Green Card Renewals

Individuals who are green card holders are correspondent to those with Permanent Resident Cards living in the US. It is a very important document to all residents who are permanently living in the US. The importance of renewing it is similarly essential for those with expiring or expired residence cards.

Application/Renewal Process

The renewal of green card can be filed 180 days before the stipulated expiration date which is stated in front of every green card. The application form for a green card renewal is commonly known as the Form I-90 which can be downloaded online. Thus, the application for renewal may be processed electronically. However, it could also be executed via the traditional process, by acquiring an application form through the corresponding agency. Applicants may renew their residence cards through personal applications besides the electronic process.

Generally, every green card is valid for 10 years. In cases that the said card is lost or damaged, the same application I-90 form for renewals would be needed. Any individual that lost or damaged their green card fills out the same I-90 form and should immediately report the incident to concern authorities the earliest possible time.

The renewal process usually takes between 6 and 12 months, dependent on specific circumstances. An individual is granted with a temporary documentation, stating his permanent residency while waiting for the renewal of his green card. This documentation serves as a temporary evidence of the person's status, which is normally valid for a year.

Expired Green Card

An individual eighteen years and above with expired green card must at all times posses or carry with him either a certificate or receipt card of alien registration. This is in compliance with the provisions stated on Section 264 of the Immigration and Nationality Act. An individual who fails to renew his green card may be subject to crime or a misdemeanor act against the US government. Thus, the application for green card renewal is urgent and necessary in order to avoid offenses.

Further Considerations to Keep in Mind

Change of Status: An individual who is to become married may change his/her green card status. This is done with the same renewal process through Form I-90. A green card holder who wishes to change his/her status must fill out the said form and submit a marriage certificate as his/her supporting document.

Travel Documents: Permanent residents may stay outside the US territories, traveling to other countries. However, there are certain limitations for green card holders to stay or travel outside the country. Travel documents like Reentry Permit or application for extended travel may also be necessary.

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. Check out Green Card Maintenance for more information!