If you have a US immigrant visa, then you are entitled to a Green Card. A Green Card allows you to stay in the United States permanently and legally, and work anywhere in the country. Some immigrants, including those who are in the process of obtaining a Green Card by marriage or by investment, may have conditional permanent residence or a conditional Green Card before they can apply.
A permanent Green Card will be valid for XNUMX years. Within six months of the expiration date of your Green Card, it is recommended that you begin the Green Card renewal process.
Today we explain everything you need to know about renewing your Green Card and applying for a new Green Card after your old card expires.
When should I renew or replace my Green Card?
If your Green Card is valid and in your possession, there is no reason to renew it. However, you will want to start to renew 2 year green card process within six months of its expiration date.
You must request the renewal of the Green Card if:
- You have a permanent resident card with no expiration date written on it
- Your Green Card has been stolen, damaged or missing
- You received a Green Card when you were under 14, but the card does not expire until you reach 16.
- You have noticed an error on your Green Card, including errors regarding your name, date of birth or other information.
- You have changed your name or other biographical information about yourself
- You have commuter status in the United States, which means you live in Canada or Mexico but work in the United States.
What if I am outside of the United States?
If you have a Green Card that is about to expire and are located outside of the United States, you have two options to go ahead:
If you are outside the United States and your Green Card will expire in a few months but plan to return to the United States before your Green Card expires, then you can renew 2-year green card upon your return to the United States.
If you are outside the United States and your card will expire before you return, then you can request to renew it before you leave the United States or if you are already in a foreign country, you can contact an embassy or a United States Consulate, USCIS, or the United States Port of Entry; you are not allowed to enter the United States with an expired Green Card if you cannot provide proof that you attempted to renew it.
How to renew a Green Card
Each year, thousands of US residents renew their Green Card. Read on to find out everything you need to know about the Green Card renewal process.
Step 1) Complete the I-90 form
The Form I-XNUMX, Permanent Resident Card Replacement Request, is the first document you will need to complete to renew your Green Card. The application form comes with detailed instructions and requirements. You will need to choose one of the XNUMX reasons you are renewing your Green Card. Once you have chosen your reason, you will need to pay the renewal fee and submit the relevant documents.
Step 2) Pay the applicable fees
When renewing your Green Card, you will have to pay two main fees:
Form I-XNUMX Fee: $ XNUMX
Biometrics service fee (if applicable): $ XNUMX
In total, renewing your Green Card will cost you around $ XNUMX. You can pay online using any major payment method. Or, you can send a check to USCIS. Once you have paid your Green Card renewal fee , you will receive a receipt, after which you can proceed to the next step.
Step 3) Submit supporting documents
Depending on the reason for renewal chosen in step 1, you will need to submit different supporting documents. All Green Card renewal requests require that you surrender your current Green Card, unless your card has been lost or stolen.
