filing fee if:

• Your previous card was never received
• There was incorrect information because of a DHS error
• You are filing to renew within 30 days of turning 14, and the card will expire after your 16th birthday

Some applicants can get a fee waiver based on income. Previously, applicants were required to pay a separate $85 biometrics services fee, but this has been incorporated into the main filing fee. Check with USCIS for the latest fee schedule. If you have other questions about the green card renewal process or U.S. immigration law, call an immigration attorney for legal advice.