Green Card Renewal
When should you renew a green card and how should you go about doing it? We’ll answer all your green card renewal/replacement related questions below and take you through each step of the renewal process.
When should you renew a green card and how should you go about doing it? We’ll answer all your green card renewal/replacement related questions below and take you through each step of the renewal process.
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.
You should proceed with the green card renewal/replacement process if:
Aside from the obvious reason of allowing one to live lawfully in the United States, a green card is important because:
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.
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.
Submit an Application:
You will need to fill out USCIS Form I-90 and pay the applicable fees. Make sure to sign and date your application, or it will need to be sent in again. Contact an immigration attorney if you have questions regarding this step.
Submit a Copy of Your Current Green Card:
When you send in Form I-90, you’ll need to include a copy of your expiring or expired green card. If your name no longer matches the name on your current green card, you need to submit proof of this name change.
Complete Your Biometrics Appointment:
If your I-90 was filled out correctly, you’ll receive a letter requesting that you visit your local USCIS Application Support Center (ASC) for a biometrics appointment. This is a simple fingerprint ID to check your record and ensure you haven’t committed any crimes.
Receive Your New Green Card:
Assuming all the previous steps go as planned, the USCIS will send you your new green card in the mail. In rare cases, the USCIS may need to call you for additional information before you can renew your green card.
The immigration attorneys at Salmón-Haas can help you through the green card renewal/replacement process. Shannon Salmón-Haas focuses on immigration law and has written articles published in La Prensa on immigration. If you’re interested in learning more about our immigration services, contact Salmón-Haas today at 210-734-8472.