Green Card Renewal
Is your green card expiring or already expired? Are you wondering how to renew it and what is your legal status if your card has already expired?
Let’s start by addressing your fear: once you get a Green card it is for life. It does not matter if your card has expired. The only time you lose your privileges is if you were to violate any visa terms.
However you should renew your Green card as soon as possible. You are allowed to file for renewal 90 days before your card expires. If you apply sooner they will reject it. So ideally you should apply 90 days before.
If your card has expired and you are waiting for a new card, you can apply for a travel permit that allows you to leave the country and return in case you need to make a trip outside the United States.
Green card renewal is a simple 4 step process:
- Start by filling the form I-90 to renew your expiring or expired green card. This form is also known as the “Application to replace permanent residence card’.
- Next thing you need to do is gather all your supporting documents that you need to submit with your green card renewal application.
- Pay the fees for green card renewal.
- Submit paperwork and wait to receive your new green card.
You can file the green card renewal application online or by mail. It will take anywhere between 1.5 months to 12 months until you get your new green card.
Once you file your application you will receive a receipt for your application. You will then get an appointment to go for your biometrics.
That is, it. You are all done. Now you just have to wait and hope your green card arrives sooner than later.