Green Card Renewal
Green card renewal is not automatic when your 10-year permanent resident card expires. An expired card can make everyday situations difficult when you need current proof of status for employment, travel, or other purposes.
If you are due for renewal, the Law Office of Rosa Maria Berdeja can help you understand the filing requirements, identify issues that may deserve closer attention, and prepare your application. Schedule a consultation to discuss your situation with our immigration lawyer.
Table of Contents
North Texas Immigration And Deportation Defense Attorney
Why You May Need Legal Services During Green Card Renewal
USCIS allows lawful permanent residents to file Form I-90, the application used for permanent resident card renewal, on their own. Nevertheless, legal guidance can still be valuable when the filing involves more than entering information on a form.
Our immigration lawyer can help determine whether Form I-90 is the correct filing, review discrepancies between your records and card, address a legal name change, and identify immigration or criminal history concerns. We can also help you respond if USCIS requests additional evidence or if your case takes an unexpected turn. The goal is to recognize important issues before they become harder to address.
How to Renew a Green Card
Renewing a 10-year green card generally requires filing Form I-90 with USCIS. You should generally apply when your card has expired or will expire within the next six months.
Step 1: Confirm That Form I-90 Is the Right Form
Before filing, confirm that you have a 10-year card and that Form I-90 fits your situation. Conditional residents with two-year cards follow a different process when their status is approaching expiration.
Step 2: Prepare and File Form I-90
Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card, asks for identifying information, details about your permanent resident status, and the reason for filing. Depending on your circumstances, USCIS may also require supporting documents. Carefully review the information before submitting the application online or by mail.
Step 3: Pay the Green Card Renewal Fee
The green card renewal fee for a standard Form I-90 filing is currently $415 online or $465 by paper. USCIS fees can change, so confirm the current amount on the USCIS fee schedule before filing.
Step 4: Keep Your Receipt Notice
After USCIS accepts your filing, keep the Form I-797 receipt notice with your expired card. For qualifying I-90 renewal filings, the notice currently extends the validity of the card for 36 months beyond the expiration date printed on it.
North Texas Immigration And Deportation Defense Attorney
How Long Does It Take to Renew a Green Card?
The time it takes to renew a green card can vary, and applicants should generally expect the case to take several months. USCIS processing times change, so check the agency’s website for the latest estimate.
While you wait, keep your receipt notice and expired card. USCIS states that the two documents together can serve as evidence of continued lawful permanent resident status during the extension period.
If you no longer have your card or need additional temporary proof of status, you may request temporary evidence of permanent residence from USCIS, such as an Alien Documentation, Identification and Telecommunication (ADIT) stamp. Our office can help you understand what proof may be appropriate and what steps to take if you need documentation while your case is pending.
Important Note on 2-Year Conditional Green Cards
A two-year conditional green card cannot be renewed through Form I-90 when the conditional status is expiring. Instead, the resident generally must file the appropriate petition to remove the conditions on residence, such as Form I-751 for qualifying marriage-based residents or Form I-829 for qualifying investors.
Form I-90 may still be used to replace a conditional card in certain situations, such as when the physical card is lost, stolen, or damaged or contains incorrect information, provided the conditional status is not already within 90 days of expiration.
Replacing the card does not remove the conditions or extend conditional residence by itself. Because the filing requirements and deadlines are different, it is important to identify which process applies to you.
Schedule a Consultation for Green Card Renewal
Green card renewal questions can be easier to address when you understand what USCIS expects and how your broader immigration history may affect the filing. The Law Office of Rosa Maria Berdeja has served clients in Fort Worth and the surrounding areas since 2010 and assists clients with immigration matters in English and Spanish.
If you have concerns about an expired, lost, or damaged green card, contact us to schedule a consultation.
