What You Need to Know About Renewing Your Green Card
Renewing a green card, officially known as a Permanent Resident Card, correctly is essential in proving that an individual has permission to live and work in the United States permanently. An updated green card is also necessary when traveling in and out of the country, and must be on hand at all times. There are a few key steps in the green card renewal process, as well as important eligibility requirements for replacing it. Here’s how to renew a green card.
Related: Permanent Resident vs Citizen: The Difference
When to Renew Your Green Card
For permanent residents with a 10-year green card, applying for renewal should be done immediately if their card is within 6 months of expiring or has already expired. To identify when a green card will expire, check the bottom right corner of the card to view the expiration date and issue date. Do not apply too early for a card renewal, as the application may be denied by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Other events in which a green card will need to be renewed include:
- There are errors on your green card
- The name or sex on the card has been changed after initially receiving it
- Your green card is an old version and does not have an expiration date
- Or, you received the green card before your 14th birthday and have now turned 14
It is important to be mindful of your green card’s expiration date in order to meet any renewal requirements and avoid any complications when traveling abroad.
Green Card Renewal Process
Filing for green card renewal may be accomplished either online through a USCIS account, or by mail and filling out the appropriate forms. Whether online or by mail, a person looking to renew their green card must first fill out Form I-90, officially called the “Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card”.
The process of renewing a green card with an expiration date of 2 years after it was issued will follow a different procedure. For individuals with cards expiring 2 years after being issued, they will file either Form I-751 (for a conditional marriage-based green card) or Form I-829 (for those gaining permanent residence by investing in a U.S. business) instead.
In order to renew online, an individual must first create a USCIS online account. This online account will allow a person to submit evidence as to why they need to renew, as well as pay any necessary fees. Their account will also let them receive case status updates and view their complete case history, as well as directly communicate with USCIS. When filing for green card renewal by paper, there are a few additional steps for sending in all necessary documents successfully. For example, with this method, it may be necessary to make a photocopy of required evidence, such as the expired or soon-to-expire green card. In instances where renewal is necessary for reasons beyond expiration, such as if it was lost or stolen, other documentation may need to be provided. The application for green card renewal must then be mailed to USCIS. Applying for a fee waiver must also be conducted by mail as well, though paying the actual green card renewal fee(s) may be done both online and by mail.
What to Expect After Applying for Green Card Renewal
Processing a green card renewal request may take anywhere from one and half months to a year. The most updated processing times can be found on the USCIS website. Furthermore, there are essentially three follow-up elements that a person can expect after applying for renewal.
USCIS will notify by mail when a renewal application has been approved. This notification will allow the individual to check the status of their application with an included “receipt number” on the letter received.
Additionally, a biometrics appointment notification will be sent within 1-2 weeks of USCIS receiving the application. This notification will come with a scheduled date for the individual’s biometrics appointment, which is essentially the process of taking fingerprints, a photo, a signature, or any additional information necessary for completing the green card renewal.
Finally, after applying for renewal, an individual can track the progress of their application by entering their receipt number (from the USCIS letter mentioned above) on the USCIS “Check Status” page. This portal gives applicants the choice to receive text or email notifications about any updates, and view the entire application history.
FAQs About How to Renew Your Green Card
My renewal application has been denied, now what?
There are situations where the U.S. government might deny a green card application, such as if the applicant committed a crime, has not paid their taxes, or submitted the wrong form. If an application is denied, a letter will also be sent back with it explaining why. Furthermore, there are two courses of action that can be taken if you think the government made a mistake – submit a motion to request that USCIS reconsider their decision or seek professional legal help from a licensed immigration attorney.
How much does it cost to renew a green card?
For a majority of cases, Green Card renewal will typically cost about $540 which encompasses a $455 filing fee and $85 biometrics services fee. The overall cost and filing fee may differ depending on the reason for renewal, or if a fee waiver is applied.
Contact Us
If you have any more questions about renewing your green card, contact us. Get your free consultation with one of our experienced immigration attorneys today!