Green Card Expiry – Steps to Take Before and After Expiration

Managing a Green Card’s expiry is crucial for maintaining lawful permanent resident status in the United States. Green Cards, or Permanent Resident Cards, typically have a 10-year validity period, and addressing the expiry is essential to avoid any disruptions in residency status. Here is a guide to the steps you should take before and after your Green Card expires. Before your Green Card expires, it is vital to initiate the renewal process well in advance. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services USCIS recommend applying for renewal six months before your card’s expiration date. To do this, you need to complete Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card. This form can be filed online or by mail. When filling out Form I-90, ensure that all information is accurate and up-to-date to avoid delays. You will need to provide a copy of your current Green Card, along with the appropriate filing fee.

During the renewal process, it is important to keep track of your application status. USCIS will send you a receipt notice upon receiving your Form I-90. This notice will include a tracking number you can use to monitor the progress of your application. Additionally, you should schedule and attend a biometrics appointment if required, where your fingerprints and photograph will be taken for security checks. In the interim, even if your Green Card has expired or is about to expire, you can continue to live and work in the U.S. as long as you have a pending renewal application. The expired Green Card itself does not affect your permanent residency status, but it is advisable to carry proof of your pending renewal application, such as the receipt notice from USCIS, to avoid any issues. If you find yourself in a situation where your Green Card has expired and you have not yet applied for renewal, it is crucial to act promptly. File Form I-90 as soon as possible and explain any delays or reasons for the late filing in a cover letter.

While waiting for your new permanent residence green card attorney, you can still use the receipt notice from your Form I-90 application as evidence of your status. If you are traveling abroad or need to prove your status, the receipt notice, combined with your expired Green Card, can help demonstrate your ongoing residency status to U.S. immigration officials. In cases where significant time has passed since the Green Card expired and renewal has not been filed, you may need to address additional issues. If you have been out of the U.S. for extended periods or have other complicating factors, you may need to consult with an immigration attorney to discuss potential impacts on your residency status. By proactively managing the renewal process and addressing any issues promptly, you can ensure that your status as a lawful permanent resident remains intact and avoid potential complications related to an expired Green Card.