Green Card Renewal – All Important Questions Answered

When you become a lawful permanent resident (LPR) of the United States, you’re issued a Green Card. It’s proof of your permanent residency and allows you to live and also work lawfully in the United States permanently. Although your status as a resident does not expire, your physical Green Card does expire every ten years and should be renewed.

Here are some of the common questions and answers often asked about the Green Card Renewal so that you can clear your doubts once and for all.

When to Renew Your Green Card?

Green Cards have a validity of 10 years and have to be renewed six months before they are set to expire. The expiry date is printed on the top right corner of the Green card. Also, there are other instances when you have to renew your Green Card even before it expires, such as

• If your card is lost, stolen, or destroyed.
• If you never received your card.
• If your card is spoiled and the numbers are not visible properly.
• If the information on your Green Card is incorrect due to USCIS error.
• If your details such as name or address have changed.

How to Apply for Renewal of Green Card?

You can file for renewal of Green Card online or at the local USCIS office by filling up Form I-90 and submitting all the relevant documents. All Green Card renewal applicants must attend a biometrics appointment. It is essential even if you have done it before.

If you have to travel to another country for a year and your Green Card expires within six months, you will have to come back to the country within a year of the departure date to renew it immediately.

What are the fees associated with the Renewal of Green Card?

The applicants need to pay the I-90 filing fee of $455 and the biometric services fee of $85. However, there are situations when the fees can be waived. It’s essential to check the amount that needs to be paid when filing the form. If the appropriate amount is not paid, the application will be denied.

Where to Check the Status of Your Application?

You will be able to check the status of your Green Card Renewal application online. Remember that it takes around 72 hours for the status to be updated online. You need to provide your receipt number in the box and click on the check status button.

How Long Does it Take to Get a Green Renewed?

It can take anywhere between 3 to 5 months to receive a renewed Green Card from the date of application. It’s possible to have further delays for some people due to wrong or incorrect information on the form.

Is it Possible to Expedite Green Card Renewal Process?

The USCIS can consider expediting the processing of the Green Card renewal application if specific criteria are met. But it’s entirely up to the discretion of the USCIS.

Some valid reasons that USCIS will consider are an emergency, humanitarian reasons, USCIS internal error, USCIS interest in the case, or if there is any severe financial loss to the persona or a company.

If they expedite your process, your application will be processed much faster than the standard processing time.

What are the Reasons for Denial of Green Card Renewal Application?

Your Green Card application can be denied for further reasons:

• You committed a crime
• You lied on your renewal application
• You used the wrong form
• You missed the biometric appointment
• You failed to provide requested information
• Your citizenship status has changed

If your Green Card is denied, USCIS will inform the applicant, and there is a chance it can be overturned. You have an opportunity to reopen the renewal application and provide evidence as to why your case needs to be re-examined. The USCIS can reconsider your application.

Even though there is no fine or penalty for an expired Green Card, it’s not safe to carry or use an expired Green Card. You will face many issues like you will not be able to get a job, renew your driving license, or even buy a house if you do not renew your Green Card. Besides, you might be denied entry into the United States with an expired Green Card. You must get your Green Card renewed if it’s about to expire to avoid any problems.