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A green card, formally known as a permanent resident card, is proof of your permanent resident status in the United States. It also serves as a government-issued photo identification document and proof that you are eligible to live and work in the United States. It’s important to keep your card up-to-date. Without a valid card, it may be difficult for you to prove that you are a permanent resident, and this could also affect your ability to reenter the U.S., accept employment, and take care of other important responsibilities.
Table of ContentsIt’s best to start the green card renewal process six months (but no less than five months) before the expiration date on the card. You don’t want to submit it too early or too late for various reasons.
If your card expires, you could be without valid proof of permanent resident status. You won’t lose permanent resident status as a result of an expired green card, but you will not be able to prove your status for important events such as:
USCIS has indicated that they will likely reject your application if you submit it more than six months prior the expiration date. Therefore, the ideal time to begin the green card renewal process is five to six months prior to the expiration date of your current green card.
At CitizenPath, we often hear from anxious customers who are concerned because their card expired a long time ago. The good news is that there is no penalty for an expired green card. There is no extra fee that you have to pay. Even if the card has already been expired for 10 years, the solution is to file a green card renewal application. In fact, you don’t lose permanent resident status when a card expires. Your status stays intact, but your proof of that status is expired.
You won’t lose your permanent resident status due to an expired card, it but it will create some major problems.…
If you have a 10-year green card, you’ll need to file Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card. Despite the name, you may also use this form to renew a card. Individuals with a 2-year conditional green card must follow a different procedure described below.
USCIS does offer online filing for this form. However, what you save in filing time can cost you later. Mistakes, oversights and omissions are the overwhelming reason for processing delays and Requests for Evidence. These delays can add up to several months very quickly. That’s why submitting a clean, well-prepared application package is more important than ever. CitizenPath helps our customers with the green card renewal process with online software designed by immigration attorneys. The affordable web-based process makes it easy to prepare Form I-90. We also guarantee USCIS approval. It’s like insurance to make sure your green card renewal is processed quickly. Learn more >>
If you’re outside the United States, you cannot renew a green card. That's because there is generally a required biometric appointment, and USCIS will only mail the card to the U.S. address. Therefore, you generally must file once you return to the U.S.
Provided that you’ve been abroad for less than one year (or two years with reentry permit), you can likely return with an expired card. Check with your airline to confirm they will allow you to board with an expired green card. U.S. Customs and Border Protection does allow this, and most airlines will accommodate you. If they will not accept your expired green card, you may need to file Form I-131A at a U.S. embassy to request special carrier documentation.
However, individuals who have been absent from the U.S. for one year or more without a reentry permit have generally abandoned their permanent resident status. If this is your situation, consult with an immigration lawyer to determine if you may be eligible for a returning resident visa. If not, you may be required to apply for a green card once again.
