Key Takeaways
• Renew your Green Card six months before expiry to maintain permanent residency and avoid legal issues.
• Use Form I-90 for renewal, pay $465 fee, and submit application online or by mail.
• Biometrics appointment may be required; processing time averages 10 months as of June 2025.
If you are a lawful permanent resident in the United States 🇺🇸, keeping your Green Card up to date is essential. Your Green Card is proof of your Permanent Residency Status, and having an expired card can cause problems with work, travel, and even daily life. This guide will walk you through the entire Green Card renewal process, step by step, so you know exactly what to do, when to do it, and how to avoid common mistakes. By following these instructions, you can make sure your status stays secure and your documentation remains valid.
Introduction: Why Renewing Your Green Card Matters
A Green Card, officially called a Permanent Resident Card, is your proof that you have the right to live and work in the United States 🇺🇸 permanently. However, the card itself has an expiration date—usually every 10 years. If your card expires, you could face trouble when:
- Proving your right to work to employers
- Re-entering the United States 🇺🇸 after traveling abroad
- Applying for loans, driver’s licenses, or other benefits
Renewing your Green Card before it expires keeps your Permanent Residency Status in good standing and helps you avoid unnecessary stress or legal issues.
Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility for Green Card Renewal
Before you start the renewal process, make sure you meet all the eligibility requirements. Not everyone with a Green Card is eligible to renew it in the same way.
1.1. Check Your Permanent Residency Status
- You must already have lawful Permanent Residency Status in the United States 🇺🇸.
- If you are in the U.S. on a temporary visa (like a student or work visa), you cannot renew a Green Card.
1.2. Check Your Card Expiry Date
- Your Green Card must be expiring within the next six months or already expired.
- The best time to start the renewal process is six months before your card’s expiration date.
1.3. Make Sure You Are Not in Conditional Status
- If you received your Green Card through marriage and it is valid for only two years, you have a conditional Green Card.
- Conditional Green Cards require a different process called “removal of conditions,” not a standard renewal.
- If you are unsure about your status, check the front of your card. If it says “CR1” or “CR6,” you have a conditional card.
1.4. Confirm You Are Not in Removal Proceedings
- If you are currently facing deportation or removal from the United States 🇺🇸, you cannot renew your Green Card in the usual way.
- In this situation, talk to an immigration attorney before taking any steps.
Step 2: Gather Required Documents and Information
Having all your paperwork ready will make the process much smoother. Here’s what you need:
2.1. Your Current or Expired Green Card
- A copy of your current Green Card (front and back) is required for the application.
- If your card is lost, stolen, or damaged, you will need to explain this and provide any police reports or other supporting documents.
2.2. Personal Information
- Your full name, date of birth, and current address
- Alien Registration Number (A-Number), which is printed on your Green Card
2.3. Additional Documents (If Applicable)
- If your name has changed since your last card was issued, include a copy of the legal document showing the name change (like a marriage certificate or court order).
- If your card was lost or stolen, include a copy of the police report (if available).
Step 3: Complete Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card
The main form for renewing your Green Card is Form I-90. This form is used for both renewing an expiring card and replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged card.
3.1. Access the Official Form
- Download or fill out Form I-90 directly from the USCIS official website.
- Always use the latest version from the official site to avoid delays.
3.2. Fill Out the Form Carefully
- Answer all questions honestly and completely.
- Double-check your Alien Registration Number, name, and address.
- If you are renewing because your card is expiring, select the correct reason on the form.
3.3. Choose Your Filing Method
- Online Filing: Fastest and most convenient. Create a USCIS online account and submit your application electronically.
- Paper Filing: Print and mail the completed form to the address listed on the USCIS website.
Step 4: Pay the Required Fees
As of June 2025, the fee for renewing your Green Card is $465 for paper filing. Fees can change, so always check the USCIS fee schedule before submitting your application.
4.1. How to Pay
- Online: Pay by credit card, debit card, or bank transfer through your USCIS online account.
- By Mail: Include a check or money order made out to “U.S. Department of Homeland Security.”
4.2. Fee Waivers
- In some cases, you may qualify for a fee waiver if you can show financial hardship. Check the USCIS fee waiver page for details.
Step 5: Submit Your Application
Once you have completed Form I-90 and gathered all required documents, you are ready to submit your application.
5.1. Online Submission
- Log in to your USCIS account.
- Upload your completed Form I-90 and supporting documents.
- Pay the fee online.
- Submit your application and save the confirmation receipt.
5.2. Mail Submission
- Mail your completed Form I-90, copies of your documents, and payment to the address listed on the USCIS I-90 page.
- Use a trackable mail service to confirm delivery.
Step 6: Attend Your Biometrics Appointment (If Required)
After you submit your application, USCIS may ask you to attend a biometrics appointment. This is where they take your fingerprints, photo, and signature.
6.1. What to Expect
- You will receive an appointment notice by mail with the date, time, and location.
- Bring the appointment notice and a valid photo ID (like a passport or driver’s license).
6.2. If You Cannot Attend
- If you cannot make the scheduled appointment, follow the instructions on the notice to reschedule as soon as possible.
Step 7: Wait for Processing
As of June 2025, the average processing time for a Green Card renewal is about 10 months. Processing times can change, so check the USCIS processing times page for the latest updates.
7.1. Checking Your Status
- If you filed online, log in to your USCIS account to check your case status.
- If you filed by mail, use the receipt number on your notice to track your case at USCIS Case Status.
Step 8: Receive Your New Green Card
Once your application is approved, USCIS will mail your new Green Card to the address you provided.
8.1. What to Do When You Get Your Card
- Check that all information is correct.
- Sign the card immediately.
- Store your new Green Card in a safe place.
Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
Many applicants make mistakes that can delay or even stop their Green Card renewal. Here are some of the most common problems and how to avoid them:
- Missing the Renewal Window: Start the process six months before your card expires. Waiting too long can leave you without valid proof of your Permanent Residency Status.
- Using the Wrong Form: Make sure you use Form I-90 for standard renewals. If you have a conditional Green Card, you need to file Form I-751 (for marriage-based cards) or Form I-829 (for investor-based cards).
- Incomplete Applications: Double-check that you have answered every question and included all required documents.
- Incorrect Fee Payment: Always check the latest fee amount and pay using an accepted method.
- Ignoring USCIS Notices: Respond quickly to any requests for more information or biometrics appointments.
Troubleshooting: What to Do If You Run Into Problems
If you face delays or issues during your Green Card renewal, here are steps you can take:
- Application Delays: Check your case status online. If your case is outside normal processing times, contact USCIS through their Contact Center.
- Lost or Stolen Card: If your card is lost or stolen during the process, report it to local police and notify USCIS right away.
- Travel Needs: If you need to travel while your renewal is pending, you can request an I-551 stamp in your passport at your local USCIS office. This stamp serves as temporary proof of your Permanent Residency Status.
Checklist Summary: Green Card Renewal
Before you begin, use this checklist to make sure you have everything you need:
- [ ] You have lawful Permanent Residency Status (not a temporary visa)
- [ ] Your Green Card is expiring within six months or already expired
- [ ] You are not in conditional status (if so, use the correct form)
- [ ] You are not in removal proceedings
- [ ] You have a copy of your current or expired Green Card
- [ ] You have all personal information and supporting documents ready
- [ ] You have completed Form I-90 (official link)
- [ ] You have paid the correct fee
- [ ] You have submitted your application online or by mail
- [ ] You are ready to attend a biometrics appointment if required
- [ ] You are tracking your case status
Important Reminders and Practical Guidance
- Start Early: Begin the renewal process six months before your card expires.
- Stay Informed: Check the USCIS website regularly for updates on fees, forms, and processing times.
- Keep Records: Save copies of everything you submit and all USCIS notices you receive.
- Seek Help if Needed: If you have questions or face unusual situations (like travel needs or legal issues), consider talking to an immigration attorney.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, timely and accurate Green Card renewal is essential for maintaining your Permanent Residency Status and avoiding disruptions in your daily life. Delays or mistakes can lead to problems with employment, travel, and even your legal right to stay in the United States 🇺🇸.
Final Thoughts
Renewing your Green Card is a straightforward process if you follow the steps carefully and pay attention to deadlines. Remember, your Green Card is more than just a piece of plastic—it is your proof of Permanent Residency Status in the United States 🇺🇸. By keeping your card current, you protect your rights and make sure you can continue to live, work, and travel without worry.
For the most up-to-date information and official forms, always refer to the USCIS Green Card Renewal page. If you have any doubts or special circumstances, don’t hesitate to reach out to USCIS or a qualified immigration attorney for help.
Take action today: Check your Green Card’s expiry date, gather your documents, and start your renewal process early to keep your Permanent Residency Status secure.
Learn Today
Green Card → Official document proving lawful permanent residency in the United States for up to ten years.
Permanent Residency Status → Legal status allowing non-citizens to live and work permanently in the United States.
Form I-90 → USCIS form used to renew or replace a Permanent Resident Card (Green Card).
Biometrics Appointment → An appointment where USCIS collects fingerprints, photo, and signature for identity verification.
Fee Waiver → USCIS program allowing fee exemption for applicants experiencing financial hardship.
This Article in a Nutshell
Renewing your Green Card is vital to keep your permanent residency status valid. Begin six months before expiry, complete Form I-90, and pay the required fee. Attend biometrics if requested. This prevents travel, work, or legal disruptions, ensuring your United States residency remains secure and uninterrupted.
— By VisaVerge.com
