How to Renew Your Green Card: The Complete Guide
As a lawful permanent resident of the United States, you get a green card – an identification card that proves it’s legal for you to live and work anywhere in the country. Your green card is supposed to last for 10 years, and before that decade is up, it’s your responsibility to renew your green card. So where do you start? This guide explains.
Can You Renew Your Green Card Yourself?
If you are a Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR), it is possible to renew your green card yourself. You don’t have to do it yourself though, your immigration attorney can renew your green card for you so that you can be confident it’s done correctly.
If you do choose to renew your green card yourself, the easiest method is usually renewing online using the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) online portal. When you renew your green card online, you can see when USCIS receives your application and get updates on its status.
Step-By-Step Guide on How to Renew Green Card
To renew your green card online as an LPR, you must follow these steps:
- Create or sign into your USCIS online account.
- Fill out Form I-90.
- Upload your required evidence.
- Digitally sign your application.
- Pay the fees, if required.
- Submit your application and wait for your new green card to arrive.
You can also apply by mail, which requires you to submit a photocopy of your current or expired green card, as well as pay your fees.
Let’s examine each step of the online renewal process that you must take to renew your green card yourself.
Step One: Create Or Sign Into Your USCIS Online Account
You can access your existing USCIS account at the login page located here.
- You will use your email address and password to log in.
- If you have forgotten your password, you can request a new one.
- You will be sent a verification code to your phone or email, etc.
If you have trouble accessing your account, you could contact technical support.
If you need to create a new account, you can sign up for one here. Remember, every member of your family will have their own account, even your minor children.
- You will create a new account using your email address and then you will click “Sign Up.”
- USCIS will send you a confirmation email to the email you used.
- You will go to that confirmation email and click the link to confirm.
- You will review the USCIS Terms of Use and agree to them.
- You will choose a password.
- You will choose how you would like to get your verification code. Keep in mind you will be sent a new verification code every time you log into your account.
- USCIS will send you a verification code.
- You will enter the verification code as instructed.
- You will be sent a two-step backup code that you should store in a safe place.
- You will select password reset questions and answer them.
- You will enter your online account and select myUSCIS.
- You will select “I am an applicant, petitioner, or requestor.”
- You will receive a confirmation sent to your email that your account was set up.
Step Two: Fill Out Form I-90
Form I-90 is available online. You will need to fill it out entirely. To see the contents of the application before deciding if you’d like to file the form without help from your immigration attorney, click here. It is a comprehensive seven-page application. You must fill it out properly.
Form I-90 will ask for your A-Number, your personal details like your mailing address and physical address, where you were born, your parent’s name, your class of admission, date of admission, social security number, status, and the reason you need a new green card.
You will be asked about where you applied for your adjustment of status or immigrant visa and some other questions about your green card acquisition. Then, you will be asked biographical questions. If you filled out the form with help of an interpreter, there is a section for their information too.
Step Three: Upload Your Required Evidence.
To renew your green card, you will need to upload required evidence. You will need to scan the front and back of your current green card (even if it’s currently expired) as part of your application process. You will also need to upload a copy of the biographic page from your passport.
Depending on your circumstances you may also need other documentation to prove your continuous residence in the United States. This could be tax returns, a copy of your lease, copies of utility bills, or other evidence. You should also upload a photo that adheres to the USCIS requirements and properly formatted.
Step Four: Digitally Sign Your Application
When you are done uploading documents, you must digitally sign your application. Without a signature, your application will not be accepted, and your green card will not be renewed.
Step Five: Pay The Fees (if required)
You will also need to pay the application processing fee. Some people do not have to pay a fee, but if you do need to pay the fee, you can prepare ahead of time by looking up the current fee for your green card renewal processing here.
Step Six: Submit Your Application And Wait For Your Green Card To Arrive
It’s best to apply for your renewal in advance of its expiration date if possible. Green card renewals can take well over a year or longer. You can check the current average green card renewal processing time on USCIS’s website here. You can also log into your USCIS account to check on the status of your application whenever you choose.
When to Renew Your Green Card
First things first: You’re not going to lose your lawful permanent resident status if you fail to renew your green card; however, an expired green card isn’t any use to you. You can’t use it to prove that you’re in the U.S. lawfully. You can’t use an expired green card for any official purposes (including employment and travel) either, so it’s in your best interest to keep your card current.
Typically, you should begin the renewal process around six months before your green card expires. If you’re going to be out of the country during this timeframe, you should start the renewal process sooner. Your Austin immigration attorney can help you renew your green card, as well – that way, you’re free to focus on other things. To renew your green card, your attorney will fill out and file your Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card for you.
Why You May Need to Renew Your Green Card
It’s important to note that your permanent residence status does not expire. After the government has made you a lawful permanent resident of the United States, you’re good, provided you abide by the rules of permanent residency.
However, the government only issues green cards in ten-year increments. That’s because overtime, people’s appearances change, and cards get worn out.
If your green card is expired, you are not allowed to use it for employment or travel purposes. Additionally, you can’t use it to prove your identity. That means after ten years, you need to apply for a replacement green card.
How to Renew Green Card After Losing It
If your green card is lost or stolen, you should act quickly. If you’re outside the United States, report the loss to the nearest U.S. consulate or embassy. They can tell you what steps to take and may give you temporary documents to help you return to the U.S.
Once you’re back in the country, you’ll need to file Form I-90 (Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card) with USCIS. Make sure to include documents that prove your identity and permanent resident status. Since the replacement process can take several weeks, it’s best to apply right away.
Can You Renew Your Green Card When You’re Outside the United States?
You can renew your green card if you’re outside the United States, although it may be better to file for renewal early. Naturally, you can’t do that if your travel was unexpected – but, if possible, you should renew your green card while you’re at home. If you’re outside the U.S. when your card expires, you’ll need to contact the nearest U.S. consulate in your area before you file your renewal form.
Can You Renew a Conditional Green Card?
If your green card has conditions attached to it – as is typically the case with marriage-based green cards – you can’t simply renew your card. You must petition the U.S. government to remove the conditions on your green card. If the government grants your petition, you’ll be issued a brand-new 10-year green card, which you won’t have to renew for another 9 years and 6 months.
Can the U.S. Government Deny a Green Card Renewal?
The U.S. government can deny your petition to renew your green card; however, that doesn’t necessarily mean you’re deportable – or that you’re in danger of losing your lawful permanent resident status. In some cases, a denial is simply due to an administrative error.
There are cases in which the government will deny a person a green card renewal because that person is in danger of losing his or her permanent residency.
You can lose your permanent residency by:
- Committing a certain type of crime or a series of crimes
- Voting or attempting to vote as a U.S. citizen
- Failing to complete a timely change of address form with USCIS when you move to a new home
- Failing to establish a permanent residence in the U.S.
- Abandoning your permanent residence in the U.S.
- Committing fraud during the application process (either for the original visa that brought you to the United States or for your green card)
How to Renew Green Card If You Changed Your Legal Name
If you’ve legally changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or any other reason, you’ll need to update your green card to reflect this change. To do so, you must file Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card, and provide evidence of the name change. Acceptable evidence may include a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or a court order documenting the change.
Additionally, it’s crucial to include your current green card along with the application and supporting documents. USCIS may request additional information, so ensure that your application is accurate and complete. Updating your green card with your new legal name is essential not only for compliance but also to prevent complications in situations where identification is required.
Are There Versions of the Green Card That Are No Longer Valid?
Previous versions of alien registration cards, such as USCIS Form AR-3, Form AR-103 and Form I-151, are no longer valid. You must replace them with a current green card.
Related: How to get a U.S. green card
What if You Need Your New Green Card Immediately?
If you need your new green card immediately, you’ll have to show the government that you have an urgent need – such as the fact that you’re applying for a new job that requires it. In that case, USCIS may provide you with an Alien Documentation, Identification and Telecommunication stamp (commonly called an ADIT stamp) to prove your status as a green card holder.
Related: Can you get a green card with a criminal conviction?
Common Questions About Green Card Renewals
Check out these common questions about renewing your green card. If you don’t see the answer to your question here, please feel free to call our office and ask. We’ll be happy to point you in the right direction.
How Long Does It Take to Renew a Green Card?
Green card renewal processing times vary greatly depending on the current backlog and how many people are applying for renewals right now. It can take anywhere from six weeks to 12 months or longer for USCIS to process your green card renewal application. To get an idea of how long people are waiting right now, you can check on processing times on USCIS’s website.
Can You Expedite Your Green Card Renewal?
Though there isn’t much you can do to expedite the processing of a green card renewal, you may ask USCIS for an Alien Documentation, Identification & Telecommunications (ADIT) stamp in your passport. This stamp proves that you’re a green card holder, and you can show it to an immigration official when you reenter the United States after traveling abroad.
You may only get this stamp if you have an urgent need to prove that you are a green card holder, such as when you’re applying for a new job or you need to return to the U.S. while your renewal application is still pending.
Can You Expedite Your Green Card Renewal?
Though there isn’t much you can do to expedite the processing of a green card renewal, you may ask USCIS for an Alien Documentation, Identification & Telecommunications (ADIT) stamp in your passport. This stamp proves that you’re a green card holder, and you can show it to an immigration official when you reenter the United States after traveling abroad.
You may only get this stamp if you have an urgent need to prove that you are a green card holder, such as when you’re applying for a new job or you need to return to the U.S. while your renewal application is still pending.
Do You Need Special Documents to Renew a U.S. Green Card?
You don’t normally need special documentation to renew your green card. You’ve already provided USCIS with most of the information it needs by the time your renewal rolls around. However, you typically need to provide USCIS with a copy of your expired (or about-to-expire) green card.
Sometimes people have lost their green cards, or they’ve become damaged or lost over the years. If you’re renewing your green card but don’t have a copy of your last one, you need to provide other documentation so USCIS can approve your green card renewal petition. You should speak to an immigration attorney about these special circumstances before you apply for a green card renewal.
What Will Happen to You If You Fail to Renew Your Green Card in Time?
Nothing bad will happen to you if you fail to renew your green card before it expires. Again, your lawful resident status never expires; only the card does. There are no fines, fees or penalties associated with filing for a green card renewal after your card has already expired.
How Much Is the Green Card Renewal?
The cost to renew a green card is always subject to change, so we recommend speaking to your immigration attorney to get the most current information. However, as of this writing, it costs $500 to renew a green card online. That fee includes the filing fee and a biometrics fee for your fingerprints, photo, and signature.
If you qualify for a fee waiver, the cost of renewing your green card can be significantly reduced or even eliminated entirely. To apply for a fee waiver, you must fill out Form I-912, Request for Fee Waiver, and include it with your green card renewal application. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) typically grants fee waivers to individuals who meet certain income requirements, are receiving means-tested benefits, or can demonstrate financial hardship. It's essential to provide detailed documentation to support your request, such as proof of income or eligibility for public assistance programs, as this will improve the chances of your waiver being approved.
Do You Really Need to Renew Your Green Card?
Some people don’t need to renew their green cards. Those people don’t use their green cards for any kind of identification, and they don’t travel or need a current copy of a green card for their job. However, if you plan to travel outside the United States, you do need an updated green card that’s valid through the time of your travel. Additionally, if you’re looking for a new job, you’ll most likely need a valid copy of your green card to show your employer that you’re legally allowed to work in the United States.
Do You Need to Speak with an Attorney About Renewing Your Green Card?
If your green card is going to expire in the next six months, or if it has already expired, you may want to speak with an immigration attorney about renewing your card. Remember, you won’t lose your lawful permanent resident status, but there are many things you need your green card for – and if it’s expired, you cannot use it in any official capacity.
Call our office to schedule your free consultation today. We’ll be happy to answer your questions about renewing your green card, what to do if your renewal application is denied, or what to do if you don’t yet have a green card but need one.
About Nanthaveth & Associates: Nanthaveth & Associates, PLLC is a trusted immigration law firm located in Austin, Texas. Immigration lawyers at Nanthaveth and Associates are prepared to provide legal counsel for businesses, families and individuals in the areas of green cards, adjustment of status, work visas and investor visa applications, family-sponsored immigration, employer compliance, self-petitions, permanent residence, naturalization, waivers, appeals, foreign adoptions, and more. For Austin, TX immigration help call Nanthaveth & Associates at 512.371.9000.