Green Card Renewal: Essential Steps and Guidelines

How to renew your green card?

As permanent residents, it?s our lawful duty to keep our green cards renewed when in the U.S.

When you want to renew your green card, you must visit the USCIS. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, or USCIS, is the agency responsible for processing these requests.

Ensuring that our applications comply with their requirements can streamline the renewal process. By staying informed and proactive, we can effectively manage our Green Card Renewals. You can get professional help for Green Card Renewal if you find it hard to understand the legal complexities.

Meanwhile, if you love to learn on your own, we?ve got an easy guide to help you navigate through the process.

Importance of Green Card Renewal

It?s the duty of permanent residents of the U.S. to maintain a lawful status. That?s why it?s critical to renew Green Card before expiration. The process generally involves submitting Form I-90 to the USCIS before the expiration of your current Permanent Resident Card.

This ensures that we, as Lawful Permanent Residents, continue to enjoy the benefits and responsibilities that come with our status.

Green Card Renewal Process

When it comes to Green Card renewal, understanding the eligibility criteria, application process, and handling special cases is essential. Professional guidance ensures all steps are followed correctly and in a timely manner.

Requirements & Eligibility

For most permanent residents, renewal is necessary when the Green Card approaches its expiration date.

If the card is set to expire within six months, it’s time to file for renewal. Lawful permanent residents must remain eligible by maintaining their status and avoiding violations that could impact eligibility.

The primary form used for renewal is Form I-90, or the ARPRC (Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card). This form is for those who have lost, damaged, or had their Green Card stolen, as well as for those correcting biographic information or changing their name. Supporting documents, such as a copy of the Green Card, must be included.

The Application Process

The renewal process can be done online or by mail. Despite the medium you take, the process will look something like this ?

Firstly, We start by completing Form I-90, ensuring all details are accurate.

Secondly, Filing fees and required documents accompany the application.

Next, Once submitted, a receipt notice is issued, confirming that USCIS has received the application.

A biometrics appointment may be necessary, where fingerprints, photos, and signatures are collected. Creating a USCIS online account allows us to track the application’s progress. Processing times can vary, so keeping track of updates is crucial.

Special Cases

Certain situations require special attention, such as conditional permanent residents whose cards expire after two years.

They must file Form I-751 or Form I-829 rather than Form I-90. Special cases also include those with commuter status or needing to replace a card due to incorrect information.

Your special casese include incidents like losing your green card or it getting stolen or destroyed. You?ll have to apply for a replacement if you?re going through something similar.

How Long Does It Take to Update the Green Card?

Once your green card is nearing its expiration date, you?ll have to renew it to continue your permanent stay in the USA. In most cases, it takes around 7 to 12 months. Under specific circumstances, it takes up to 19 months.

There are several factors affecting the processing time.
Cessed by USCIS.
Errors or missing information in the application
When the application volume is pro.
When USCIS processes the volume of applications,
If there?s missing information or errors in the application,
When there are issues regarding supporting documentation.
In case additional evidence is required.
Security clearance and background checks.
USIC field office handling processing time might be longer than usual.

After Submitting Your Renewal Application

Done submitting your application? If yes, it’s essential to follow through with certain procedures to maintain our status.

Also, we may have to ask for your assistance in troubleshooting potential hiccups that appear along the way. In addition, we must troubleshoot issues that arise throughout the process.

Post-Submission Procedures

After submission, USCIS sends us a Receipt Notice confirming they received our application. This document is important because it serves as proof of our pending status. We must pay close attention to any Notifications from USCIS, as these will often contain critical information about the next steps.

We may be required to attend a Biometrics Appointment. This is typically scheduled a few weeks after receiving the receipt notice and involves fingerprinting for background checks.

We should regularly check our USCIS Account online to monitor any updates or further instructions. If our Green Card is close to expiration, and we have an urgent need for proof of Work Authorization, an Adit Stamp can be requested at a local USCIS Office.

Status Maintenance & Troubleshooting

Our status as Lawful Permanent Residents remains valid during the renewal process so long as the application is marked Pending. In cases where our Green Card expires before renewal, carrying proof of our current application is crucial, especially for employment and international travel.

Communication is key, and we must remain proactive, contacting the USCIS Contact Center if we need updates or have concerns.

Should there be delays or a Denial of our renewal, exploring the path to Naturalization or resolving application issues should be considered?

An expired Green Card does not immediately jeopardize our status, but being diligent in maintaining updated documentation is imperative.

What Should I Do If My Green Card Renewal Is Delayed?

Mishaps can happen when you’re trying to renew your green card. Some mishaps can delay the process and cause your renewal to take forever.

If you’re facing something similar, don’t stress. Start by checking your case on the USCIS website. You can inquire if there’s any reason why you’re facing a delay on your necessary.

For that, you can contact the USIC Contact Center. If necessary, you can also file an “e-request.” This is applicable when your processing time is outside the normal duration it takes for approval.

While at it, you can try other options like expedited processing. Remember to use these options only if you need the green card as soon as possible.

Take the following steps if there’s a delay in green card approval ?

Check the Case Status Online

Your green card renewal application should include a receipt number. Use it to track your status progress.

Review Processing Times

Check the current processing time required for your specific application type. This should help you understand how long it will take.

Contact USCIS

If you’re experiencing a significant delay in your card approval, contacting the USIC Contact Center is best. They can help you understand potential reasons for the delay in getting the green card.

File an “e-request”

When your case is outside the common processing time, it’s best to submit an “e-request” via the USCIS platform.

READ MORE:

Shahnawaz Alam

Shahnawaz is a passionate and professional Content writer. He loves to read, write, draw and share his knowledge in different niches like Technology, Cryptocurrency, Travel,Social Media, Social Media Marketing, and Healthcare.

Finance

Budget

Save

SIP Calculator

Table Of Contents

Green Card Renewal: Essential Steps and Guidelines

Importance of Green Card Renewal