How Does a Criminal Record Impact Green Card Renewal Eligibility?

Key Takeaways

• As of June 2025, USCIS increased RFEs and NTAs for green card renewals, especially with criminal records.
• Crimes like CIMT, drug offenses, or multiple convictions can deny green card renewal eligibility.
• Applicants must file Form I-90, attend biometrics, respond promptly to RFEs, or risk denial or deportation.

As of June 2025, the process for green card renewal in the United States 🇺🇸 has become more complicated, especially for people with a criminal record. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is now taking a closer look at every application, leading to more Requests for Evidence (RFEs) and Notices to Appear (NTAs) than in previous years. Even small legal problems, like minor citations or misdemeanors, can make the renewal process much harder. This article explains how a criminal record can affect your green card renewal, what steps you need to follow, and what you can do if you face problems during the process.

Green Card Renewal: Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How

Anyone who holds a green card (officially known as a Permanent Resident Card) must renew it every 10 years. The renewal process is handled by USCIS, and you must file your application before your card expires. The main reason for this process is to make sure that all permanent residents remain eligible to live and work in the United States 🇺🇸.

Recently, USCIS has started to pay more attention to applicants’ backgrounds, especially those with a criminal record or who have traveled outside the United States 🇺🇸 many times. This change means that more people are being asked for extra documents (RFEs) or are being called to immigration court (NTAs) during their green card renewal.

Why Has the Green Card Renewal Process Changed?

Historically, renewing a green card was simple. You filled out a form, paid a fee, and waited for your new card. But in the last few years, the U.S. government has made the process stricter. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, this is mainly because of concerns about national security and making sure that only people who follow the law can stay in the country.

USCIS now checks every applicant’s criminal history more carefully. Even small offenses can raise questions. The agency wants to make sure that people who have committed serious crimes, or who might be a risk to public safety, do not keep their permanent resident status.

What Crimes Can Affect Green Card Renewal?

U.S. immigration law lists several types of crimes that can lead to problems with green card renewal. The main categories are:

• Crimes Involving Moral Turpitude (CIMT): These are crimes that show bad character, like theft, fraud, or assault. If you have been convicted of a CIMT, your green card renewal could be denied.
• Controlled Substance Violations: Any crime related to illegal drugs, even small amounts, can cause your application to be denied.
• Multiple Criminal Convictions: If you have two or more convictions that led to a total of five years or more in jail, you may not be able to renew your green card.
• Drug Trafficking: Being involved in selling or moving illegal drugs, even if you were just helping someone else, is a serious problem for green card renewal.

It’s important to know that not every crime will automatically stop you from renewing your green card. However, any criminal record will make the process more difficult and may lead to extra questions from USCIS.

The Step-by-Step Green Card Renewal Process

If you need to renew your green card, here’s what you should do:

1. File Form I-90

The first step is to fill out and submit Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card. This is the official form for green card renewal. You can file it online or by mail. Make sure to answer all questions honestly, including those about your criminal history.

2. Pay the Required Fees

There is a fee for filing Form I-90. As of June 2025, the total cost is $540 (which includes the application fee and the biometrics fee). If you cannot pay, you may be able to request a fee waiver, but you must provide proof of financial hardship.

3. Attend a Biometrics Appointment

After you file your application, USCIS will send you a notice for a biometrics appointment. At this appointment, they will take your fingerprints, photo, and signature. This information is used to run a criminal background check.

4. Criminal Background Check

USCIS will use your fingerprints to check your criminal record. They will look for any arrests, charges, or convictions, even if they happened many years ago. If you have a criminal record, USCIS may ask you for more information or documents.

5. Respond to Requests for Evidence (RFEs)

If USCIS needs more information, they will send you a Request for Evidence (RFE). This letter will explain what documents you need to provide, such as court records or police reports. You must respond by the deadline listed in the letter, or your application could be denied.

6. Wait for a Decision

After you provide all the required information, USCIS will review your case and make a decision. If your application is approved, you will receive your new green card in the mail. If it is denied, you will get a letter explaining why.

7. Notice to Appear (NTA)

In some cases, especially if you have a serious criminal record, USCIS may send you a Notice to Appear (NTA). This means you are being called to immigration court and could face removal (deportation) from the United States 🇺🇸.

How Does a Criminal Record Affect Each Step?

Having a criminal record can make every step of the green card renewal process more difficult. Here’s how:

• Form I-90: You must answer questions about your criminal history truthfully. Lying or hiding information can lead to denial or even criminal charges for fraud.
• Biometrics Appointment: Your fingerprints will reveal any past arrests or convictions, even if you think they were minor or happened a long time ago.
• Requests for Evidence: If USCIS finds something in your background check, they will ask for more details. This can delay your application and may require you to get old court documents.
• Notice to Appear: If your criminal record includes serious crimes, you may be placed in removal proceedings.

What Counts as a “Criminal Record”?

A criminal record includes any time you were arrested, charged, or convicted of a crime. This can include:

• Felonies (serious crimes like robbery or assault)
• Misdemeanors (less serious crimes like shoplifting or driving without a license)
• Citations (tickets for things like disorderly conduct or minor drug possession)

Even if you were not convicted, or if your case was dismissed, you still need to report the arrest on your application. USCIS will see the record during your background check.

What If My Crime Was a Long Time Ago?

Some people think that old crimes do not matter, but this is not true. USCIS looks at your entire criminal history, no matter how long ago the crime happened. However, if you have stayed out of trouble for many years and have shown good behavior, this may help your case.

What If My Record Was Expunged or Sealed?

If your record was expunged (erased) or sealed (hidden from public view), you still need to report it on your green card renewal application. USCIS can often see expunged or sealed records during their background check. Not reporting it can be seen as lying, which is a serious problem.

What Happens If I Get a Request for Evidence (RFE)?

A Request for Evidence (RFE) is a letter from USCIS asking for more information. If you have a criminal record, you may get an RFE asking for:

• Certified court records showing the outcome of your case
• Police reports
• Proof that you completed any required classes, community service, or probation

It’s very important to respond to an RFE by the deadline. If you do not, your green card renewal could be denied. If you are not sure what to send, you should talk to an immigration lawyer.

What Is a Notice to Appear (NTA)?

A Notice to Appear (NTA) is a letter telling you to go to immigration court. This usually happens if USCIS thinks you are not eligible to stay in the United States 🇺🇸 because of your criminal record. If you get an NTA, you should contact an immigration attorney right away. You may have a chance to explain your situation to a judge, but you could also face removal from the country.

What Should I Do If I Have a Criminal Record?

If you have any kind of criminal record, here are some steps you should take before applying for green card renewal:

1. Get a Copy of Your Criminal Record: You can request this from the police department or court where your case was handled.
2. Talk to an Immigration Attorney: A lawyer can help you understand if your record will cause problems and what you can do about it.
3. Gather All Court Documents: You may need to show proof of what happened in your case, including any sentences or fines you paid.
4. Be Honest on Your Application: Always tell the truth about your criminal history. Lying can lead to denial or even criminal charges.
5. Prepare for Possible Delays: Having a criminal record can slow down your renewal process. Be ready to wait longer for a decision.

Why Are There More RFEs and NTAs Now?

According to VisaVerge.com, there has been a clear increase in the number of Requests for Evidence and Notices to Appear for green card renewal applicants, especially those with criminal records or complicated travel histories. This is because USCIS is trying to make sure that only people who follow the law can keep their permanent resident status. The agency is also under pressure to protect national security and prevent fraud.

What Are the Risks of Not Renewing My Green Card?

If your green card expires and you do not renew it, you could face several problems:

• You may not be able to work legally in the United States 🇺🇸.
• You could have trouble traveling outside the country and returning.
• You may not be able to get a driver’s license or other important documents.
• If you are stopped by the police or immigration authorities, you could be detained or placed in removal proceedings.

What Are the Rights of Green Card Holders With a Criminal Record?

Even if you have a criminal record, you still have rights as a green card holder. You have the right to:

• Receive a fair review of your application
• Get legal help from an attorney
• Respond to any RFEs or NTAs
• Appeal a denial if you believe it was wrong

What Should Employers and Families Know?

Employers who hire green card holders should be aware that delays in the renewal process can affect work authorization. Families should know that a criminal record can put a loved one’s status at risk, and it is important to support them in getting legal help if needed.

Where Can I Get More Information?

For the most up-to-date information on green card renewal, including forms, fees, and instructions, visit the official USCIS website. This site has detailed guides and answers to common questions. If you have a criminal record or face other complications, it is a good idea to talk to an immigration attorney for personalized advice.

Final Thoughts and Practical Guidance

Renewing your green card is an important step in keeping your legal status in the United States 🇺🇸. If you have a criminal record, the process can be more difficult, but it is not impossible. Here are some practical tips:

• Start early: Begin your renewal process at least six months before your card expires.
• Be honest: Always tell the truth about your criminal history.
• Get legal help: If you have any doubts or worries, talk to an immigration lawyer.
• Keep records: Save copies of all documents you send to USCIS.
• Respond quickly: If you get an RFE or NTA, act fast and get help if needed.

By staying informed and prepared, you can improve your chances of a successful green card renewal, even if you have a criminal record. Remember, the rules can change, so always check the latest information from official sources and trusted legal professionals.

Learn Today

Green Card → Official Permanent Resident Card allowing lawful live and work in the U.S. for 10 years.
USCIS → U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services responsible for processing immigration benefits and applications.
Request for Evidence (RFE) → A USCIS letter requesting additional documents or information to support an immigration application.
Notice to Appear (NTA) → A formal notice requiring the applicant to attend immigration court for removal proceedings.
Crimes Involving Moral Turpitude (CIMT) → Crimes showing bad character like theft or fraud which can affect immigration eligibility.

This Article in a Nutshell

Green card renewal became stricter in June 2025. USCIS scrutinizes criminal records closely, causing more delays. Applicants must file Form I-90, attend biometrics, and respond to evidence requests, or face denial, court hearings, and possible deportation risks.
— By VisaVerge.com