Green Card Renewal

When Should You Renew/Replace a Green Card?

If you are a permanent resident of the United States and your green card has either already expired or will expire in the next six months, it’s time to renew your green card. You cannot file your I-90 form for renewal more than six months before your current one expires. Should you lose your green card, immediately, begin the green card replacement process.

Circumstances When You Should Renew Your Green Card

You should proceed with the green card renewal/replacement process if:

• You have a valid green card that has expired or will expire within 6 months
• Your card was stolen, damaged, or lost
• You changed your name or other biographic information
• You reached the age of 14 (card holders that received a card before age 14 must get a new one at/before 14)
• You are outside the U.S and your card will expire within 6 months, but you plan to return to the U.S before it expires

Why is Renewing Your Green Card Important?

Aside from the obvious reason of allowing one to live lawfully in the United States, a green card is important because:

It Proves Eligibility of Employment

To fill apply for a U.S. job, an applicant must fill out an I-9. This form requires either a passport, driver’s license, or green card number to verify identity and legality to work.

It Allows Domestic and International Travel

Airlines require a passport, driver’s license, or green card even for domestic flights. Expired cards won’t generally be accepted when going through security. Should your green card expire while you are abroad, you may be denied reaccess to the country or charged a re-entry fee of $585.