If your green card expires or is about to expire, it does not mean you are no longer a legal permanent resident. You will maintain that status forever unless under specific circumstances. For example, if you commit an offense that results in deportation or stay out of the country for far too long after traveling. But the immigration department wants you to maintain the most recent version of your green card. Thus, you must renew your status to continue living and working legally in the U.S. The green card designs keep changing. The recent version allows you to prove your legality while in the country and return to the U.S. after traveling.
But the renewal process can be complex and challenging to navigate without legal help. You need a skilled immigration attorney to enjoy a smooth green card renewal process in California. Here are crucial steps your attorney will walk you through during the renewal process:
- Completing an online or mail renewal application form.
- Gathering the documents needed to support the application.
- Paying the necessary fees if they apply to your situation.
- Applying and waiting for the recent version of the green card.
The Processing Time
Starting the renewal process at least six months before the green card expires is advisable. That will give you enough time to send your application and wait for it to be sent to you. If you start the renewal process after your green card has expired, you could be forced to put essential matters like travel on hold before receiving a renewed green card.
Start the application process by filling out the required application form. You can find them online or request that USCIS send them over the mail. Once USCIS receives the application to renew your green card, it could take up to twelve months for them to process your request. But you can track the process on their website to ensure progress.
Typically, twelve months is a very long time to wait. Some people need their renewed green cards sooner. If that is you, you can speed up the process with the help of an experienced immigration attorney. Fortunately, USCIS can provide you with an Alien Documentation and Telecommunications Stamp to speed matters along. The stamp proves your resident status in urgent situations like the following:
- If you need a valid green card to prove your status as a legal permanent resident, like when looking for new employment. The stamp will help you verify your status while waiting for USCIS to renew your green card.
- If you had already submitted your naturalization application six months before the expiration of your green card. In this case, you will not submit Form 1-90; you will wait for the outcome of your naturalization application.
Your attorney will help you request the ADIT stamp from USCIS.
The Cost of Renewing Expired Green Cards
You must pay a renewal fee after submitting your application for USCIS to start processing your green card. The cost, which could go up to $540, includes the biometric and filing fees. The biometric fee caters to the cost of processing your photo, signature, and fingerprint. You can apply for a waiver if you cannot pay the renewal application fee. You will not pay anything for the entire process if your request is granted.
If you have the money to pay for the renewal process, your application process will be as follows:
- You will fill out Form 1-90. If you do so online, you will be taken to a page where you will pay using your credit card.
But if you want to send your application by mail, you will pay the fee through a personal check, cashier’s check, or money order. The payment must be made to the United States DHS. You could also pay using a credit card through Form G-1450. The form authorizes transactions made through credit cards.
You can apply for a fee waiver if you cannot pay the renewal fee. To do that, you will fill out Form 1-912. But you must demonstrate that you are in a difficult financial situation that makes paying impossible. The form provides three sets of instructions to prove your financial situation. They are:
- Proof that you are a beneficiary of a means-tested benefit. It is a public benefit program, like SNAP, given to deserving people according to their income. Include documents to prove that you receive a benefit like that.
- Proof that your household income is at or below 150% of the National Poverty Guidelines. Find out the current maximum income your family requires based on the number of people in your household, and provide evidence to show that your payment is at or less than that current maximum.
- Proof that you are going through financial hardship at that moment. You could provide evidence to show your inability to pay the renewal fee because of your current financial situation. If you are convincing in your application, you will be eligible for a fee waiver.
For example, you could face financial difficulty if you have high medical expenses, are unemployed, or are homeless. Other reasons are also acceptable.
If you successfully prove that you cannot pay the green card renewal fee using any of the three categories, you could save a considerable amount, depending on your reasons for applying for the renewal.
When To Start the Green Card Renewal Process
When you receive a green card, it remains valid for ten years. The green card gives you legal permanent resident status, allowing you to work, live, and move freely in the U.S. You can travel abroad and return without a problem. But after ten years, you must renew your status to continue enjoying your legal permanent resident status. You can start the renewal process after your green card has expired or six months before its expiration. Do not start the renewal process early, though. USCIS could deny your renewal request and not refund your fee if you do that.
If you traveled out of the country with a green card about to expire, it is safe to return to start the renewal process in the country. If your card is about to expire and you must travel, determine whether you will be back before it expires. That should guide you on when to start the renewal process.
You could still start the renewal process abroad if your card expires while abroad. Contact the USCIS field office, U.S. consulate, or entry port closest to you. Explain your situation to them before starting the renewal process. Use their response to make an informed decision.
It helps to note the green card expiration date to plan and meet the renewal requirements. That helps significantly if you frequently travel or intend to travel out of the country. Returning to the United States with an invalid green card will be difficult. You can also not apply for a new job or conduct business once your card expires.
Also, remember that you can face misdemeanor charges for not always having a green card with you. It should be a valid card. Otherwise, you could have problems when applying for citizenship.
Green Card Renewal Process
If your green card has expired or is about to expire and you meet all the requirements, you can begin the renewal process. You must fill in all the required details in Form 1-90. The form is used for green card replacements and renewals. The exact process you will follow depends on whether your renewal application is online or through the mail.
Online Applications
- Start by creating an online account with USCIS through their website.
- Find and fill out Form 1-90.
- Upload all required documents, including the expired green card.
- Check your application and append your digital signature.
- Pay the renewal fee if it is required.
- Apply and wait for USCIS to process your request.
Applications by Mail
- Find a copy of Form 1-90 and fill it out.
- Make copies of all required supporting documents, including your current green card.
- Review your application and sign the document.
- Attach the renewal fee if necessary.
- Mail the application and wait for USCIS to process your request.
How often you should renew a green card will depend on the type of green card you hold. If you have a 10-year green card that gives you legal permanent resident status, you should renew it after its expiration or at least six months before it expires. But if you are a CPR, your green card will expire two years after issuance. You are required to start the renewal process 90 days before its expiration.
Documents You Need for the Renewal Process
Renewing a green card after expiration does not require much. You only need a few documents to support your renewal application. In most instances, USCIS will ask for a copy of the current green card to accompany the application form. You could be required to prove your eligibility for renewal.
But if you are applying for a green card for another reason, like if it is stolen, lost, or damaged, you must provide other documents to support your explanation.
What Follows the Application Submission?
Once you submit your application online or by mail, you must wait for USCIS to process your request and renew your green card. But it helps to know what to expect and when to contact USCIS in case of a delay.
After submitting your application, you will receive a notice to confirm that USCIS has received it. They will do so via mail once they receive and accept your application. The notice will also include a receipt number (13 characters comprising ten numbers and three letters). You must keep that receipt number safe, as you will need it to track your green card renewal process. USCIS will post that number in your account.
If your renewal application was by mail and you have not created an online account with USCIS, they could create one under your name. They will include a guideline on how you will access your account in the notification they will send by mail.
Within the first two weeks of receiving your application, USCIS will notify you of your scheduled biometric appointment. The appointment involves taking your photo, fingerprints, and signature. They could also ask you to submit additional details or documents to process your application. When you receive the notification, you must reply by the deadline provided.
Tracking Your Green Card Status
Once USCIS has everything they need to start the renewal process, they will begin working on your application. Note that thousands of people submit similar applications every year. Therefore, it could take time for them to process your application. But you can track down the renewal process and confirm your green card status from time to time.
You will need the receipt number USCIS sent you to do that. You will go to the status page on their website and enter that receipt number. The page will give you a complete history of your application.
USCIS can send you an email or text notification once they receive your application. But you need to complete and submit Form G-1145 with the application form.
An Interview is Not Necessary When Renewing a Green Card
An application process for renewing a green card does not necessarily include attending an interview to answer critical questions. However, when your photo, fingerprints, and signature are collected, you will be called to participate in an in-person session or biometric appointment. USCIS will use your biometrics to run a background check on you to ensure you qualify for a renewed green card.
The biometric appointment is vital for USCIS to ensure that green card applicants do not have a serious criminal record or any crucial immigration violations. You must attend the meeting before processing your green card renewal starts.
If you are in the United States, you must attend this appointment at a local USCIS office. Remember that this must be early in your application process. If you are out of the country, you will attend the appointment at the U.S. consulate handling your renewal application.
The appointment is relatively short (it could take between 15 and 20 minutes). You will not be interviewed since the people handling your biometrics do not have information about your application.
Your Application Can Be Denied
There is usually no guarantee that USCIS will accept your renewal application. Sometimes it denies applications for various reasons, including the following:
- If a judge has already ordered your deportation.
- If you have violated the law.
- If your application is incomplete.
- If you provided false information in the application.
It is essential to follow instructions when filling out renewal application forms. If you leave out crucial information or fail to follow instructions, USCIS can deny your application. You must also be careful not to apply after an arrest for criminal acts or for failing to pay taxes. USCIS will also reject your application if you submit the wrong documents or lie in your application. If that happens, you will receive a letter explaining the reason for the denial of renewal. But you can contest USCIS’s decision by:
- Filing a motion requesting the government to reconsider its decision. Since you will know the reason for denial, you can support your motion with factual information to prove their reason for denying your request was unfair or illegal. If your motion is accepted, a judge will hold a hearing to determine the circumstances of the denial and the final resolution. If you have solid evidence, USCIS could reconsider its decision and start the renewal process.
- Engaging the help of an aggressive immigration attorney is especially important if your case is seemingly complicated. You can easily find a skilled, experienced immigration attorney ready and willing to help you through that difficult journey. An aggressive attorney will employ all legal strategies to help you obtain a fair outcome.
Fighting a denied renewal application could take a month or two. You can resolve the matter with USCIS, or the latter can refer your case to an Administrative Appeals Office for further consideration. If your case goes through the AAO, receiving feedback could take up to six months.
Find a Competent Los Angeles Immigration Attorney Near Me
You need a valid green card to work, live, and travel freely in the U.S. That is why you must start the renewal process once the green card expires or is about to expire. The process can be complex, necessitating the guidance and assistance of an experienced immigration attorney.
We handle all kinds of green card applications at California Immigration Attorney. Thus, we have the skills and experience you need to enjoy a smooth and successful process. We can complete the applications for you, prepare and submit all required documents, and ensure you attend the necessary appointments. We use our best strategies to fight obstacles that could result in a denied application. Call us at 424-789-8809 for more information and to help renew your expired green card.