Why Renew a Permanent Resident Card?
While Green Cards generally do not have an expiration date, most are typically valid for ten years. Failing to renew your status won’t result in losing your lawful permanent resident status. However, proving you’re a permanent resident might be tough if your card isn’t valid.
Think of it more like renewing your driver’s license – a necessary task that ensures you stay on the right side of the law. Aside from the obvious legal implications, renewing your permanent residency opens doors to many opportunities, such as:
Travel. A permanent resident card is necessary for re-entering the United States after traveling abroad. If the card has expired, you may encounter difficulties or even be denied entry upon return.
Employment. Many employers require proof of legal residency for employment. A valid Green Card is often one of the documents accepted for immigrant workers.
Access To Benefits & Services. Maintaining your permanent residency allows continued access to healthcare, education, and various social welfare programs.
Avoiding Immigration Consequences. Neglecting your Green Card validity may pose potential removal proceedings or difficulty obtaining future immigration benefits.
These are just some reasons why maintaining a valid permanent resident card is worthwhile. Although you’ve navigated the application process before, renewing it isn’t necessarily as rigorous as when you first applied.
The Renewal Process
Like any renewal, understanding the requirements, procedures, and timelines ensures a smooth experience. For Green Cards, it’s best to do this about six months before it expires. The overall process is less intimidating than the general public thinks. You can break it down into four general steps.
Step 1: Verify Eligibility Requirements
Before initiating the renewal process, ensure you meet United States Citizenship and Immigration Services or USCIS’s eligibility requirements. You must be a lawful permanent resident whose card is expiring or has expired. Also, you must not commit crimes and maintain continuous residence in the country to renew your Green Card.
Step 2: Collect Supporting Documents
In addition to a copy of your expired (or about-to-expire) Green Card, necessary supporting documents must accompany your renewal application. These may include identification and residency proofs, employment authorization documents, and other relevant case requirements.
Step 3: Submit Form I-90
For the renewal, you must complete Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card. You can submit it via mail or online. If you choose to apply by mail, you must send the documents to the USCIS address of your preferred courier. It is advisable to use certified mail or a reputable shipping service for tracking.
Alternatively, online submission is available. Using your account on the USCIS website, you can submit your application by completing Form I-90 electronically and securely uploading the necessary documents.
Step 4: USCIS Processing
Once your renewal application is submitted, the USCIS processes it. They typically provide an estimated processing time of seven to 12 months. To stay informed throughout the process, regularly check the status of your application online.
The overall renewal journey is generally streamlined. However, like any other government process, it is still not immune to typical pitfalls. Therefore, it is wise to work with a seasoned Visa attorney.
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