Green Card Renewal

Exactly What You Need Know About Green Card Renewal

A permanent residency in the United States is equal to a green card. This is an important documentation to every permanent resident in the USA. The renewal of green card is also essential and mandatory to individuals with expired green cards.

What Happens During the Renewal Process?

The renewal process of a green card is usually carried out 180 days prior to the expiration which is usually stipulated in front of the card. The form for the renewal application known as the Form I-90 is downloadable online or can be acquired through the corresponding agency. Hence, a green card renewal may be processed by e-mail or through a personal transaction within the respective office. Applicants are mandated to renew their residence cards whether via the traditional application or electronically.

In general, every green card has validity of 10 years. In the event that a card is misplaced, lost, or destroyed, the application form I-90 for card renewal is similarly necessary. Any individual with lost, misplaced, or destroyed green card must fill out the Form I-90 immediately, reporting the said incident to authorities as early as possible.

The usual renewal process takes about 6 to 12 months, depending on particular circumstances. During the process of renewal of green cards, individuals are given temporary documentation in regards with their permanent residency. The said documentation acts as temporary papers on the person’s US residency status that normally is valid for 1 year.

What Happens with an Expired Green Card?

Individuals 18 years old and above with an expired green card shall carry or possess a certificate of alien registration. The failure to renew a green card is subject to the corresponding prerequisite of the Immigration and Nationality Act, specifically the Section 264 of the state policy. A person with an expired green card may also carry with him a receipt card or certificate of alien registration (at all times). Failure to comply with the said provision shall be charged with misdemeanor. Therefore, green card renewal is highly necessary as early as possible, avoiding any crime or offense against the US government.

Other Factors to Consider

Changing of Status - Changing of an individual’s status may also require proper renewal processes. This is important for individuals who recently got married. Changing or updating the status on green cards also requires the use of I-90 form. The said application form should be filled out and submitted with important supporting documents like a marriage certificate.

Travel Documents: A green card holder may stay or travel outside the US. However, there are definite limitations for every permanent resident to travel or stay outside the country, most especially with an expired or expiring green card. Travel documents may be necessary such as applying for travel extension or Reentry Permit.

In a nutshell, there are policies, regulations, and documentation surrounding the use, validity and renewal of green cards. All of these are equally necessary for every green card holder, complying with the state laws while preventing any act of a misdemeanor or crime against the state. Thus, all green card holders must abide by all policies and laws related to the application of green card renewal. Look at Green Card Maintenance for more info!