Expired Green Card : What To Do Now
In a recent post, we discussed how President Trump’s executive order affected immigrants, green card holders, and refugees entering the United States. Several provisions of the executive order are currently being reviewed in the courts right now, but we simply do not know how our immigration policies will change over the next four years. This means it is important for you to maintain your immigration documents and be prepared to protect your legal status in the United States. Find out more below how to renew expired Green Card and deal with other Green Card issues.
As a current green card holder, you may wish to check your eligibility for naturalization. Naturalization, the process of becoming a citizen of the United States, will ensure your legal status is protected. If you are not currently eligible for naturalization, it is imperative to maintain your green card validity to prove your legal permanent residence in the United States. Here, we will specifically discuss how to make sure your green card is valid and up-to-date.
IS YOUR GREEN CARD VALID?
Check the expiration date on your card right now. If your green card is expired, or set to expire in six months or less, do not delay! Apply to renew expired green card as soon as possible.
RENEW EXPIRED GREEN CARD
Plan ahead! On average it takes about six months after you submit your application to receive your new green card. Know when your card will expire and make a plan to renew it.
Permanent Residents
If you are a permanent resident with a green card that was valid for ten years, you will use Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card to renew your card when it expires or is within six months of expiring.
Click here to read our step-by-step guide on how to renew your green card.
Conditional Residents
If you are a conditional resident, your green card will expire two years from the date it was issued. United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) requires a Petition to Remove the Conditions of Residence to be filed within the 90 day period before the card expires.
- Use Form I-751, Petition to Remove the Conditions of Residence based on marriage (if you are married to a U.S. citizen or permanent resident).
- Use Form I-829, Petition by Entrepreneur to Remove Conditions if you were granted conditional residence through entrepreneurship.
HOW TO RENEW YOUR GREEN CARD OUTSIDE OF THE UNITED STATES
It is best to return to the United States and renew your green card before its expiration date, if possible. If your green card expired and you are not in the U.S., USCIS recommends contacting the nearest U.S. Consulate, USCIS office, or U.S. port of entry before filing a Form I-90 to renew your card.
POTENTIAL CONSEQUENCES
The recent executive order temporarily affected green card holders. While that particular provision of the order is under review because it may have been illegal, you do not want to further complicate any potential immigration issues by having an expired green card. We encourage you to keep your immigration documents valid and current to avoid potential problems.
An expired green card could affect your ability to re-enter the United States, prove your work authorization, or renew your driver’s license.
There are many situations in which you will be required to present proof of your legal permanent residence and authorization to work in the United States, and your green card may be the only accepted document in order to provide that proof. Protect yourself and avoid any hassles by renewing your green card before it expires.
Renew expired green card, apply for naturalization, or check your eligibility with Road to Status today. Find out more about the general Green Card process here.
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