The Green Card Renewal Process

The permanent resident card, commonly known as a green card, is proof that the holder is a lawful permanent resident who has been granted permission to live and accept employment in the United States. Needless to say, it is a very important piece of identification. And green card renewal is an essential part of being a permanent resident. If your card expires, you do not give up your permanent residence. You continue to be a permanent resident. However, traveling abroad, getting a job, and even renewing a driver’s license is impossible without a valid permanent resident card. Therefore, it is essential that all permanent residents know how to renew a green card.

Step 1: Preparation for Green Card Renewal

You can apply to renew your permanent resident card up to six months before it expires. Current processing times for green card renewals are approximately five to six months. Therefore, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recommends that you renew your green card as soon as possible. (However, USCIS also warns that they will reject your application if it is filed more than six months before the due date.)

Use Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card, to renew a green card. You can download Form I-90 and the 13-page instructions from the USCIS website. Please read the instructions carefully to ensure you prepare Form I-90 correctly. USCIS will reject incomplete or poorly prepared applications. In some cases, these mistakes can create long-term immigration problems.

The vast majority of people do not need a lawyer to renew a green card. However, you should consult with an immigration attorney before applying if you have been arrested, have spent significant time outside the country (more than 180 days in a row), or have other immigration violations.

Tip: You can also use Form I-90 to replace one that is lost/stolen, damaged, never received, or contains incorrect information.

Step 2: Gather Documents and Mail with I-90

For most applicants, very few supporting documents are required when filing Form I-90. Most people will only need to submit the USCIS filing fee (currently $540) and a photocopy of their permanent resident card. However, some applicants will need to submit additional documentation.

You are not required to submit passport photos. USCIS removed this requirement a few years ago. USCIS will take a photo for your new green card when you attend the biometric appointment (in step 4).

Make a copy of your completed green card renewal application and supporting documents. You can stand in line at your local USCIS office to submit your application, but why? Your local office will send the application to a central processing center. Skip the local office and mail your application directly to:

USCIS

PO Box 21262

Phoenix, Arizona 85036

Tip: Send your I-90 application by certified mail and save your receipt.

Step 3: Save your records

Within approximately 2-3 weeks, USCIS will mail you Form I-797C, Notice of Action. Keep this important document. It is a letter of receipt and proof that you have successfully submitted your green card renewal application. The letter is not an endorsement; it is simply proof that you have started the process.

The receipt letter will also include a receipt number that you can use to track the progress of your case. Visit the Check Your Case Status feature on the USCIS website to track the progress of your case.

Tip: If you file the optional Form G-1145 at the same time as Form I-90, USCIS will notify you by email or text message when the Form I-90 is received.

Step 4 – Attend your biometric appointment

Approximately 3-5 weeks after you file your green card renewal, USCIS will mail you an appointment notice for a biometric screening. The biometric appointment includes fingerprinting and taking your photo for the new green card. The biometric information will also be used for an FBI criminal background check.

Bring your appointment letter, your existing permanent resident card, and any other information listed on the appointment notice. Read the letter carefully; will explain all the items you need to bring to the appointment. Although this appointment can be rescheduled, it will delay the renewal process.

Tip: If your green card has expired and you need proof of permanent residence, make a separate appointment with USCIS. They may provide an extension on your expiring card. (USCIS generally cannot provide this service at your biometric appointment.)

Step 5: Receive your New Permanent Resident Card

Unless you have had errors or other complications on your green card renewal application, most people will receive their new card in about five to six months. But processing times vary depending on the workload and the USCIS service center assigned to your case. Your new green card may look slightly different and will be updated with several new security features.

Tip: Processing times may vary. Enter your receipt number (from your I-797) in My Case Status on USCIS.gov to check the status of your green card renewal.

Avoid Renewal – Become a US Citizen

Apply for US citizenship and skip the green card renewal process. You will never have to renew your card again. There are numerous benefits to becoming a US citizen. And it could be easier than you think.

Did you know that the average 35-year-old permanent resident will pay another $5,313 in renewal fees over their lifetime? This is not even taking into account the rate increases that have risen astronomically in recent years. In 2003, the cost of filing Form I-90 was only $130. Today it costs $540 (including biometrics).

US citizens have the benefits of:

• Never pay another USCIS fee

• The Freedom and Protections of a US Passport

• Security to never revoke permanent residence

To apply for US citizenship, a permanent resident must file Form N-400, Application for Naturalization.