How To Renew Your Green Card

A permanent resident is a person who has been given 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 the 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 card up-to-date can help you avoid any hassle when using your green card. 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 Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card, from 60 days 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 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 a 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 is set to expire within six months or the card is expired.
• You lost your previous card or it was stolen.
• If you got a permanent resident card before the age of 14, it has to be replaced after your 14th birthday (or 16th birthday, depending on the card).
• You are changing between residence in the U.S. and commuter status to 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 legally changed or other biographical information has changed since receiving your card.

Conditional Permanent Residence and Green Card Renewal

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

If you are applying 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 permanent residence expires.

Conditional green card holders must get their card replaced if it was stolen or lost, the information on the card is incorrect, or you had a legal name change or 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, you can log in, and submit all evidence and information online. This includes providing any supporting documents and paying the renewal fee. You can get updates through your 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. 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 an I-90 form is $455 and $85 for the biometric service fee. 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.

If you have other questions about your green card renewal application, the green card renewal process, or U.S. immigration law, call an immigration law firm in your area who can help you keep your legal immigration status to work and live in the U.S.